generic blog imagery for 'Common Eye Conditions Explained'

Common Eye Conditions Explained

Post on 15th September 2025

Our eyes are the window to our health, and understanding common eye conditions is essential for maintaining optimal vision throughout your life.

At Scrivens, with over 85 years of experience as a leading eye care specialist in the UK, we regularly help customers understand and manage a range of common eye conditions in the UK that can affect people of all ages.

From the most common eye conditions that can be easily corrected with glasses or contact lenses to more serious problems requiring medical intervention, knowledge is power when it comes to your eye health. That’s why early detection through regular eye tests is key to managing common eye conditions effectively. Eye tests can often detect issues before symptoms arise, allowing for timely and effective treatment and preventing further vision loss.

Understanding Common Vision Problems

 

Short-sightedness and long-sightedness

For clear vision, light must pass through the cornea and lens at the front of your eye and meet at a precise point on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye.

Long-sightedness (Hyperopia) occurs when the eye is too short, causing light to focus behind the retina. This means your eye has to work harder to focus, particularly for close-up tasks like reading or using your smartphone. You may find that you can see distant objects clearly but struggle with near vision.

Short-sightedness (Myopia) happens when the eye is too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina. This means you struggle to see things further away, such as television screens, road signs, or whiteboards in classrooms. Today, we’re seeing increased rates of myopia, especially in children, which many health professionals believe is linked to higher screen time and reduced outdoor activity.

 

Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when your eye is more curved in one direction than the other, similar to the shape of a rugby ball rather than a perfectly round football. This irregular shape means light rays focus in more than one place on the retina, causing vision to appear distorted.

Astigmatism can occur alongside both long-sightedness and short-sightedness, but the good news is that all these common eye conditions can be easily and effectively treated with glasses or contact lenses.

Common Eye Conditions in Children

 

Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

Amblyopia, more commonly known as lazy eye or squint, can be hereditary and affects the way the eyes work together. Symptoms to watch for include an eye wandering inward, outward, upward, or downward, head tilting, or a child frequently closing or shutting one eye.

The critical period of eye development occurs before the age of eight, which is why early detection and treatment are crucial. The sooner vision correction is provided, the better the outcome for your child’s long-term vision health.

 

Colour Vision Deficiency

Colour vision deficiency affects 1 in 12 males and 1 in 200 females. While this condition doesn’t usually impact daily life, it’s important to identify during eye tests so that reasonable adjustments can be made, when necessary, particularly in education or work. Colour vision tests are carried out as part of a child’s first eye exam to help identify any issues early.

Age-Related Eye Conditions

 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects your central field of vision. Your macula, located at the back of your eye, is responsible for seeing fine detail. When damaged, vision becomes blurred, especially in the central area of your sight.

Certain groups are at higher risk of developing AMD, including older people (with risk increasing to 30% in those over 75), people from Caucasian backgrounds, those with a family history of the condition, and women who may be at greater risk than men. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity can also increase your risk.

There are two types of AMD:

  • Dry AMD occurs when light-sensitive cells in the macula break down gradually. Vision can remain reasonable for extended periods, but details like faces and text become increasingly difficult to recognise.
  • Wet AMD is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing under the macula. These vessels leak fluid, causing rapid damage. Early symptoms include straight lines appearing wavy and blurred spots affecting central vision.

 

Cataracts

A cataract is clouding within your eye’s natural lens, which distorts light and makes clear vision difficult. This progressive, painless condition usually develops in both eyes and can cause reduced vision or, in severe cases, blindness.

While most people who reach old age will develop cataracts, certain groups are at higher risk, including those over 65 (with one in three affected), people with a family history of cataracts, and those who have experienced eye trauma. Some children are born with cataracts, this is known as congenital cataract.

Symptoms may include blurred vision, loss of colour perception, difficulty reading, poor night vision, frequent prescription changes, or double vision. When cataracts begin to affect your vision, your Optometrist can refer you for treatment.

 

Floaters

Floaters are small specks, spots or thread-like shapes that you see drifting across your field of vision. They’re particularly noticeable when looking at light backgrounds like a bright sky or white wall. While floaters can be concerning when you first notice them, they’re incredibly common and usually completely harmless.

Floaters become more frequent as we age because the gel-like substance inside your eye (called the vitreous) naturally changes consistency over time. Small clumps or strands form within this gel, casting shadows on your retina that appear as floaters.

Most people learn to ignore their floaters, and they often become less noticeable over time. However, it’s important to be aware of when floaters might signal something more serious. You should seek immediate attention from your optician if you experience:

  • New floaters
  • A sudden significant increase in the number of floaters
  • Flashes of light accompanying the floaters
  • A shadow or curtain appearing in your peripheral vision
  • Any sudden changes in your vision

 

These symptoms could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which requires urgent treatment to prevent vision loss.

 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can be managed when caught early. There are several different types of Glaucoma.

Some risk factors include family history, age (5% of people over 65 develop glaucoma), Afro-Caribbean heritage and being very short-sighted or long-sighted.

There are two main types:

  • Chronic Glaucoma is more common and often develops without noticeable symptoms, making regular eye tests crucial. Vision may worsen gradually, potentially leading to tunnel vision
  • Acute Glaucoma occurs suddenly when fluid drainage is completely blocked. This painful condition may cause nausea and vomiting and requires immediate medical attention

 

Other Important Eye Conditions

 

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is a common condition where the eyelids become sore and inflamed, usually caused by bacteria along the lash line. Though persistent, it isn’t serious and won’t cause lasting damage.

People with dry skin, asthma, or allergies may be more susceptible. Symptoms include gritty or sore eyes and irritation on waking. Your Optometrist may recommend specific products to manage it.

 

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition is caused by high blood sugar damaging the retina’s blood vessels. Around 45% of diabetics develop some degree of retinopathy. It presents no symptoms early on, so anyone with diabetes should attend free eye checks and screenings.

 

Retinal Detachment

A detached or torn retina is a serious but relatively rare condition requiring emergency treatment. Risk factors include family history, severe short-sightedness, and eye trauma.

Warning signs include increased floaters, flashing lights, partial or complete vision loss (like a curtain falling), and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your optician or doctor immediately, or visit A&E if they’re unavailable.

 

The Importance of Regular Eye Tests

Many common eye conditions develop gradually without obvious symptoms, making regular eye tests essential for early detection. At Scrivens, our experienced Optometrists can identify issues before they significantly affect your vision and quality of life.

Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply want to maintain healthy vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your local Scrivens branch, or eye conditions page for expert advice and support.

If you found this guide helpful, you may also be interested in learning why regular eye tests for children are crucial.