Eye conditions cover a wide range of problems, from refractive errors corrected with glasses or laser to serious diseases of the retina and optic nerve. Below they are grouped by area of the eye, with a link to a detailed guide for each condition and treatment.
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Refractive errors
Focusing problems that cause blurred vision and are corrected with glasses, contact lenses or surgery.
- Myopia (short-sightedness): blurred distance vision, often starting at school age.
- Hyperopia (long-sightedness): difficulty focusing mainly up close, with eye strain and headaches.
- Astigmatism: distorted or blurred vision at all distances due to uneven curvature.
- Presbyopia: the natural difficulty with reading up close after the age of 40.
- Keratoconus: progressive thinning and distortion of the cornea at a young age.
- Laser eye surgery: LASIK, PRK and TransPRK techniques for freedom from glasses.
Lens and cataract
The natural lens becomes cloudy with age. Modern surgery replaces it with an intraocular lens that can also correct your prescription.
- Cataract: clouding of the natural lens, treated with surgery.
- Presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses: multifocal lenses for vision at multiple distances after the lens is removed.
Retina and macula
Conditions of the back of the eye, which often require specialised tests and monitoring.
- Macular degeneration: the most common cause of central vision loss after the age of 60.
- Intravitreal injections: treatment for wet macular degeneration and macular oedema.
- Diabetic retinopathy: damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes.
- Diabetic maculopathy: swelling of the macula that blurs central vision.
- Central serous retinopathy: fluid collecting under the macula, often in younger adults.
- Retinal vein occlusion: sudden blurred vision from a blocked retinal blood vessel.
- Retinal macroaneurysms: dilations of the retinal arteries, often associated with high blood pressure.
- Retinal detachment: an emergency with flashes, floaters and a shadow in your vision.
- Eye floaters: when they are harmless and when they need urgent examination.
- Uveitis and eye inflammation: inflammation inside the eye with pain, redness or blurred vision.
- Posterior vitreous detachment: sudden floaters and flashes that require a dilated fundus examination to rule out a retinal tear.
- Epiretinal membrane: a thin membrane on the macula that distorts central vision.
- Macular hole: an opening in the centre of the retina, treated with surgery.
Glaucoma
A chronic condition that requires lifelong monitoring of eye pressure, the optic nerve and the visual fields.
- Glaucoma: damage to the optic nerve, usually without symptoms until the advanced stages.
Eyelids and the eye surface
Common and bothersome problems, usually managed with simple measures and appropriate treatment.
- Blepharitis: chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin with burning and crusting.
- Chalazion: a firm, painless lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked gland.
- Stye: a painful infection of a gland on the edge of the eyelid.
- Dry eye: dryness, stinging and fatigue from a disturbance of the tear film.
- Conjunctivitis: a red eye caused by infection or allergy.
- Pterygium: tissue that grows from the conjunctiva onto the cornea.
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea with pain and sensitivity to light, often linked to contact lenses.
- Subconjunctival haemorrhage: a red patch from a burst blood vessel, painless and usually harmless.
- Pinguecula: a yellowish bump on the white of the eye caused by sun exposure.
- Blocked tear duct: constant watering of the eye in babies and adults.
- Ptosis (drooping eyelid): a drooping upper eyelid that limits the field of vision.
- Entropion and ectropion: an eyelid that turns inwards or outwards.
- Blepharospasm: involuntary squeezing of the eyelids, controlled with botulinum toxin.
Children
Vision develops in the first years of life, which is why early examination is especially important.
- Paediatric ophthalmology: eye examination and treatment from infancy.
- Strabismus (squint): misalignment of the eyes, often associated with amblyopia.
- Amblyopia (lazy eye): reduced vision in one eye, which can be treated when diagnosed early.
Cosmetic procedures
- Blepharoplasty: correction of loose eyelid skin and eye bags.
- Cosmetic eye treatments: Botox and IPL for the area around the eyes.
- Xanthelasma: yellow cholesterol plaques on the eyelids and methods of removal.
For an examination and personalised treatment at the practice in Neo Psychiko, Athens, book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Eye Conditions
Which eye conditions cause no symptoms at first?
Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and the early stages of macular degeneration can progress without any discomfort. They are only detected with a full dilated eye examination. That is why regular check-ups are recommended even when your vision seems good, especially after the age of 40.
Red eye: when is it an emergency?
A red eye with itching or mild discharge is usually due to conjunctivitis or dry eye. It is urgent when it comes with severe pain, reduced vision, sensitivity to light or nausea, or when it follows an injury or contact lens wear. In these cases, see an ophthalmologist the same day.
Do I need a referral to be seen at the practice?
You do not need a referral to visit a private ophthalmology practice. Simply book an appointment and bring your glasses, a list of the medicines you take and any previous eye tests or medical reports you have. This makes the assessment more thorough and avoids unnecessary repeat tests.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Vasileios Skouteris MD, FEBO