Skip to content. Skip to navigation.
You are here: Home / News and Events / Publications / Annual Reports / Annual Report 2006-2007 / Common eye conditions

Common eye conditions



Page 75

Total Blindness

Very few blind people "see" blackness; some describe it as greymist.

Macular Degeneration

Manipulated photo showing how someone with macular degeneration might see a dog. There is a large black smudge in the centre of the image.

Loss of central vision which makes reading, recognising faces and close work difficult. This is the most common eye condition among our members and is generally associated with ageing.

Glaucoma

Manipulated photo showing how someone with glaucoma might see a dog. There are black smudges around the outside of the image.

Tunnel vision (no peripheral vision), reduced night vision and blurring of central vision in advanced cases. Often called the "sneak thief of sight" because many people don't realise they have it until they have lost some vision. If detected early enough, vision loss from Glaucoma can be prevented.

Cataracts

Manipulated photo showing how someone with cataracts might see a dog. The whole image is out of focus.

Blurred vision and sensitivity to glare. An operation can often restore vision.

Retinitis Pigmentosa

Manipulated photo showing how someone with retinitis pigmentosa might see a dog. Only the central part of the image is visible, the edges are black.

Tunnel vision (no peripheral vision) and night blindness.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Manipulated photo showing how someone with diabetic retinopathy might see a dog. There are black spots spread over the whole image.

Reduced vision, sensitivity to glare, decreased night vision and total blindness if untreated. This is a common cause of preventable blindness amongst Māori, Pacific Island and Asian people.

Any change in your vision should be checked. Talk to your GP, Optometrist or Ophthalmologist today!

Return to the Contents Page