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Sydney: 02 9247 9972
St Leonards: 02 9439 9649
Fairfield Eye Surgery: 02 97265777

FAQs

What is a cataract?
A cataract is a condition which causes clouding of the lens in the eye, resulting in blurry vision.

What are the treatment options for cataract?
Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts and is recommended based on the severity of the disease and the impact it will have on the daily activities of the patient.

What happens during a retinal detachment?
In retinal detachment, the retina gets separated from the underlying choroid (layer of blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the retina), and leaves the retinal cells deprived of oxygen.

Who is at risk for retinal detachment?
Certain risk factors, such as aging, severe nearsightedness, an eye injury, cataract surgery and family history, can increase the chances of retinal detachment.

What are flashes and floaters?
Floaters are movable spots that can appear in your field of vision. Eye floaters may look like black or grey particles that move along with eye movement. Flashes are perception of brief arcs or flashes of light that you may experience even in a dark room where no light is actually flashing.

How can I prevent dry eyes?
Some of the basic instructions to reduce symptoms of dry eyes include:

  • Blink frequently
  • Maintain adequate humidity in the air at home or workplace
  • Wear sunglasses to prevent direct exposure to sun and dry wind
  • Take nutritional supplements rich in essential fatty acids
  • Drink plenty of water daily

What is macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a condition of the eye where the macula deteriorates. The macula is the central portion of the retina responsible for central vision, which helps in focusing, and viewing details and colours. This central vision helps us read, recognize faces and drive. Degeneration of the macula makes these daily activities difficult.

What are the symptoms of macular degeneration?
Symptoms of macular degeneration can include:

  • Blurred or reduced close-up and distance vision
  • Scotomas (blind spots)
  • Metamorphopsia (straight lines seem bent or irregular)
  • Micropsia (colour, size and shape of objects differ in each eye)

How will my doctor diagnose macular degeneration?
A general eye check-up is recommended every two years for people over 45 years of age. Your doctor will diagnose diabetic retinopathy using the following methods:

  • Dilated eye exam involves the use of drops placed in your eye to dilate your pupils (the black of your eye). This will help your doctor examine the macular region using magnifying and illuminating devices.
  • Amsler grid is a criss-cross of horizontal and vertical lines. If you view the straight lines as wavy or missing, you may be diagnosed with macular degeneration.
  • Fluorescein angiography may be performed, in which a special dye is injected into your arm and images of the blood vessels are taken as the dye circulates into the eye.
  • Optical coherence tomography takes sectional images of the retina.

What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a painless inflammation characterized by a lump or nodule formed on the upper or lower eyelid.

What are the risk factors for developing a chalazion?
Certain factors increase the risk of developing a chalazion. These may include

  • Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids or eye lashes)
  • Acne rosacea (redness due to blockage of blood vessels on the face)
  • Seborrhoea (overactive sebaceous glands causing oily skin)
  • Tuberculosis
  • Viral infection

What should I bring when I come for an appointment?
When you come for your appointment, please remember to bring the following

  • Driver’s License or a valid ID
  • Insurance information
  • Referral Letter (if required)
  • Reports, X-rays, MRI’s, CT scans etc. and any other relevant information
  • List of medications (if any)

How do I cancel an appointment?
To cancel an appointment, telephone the office during business hours and allow at least 1 days’ notice so that we can offer your appointment time to patients on our waiting list.

How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by calling us directly during our working hours. You can also click here to book an appointment online.

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