A cataract is a term for when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy. In its most advanced form, the pupil appears white and is the major cause of correctable blindness in the world.

Diabetes can affect the eye in several ways. It can damage your sight by causing cataract (please see the document on cataracts and cataract surgery), but also more importantly, by causing diabetic retinopathy.

Glaucoma is a common eye condition (or group of conditions) that can lead to blindness – in fact glaucoma is the second most common cause of blindness in New Zealand and around the world.

There are two kinds of growths over the eye: a pterygium and a pinguecula. Both are benign growths over the cornea and the conjunctiva and are fairly common.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of visual loss in over 60 year olds. It affects only central vision so there are difficulties with reading, driving and other fine, detailed visual activities.

A wide range of accidents can cause eye trauma. Many cases of eye trauma run a high risk of losing your vision. So being seen by a specialist immediately is essential.

The vitreous is the gel that fills the eye. Lining the inside wall of the eye behind the vitreous, is a light sensitive layer called the retina.

The medical name for squint is strabismus. It is a condition where the eyes do not look in the same direction. Most squints occur in young children.