Common Eye Conditions
an Optometrist Can Help You Manage
When it comes to your eye health, regular check-ups can make all the difference. At Reel Optics, we don’t just sell glasses. We help you protect your vision with professional care, the latest technology, and traditional service. Here are some of the most common eye conditions we manage every day and how we can help you stay on top of them.
Dry Eye Syndrome
If your eyes often water (yes excessive water!), are red, feel gritty, itchy, burning or tired, especially after a long day, you might be experiencing dry eye. Mild dry eye is common nowadays as most people engage in environments in front of screens and/or in air conditioning or in front of screens. Patients who experience moderate to severe dry eye should be managed by an optometrist as these symptoms severely affect daily life.
How we help: We do a lifestyle and tear quality assessment and can best recommend a management plan that includes any of the follow: lubricating eye drops, prescription eye drops, warm compress & lid massage treatments, dietary recommendations, or lifestyle adjustments that provide lasting relief. We also can organise specialist referral in severe cases.
Digital Eye Strain
Blurred vision, dry eye, sore neck, and headaches after screen time are signs of digital eye strain. This condition is becoming more common as screen use increases across all age groups.
How we help: Binocular vision testing (includes focussing posture), prescription analysis as well as a variety of lens coatings and filters can improve your visual comfort. Common options nowadays include blue-light spectrum filtering or focussing posture support that that can significantly reduce discomfort.
Myopia (Short-sightedness) and Hyperopia (Long-sightedness)
If you’re squinting at signs, getting frontal tension after focussing for long periods, or holding your phone farther away than usual, you could have myopia or hyperopia. These are among the most common reasons people visit an optometrist.
How we help: After a full eye test, we’ll prescribe glasses or contact lenses that bring things back into focus and relax your focussing system. Thanks to our on-site lab, many patients can leave with new glasses on the same day.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a condition that causes blurry or distorted vision due to a non-spherical cornea. Many people may not realise but common symptoms include: eye rubbing habits or itchy eyes, difficulty focussing in dim lighting, glare, halos or star/streaking of lights especially with night driving. Squinting and confusing fine letters particularly with fine or round letters like (Cs, Os, Ds).
How we help: Our thorough eye exams can identify astigmatism, and we’ll design lenses that give you clear, comfortable vision.
Presbyopia (Age-Related Focusing Difficulty – usually from age 40)
If reading menus or your phone is getting harder, or you find you need to take your distance glasses off to read - you may have presbyopia. This condition is caused by a loss of flexibility of the eye’s lens over time and affects most people from their early 40s onward.
How we help: Reading glasses or multifocals can make a big difference. We’ll help you choose a stylish option that suits your lifestyle.
Glaucoma
Known as the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma damages the optic nerve, often without symptoms in the early stages. If left untreated it can lead to permanent vision loss and tunnel vision in advanced stage.
How we help: Regular eye exams are crucial. We use the latest VR technology to detect signs of glaucoma and refer patients for specialist care when necessary.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration affects the central part of your vision and is a leading cause of vision loss in Australians over 50. It can make reading and recognising faces more difficult.
How we help: Early detection is key. We offer testing, lifestyle advice, and referrals to specialists to help manage the condition before it progresses. We also offer a specialised lens to protect and maintain macula health for at risk-individuals.
Cataracts
Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s lens, making your vision look foggy or dim. They usually develop slowly and can go unnoticed at first. Signs such as increased glare at night and reduced colour perception over time can be a sign of progression.
How we help: We track the progress of cataracts and refer you for surgery if needed. After surgery, we can help you get the right eyewear for your new vision needs.
