The macula is a small area found in the centre of the retina. Its role is vital, providing fine detail to all central vision during important activities such as reading, writing and driving. As with the rest of the body, with time, the eye ages. When the retina and macula age, degenerative diseases can develop....

A macular hole is the formation of a gap around the centre of the macula. Because the macula is responsible for your central vision, this condition can cause vision to blur and distort. A blind spot or blank patch may also appear in your central vision. The condition needs to be monitored for progression and...

A retinal detachment occurs when the retina is pulled away from the inside wall of the eye. Left untreated, a retinal detachment will cause permanent and severe loss of vision. Risk factors for retinal detachment? Short sightedness (myopia) Previous cataract surgery Severe eye injury or trauma Previous retinal detachment in your other eye Family history...

Epiretinal membrane can also be called macular pucker, pre-retinal membrane, cellophane maculopathy, surface wrinkling retinopathy and pre-macular fibrosis. An epiretinal membrane results from a build up of scar tissue on the surface of the macula. As this membrane thickens, it causes the macula to become swollen and wrinkled resulting in blurred vision and distortion of...

Diabetic retinopathy occurs when the tiny blood vessels nourishing the retina (the light-sensitive tissue inside the eye) are damaged. These vessels can then bleed and leak fluid causing the retina to swell. As with macular degeneration and vein occlusions, swelling of the retina damages the function of the vision cells thus causing vision to deteriorate....

Retinal vein occlusion is a common condition where a vein of the retina becomes blocked. It can lead to swelling of the retina which can reduce/blur your vision. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness. There are two forms of vein occlusion depending upon the location of the blockage. Central Retinal Vein Occlusion...

Floaters are dark spots, circles, cobwebs or strings that drift around in the field of vision. Flashes refer to lights or bright shapes seen in the field of vision. Floaters are dark spots, circles, cobwebs or strings that drift around in the field of vision. Some people even describe them as a small insect floating...