Eye Conditions
Pacific Eye Clinic provides a range of treatments to deal with all eye conditions and diseases. Based in Southport, our clinic is led by Dr. Marc Wei, an experienced ophthalmologist. We have facilities to conduct laser eye treatments, day surgery, comprehensive examinations and more.
If you suspect you have any of the conditions listed below
Do not hesitate to book an appointment at Pacific Eye Clinic in Southport. We serve clients from all over the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.
Strabismus Muscle Disorder
This disorder often causes the eyes to point in different directions and is especially common in young children. Pacific Eye Clinic provides vision therapy, eye muscle surgery, eyeglasses, and prism glasses to correct strabismus before it becomes a bigger issue.
If caught early, the condition can usually be rectified, with vision returning to normal.
Lacrimal Sac Infections
Also known as Dacryocystitis, this refers to an infection of the tear duct or lacrimal sac and is known to cause pain, swelling and a gooey discharge. You may also notice a fever accompanied by a constantly watering eye.
Whether your condition is acute or chronic, we provide diagnostic examinations and treatment, usually in the form of eye drops and antibiotics.
Eyelid Tumour
Because eyelids are exposed to sunlight and other environmental factors, they are susceptible to cancer like any other part of the body. Tumours, both benign and malignant, are known to occur on the eyelid, with several common types being nevus, papilloma, cysts, basal cell carcinoma and sebaceous gland carcinoma.
Often, as these tumours grow, they will affect your eyesight and do harm to the eye in general. If you suspect you are suffering from an eyelid tumour, we will examine the area, take a biopsy and provide treatment, including surgery if needed. The sooner an issue like this is seen to, the better.
Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage
Otherwise known as a blocked tear duct, Nasolacrimal Duct Blockages cause your eye to become water, irritated and sometimes infected. Most common in newborns, this issue is often correctable but should be seen to promptly if the following symptoms are shown:
- Excessive tearing/watering
- Blurry vision
- Discharge leaking from the eye
- Crusting of eyelids
- Pain & swelling of the eye
- Redness in the white part of the eye
Blocked tear ducts are very treatable. Pacific Eye Clinic will provide a comprehensive examination of your eye, tailoring a treatment plan to suit your needs.
Pterygium & corneal disease treatment
Pterygium is a benign growth of tissue over the cornea from the white of the eye (conjunctiva) which can lead to irritation and vision loss of not treated.
Treatment is the surgical removal of the pterygium followed by an autoconjunctival graft performed under anaesthesia in the operating theatre. Dr Wei has over 25 years experience in treating pterygia and has a recurrence rate of less 1%.
Keratoconus & UV crosslinking treatment
Keratoconus is a degenerative condition of the cornea usually starting in teenage years resulting in warpage of the cornea due to weak collagen fibers and causing progressively worse vision and distortion.
The condition is diagnosed with specialized topography machines and treatment has been simplified to an effective 10 minute exposure to concentrated UV light (UV crosslinking). Dr Wei has been performing this procedure for 15 years.
FAQs
1. How is Keratoconus treated?
Keratoconus is a condition where the cornea is not strong enough to hold its shape, causing corneal distortion and loss of vision. Corneal collagen cross-linking can slow down or stop the progression of Keratoconus by strengthening your cornea. This will prevent further corneal changes and means your vision will not deteriorate further due to Keratoconus. Most frequently you can still get a good level of vision with glasses or contact lenses after crosslinking.
If you have severe Keratoconus and crosslinking is not possible then a corneal transplant can be used to improve your vision. Just like with crosslinking you can normally achieve a good level of vision with glasses or contact lenses after a corneal transplant.
2. What causes Pterygium?
A pterygium occurs when the covering on the white part of the eye grows over the clear window at the front of the eye (the cornea). They occur more commonly in people from tropical regions who have had high UV exposure but also in people who are exposed to irritants like wind, pollen, sand, and smoke. The best way to prevent a Pterygium is a good pair of sunglasses.
3. What causes Nasolacrimal Duct Blockage?
The nasolacrimal duct carries tears from the puncta (small holes in the eyelid margins), through the nasolacrimal sac to drain into the nasal cavity. Nasolacrimal duct blockage is most common in newborns but it can also develop later in life. People may notice they get watery eyes frequently or have tears running down their face. The causes of this include age (very young or old patients can have a narrow nasolacrimal duct which is more prone to blockage), chronic eye inflammation, previous eye injury or surgery, long term medicated eye drop use and some cancer treatments.
4. Is an eyelid tumour painful?
Tumours are growths of excess tissue, which can either be benign (not spreading and slow growing) or malignant (spreading to other parts of the body and rapidly growing). It is rare for an eyelid tumour to cause any pain, but may depending on the type and size of tumour. If you notice a new growth around your eye area it’s essential to contact your eyecare practitioner.
5. Can I prevent lacrimal sac infections?
Lacrimal sac infection (dacryocystitis) is most frequently caused by Nasolacrimal duct blockage. The blockage allows bacteria to grow in the lacrimal sac and creates an inflamed bump under your eye next to your nose. The best way to avoid this type of infection is to respond quickly to any eye problems, particularly watery eyes. It’s also important to practice good hygiene, such as not sharing make-up or eye medication and practice scrupulous hand hygiene.
6. How can you correct Strabismus Eye Muscle Disorder?
Strabismus (also know as a crossed or lazy eye) is a condition where one of your eyes doesn’t look in the same direction as your other eye. When it develops from a young age it can decrease vision in the effected eye (amblyopia). If it develops in older age it can cause double vision (diplopia). Strabismus can be a sign of a stroke (particularly in older patients) so it’s important to see a doctor urgently if you have a recent onset of double vision. There are various ways to treat Strabismus including prisms to correct double vision, vision therapy (including eye muscle exercises), and eye muscle surgery.