Eye Conditions
Understanding Common Eye Conditions
Understanding common eye conditions can help you recognise early signs and know when to seek advice.
Below is a guide to some of the most common conditions, including symptoms to look out for and when to get checked.
Dry Eye
A common condition where the eyes become dry, irritated, or uncomfortable.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Gritty or itchy feeling
- Redness or watering
- Blurred vision
When to seek advice:
If symptoms persist or affect daily comfort.
Learn more on the NHS website →
If symptoms persist or affect daily comfort.
Learn more on the NHS website →
Conjunctivitis
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, often caused by infection or allergies.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Red or pink eyes
- Discharge or crusting
- Itching or irritation
When to seek advice:
If symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting vision comfort.
Learn more on the NHS website →
If symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting vision comfort.
Learn more on the NHS website →
Glaucoma
A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often linked to increased pressure in the eye.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Often no early symptoms
- Gradual loss of peripheral vision
- Blurred vision (later stages)
When to seek advice:
Regular eye tests are essential, especially if over 40 or with family history.
Learn more on the NHS website →
Regular eye tests are essential, especially if over 40 or with family history.
Learn more on the NHS website →
AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration)
A condition that affects the central part of vision, usually in people over 50.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Difficulty reading or recognising faces
- Dark or empty areas in vision
When to seek advice:
If you notice changes to your central vision.
Learn more on the NHS website →
If you notice changes to your central vision.
Learn more on the NHS website →
Cataracts
A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty seeing at night
When to seek advice:
If vision becomes cloudy or starts to impact daily activities.
Learn more on the NHS website →
If vision becomes cloudy or starts to impact daily activities.
Learn more on the NHS website →
Floaters
Small spots or shapes that drift across your field of vision.
Symptoms:
Symptoms:
- Gritty or itchy feeling
- Redness or watering
- Blurred vision
When to seek advice:
If floaters appear suddenly or are accompanied by flashes of light.
Learn more on the NHS website →
If floaters appear suddenly or are accompanied by flashes of light.
Learn more on the NHS website →
