A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside the eye, which is normally clear. The lens contributes to focussing light accurately in the eye. Cataracts result in diminished visual performance, especially in low light, at night, or when reading small print. Cataracts usually progress slowly, but when advanced can lead to blindness.

Cataracts are commonly associated with the process of ageing, but can result from certain medical conditions, such as diabetes mellitus and previous ocular injury. Occasionally cataracts can be present at birth.

It is possible to reverse visual impairment caused by cataracts with cataract surgery. Cataract surgery has evolved into a highly refined procedure, in which the cataract is removed and an artificial lens inserted. To optimise the visual result, an appropriate lens must be selected for each individual patient.

Cataract surgery is typically undertaken when visual impairment interferes with the daily life of the patient. It is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, together with a mild sedative, and the patient is able to go home shortly after surgery.

The Ophthalmologists at Sunshine Eye Clinic are highly experienced in cataract surgery, using the latest surgical techniques. They ensure each patient receives the most appropriate lens implant, taking into account their lifestyle and the characteristics of their eye.

A Clear Lensectomy, or Clear Lens Extraction, is surgery performed as a vision correction procedure. The natural lens is removed at surgery and replaced with an artificial lens specifically chosen to provide the patient with clear focusing ability to correct farsightedness or nearsightedness.

The surgery involves the removal of the clear lens of your eye, even though it is not a cataract, the surgery is the same as a cataract operation.

Glaucoma is a generic term used to describe a group of conditions causing permanent damage to the optic nerve. The optic nerve conveys visual information from the eye to the brain. There are many different types of glaucoma.

Visual impairment caused by glaucoma is usually gradual, and a considerable amount of peripheral vision may be lost before the impairment becomes apparent. Consequently, many people with glaucoma are unaware that they have the disease until it becomes advanced.

The risk factors for glaucoma include previous eye injuries, inflammatory eye disease, some medications (such as steroids), and some medical conditions (such as diabetes mellitus). The risk of glaucoma increases with age, but can occur at any age. Glaucoma can also occur in families.

Damage to the optic nerve is permanent, so early detection and management of glaucoma is important. Examination of potential glaucoma sufferers includes measuring eye pressure, assessing the appearance of the optic nerve, assessing the drainage angle of the eye, and measuring the peripheral visual field.

With treatment, it is typically possible to arrest the progression of glaucoma. However, glaucoma is a lifelong condition requiring regular monitoring and management. Eye drops are the most common treatment, with some cases requiring laser treatment and surgery.

Sunshine Eye Clinic provides a comprehensive service for the detection, monitoring and management of glaucoma, with advanced methods of assessing suspected sufferers, including corneal thickness measurement, optic nerve analysis and visual field testing. The Ophthalmologists at Sunshine Eye Clinic have extensive expertise in the medical, surgical and laser treatment of glaucoma.

The macula is the central part of the retina, which is the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The macula is responsible for seeing objects in detail. Age Related Macular Degeneration, or ARMD, causes progressive loss of central vision, while peripheral vision is preserved.

There are two types of ARMD: dry and wet. Dry ARMD is more common, and causes gradual deterioration in central vision, typically over many years. Dry ARMD is characterised by collections of yellow deposits, called drusen, in the macula.

Wet ARMD occurs less frequently, and is associated with more severe and rapid visual loss. It is characterised by the presence of abnormal blood vessels in the macula, which leak and cause progressive scarring.

ARMD cannot be cured, but treatment is available, and there have been recent advancements in the management of the disease. Early detection and monitoring is important.

Sunshine Eye Clinic has technologically advanced methods for detecting and monitoring ARMD, including digital fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography.

Treatment of ARMD is available at Sunshine Eye Clinic including Lucentis and Avastin injections.

All pilots require a medical examination prior to gaining a licence and regular examinations thereafter to retain their licence. The exact requirements vary with age and licence.

The Medical Examination is conducted by Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs) who have been authorised by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to conduct medical examinations required by Airservices Australia. The medical standards for the ARFF have been determined in conjunction with CASA Directorate of Aviation Medicine. The medical examinations determine the applicant’s suitability for ARFF duties and eligibility for membership of the Authority's Superannuation Scheme.

Dr Daniel Black is a CASA approved ophthalmologist who is able to conduct the examination required for the Class 1 medical which is required for commercial purposes.

Please book your appointment as early as possible are the clinics are frequently booked out for 2-3 weeks.

For further information on aviation medicals see: www.casa.gov.au

Diabetes mellitus affects approximately four per cent of the population in Australia. It is associated with an increased risk of glaucoma and cataract formation, and fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause changes in the ability of the eye to focus.

Diabetes can cause also changes in the retina, which is the light sensitive area at the back of the eye. Diabetes can damage the retinal blood vessels, which then become leaky and weak. This process is called diabetic retinopathy.

The majority of people with diabetes will develop some changes in their eyes within 15 years of diagnosis.

The risk of diabetic retinopathy increases with poor control of blood sugar levels, and the length of time the patient has suffered from diabetes. Other risk factors include hypertension, high cholesterol and cigarette smoking.

People with diabetes should undergo regular screening for diabetic retinopathy, as early detection and treatment are essential to prevent its progression.

Laser treatment of damaged retina is usually very effective, however in more advanced cases surgery may be required.

Sunshine Eye Clinic has comprehensive facilities for screening, monitoring and treating diabetic retinopathy, including digital photography and retinal imaging, fluorescein angiography, and advanced laser treatment.

The Low Vision Clinic is available to patients of the Sunshine Eye Clinic as a free service.

People who have poor vision or visual field loss can benefit from an assessment by our Orthoptist who specialises in this area. Common reasons for low vision are: macular degeneration, diabetes and glaucoma. The visual loss associated with these conditions means it is not possible to correct the vision loss with stronger spectacles.

An appointment may be made with the Orthoptist whose principle aim it is to provide education and assistance to the patient. The purpose of the appointment is :

Neuro-ophthalmology is the specialty that is concerned with visual symptoms resulting from brain diseases. The visual symptoms can be divided into visual loss, or problems with eye movements. Visual loss may result from problems within the optic nerve or its connections to the visual portions of the brain. The eye is like a camera, and images are focused on the retina. The optic nerve is the cable that takes these images to the brain. There are several parts of the brain that are involved with precise control of eye movements. Difficulty within these regions often produces misalignment of the eyes with resultant double vision. Any of several processes may affect the optic nerve or its connections, including strokes, inflammation, multiple sclerosis or tumours.

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is a disease primarily of young females. For reasons that are not understood, obesity appears to play a role in the disease. PTC results in elevated pressure inside the head (elevated intracranial pressure). This pressure typically produces headaches and swelling of the optic nerve heads. The swelling of the optic nerve heads may result in visual loss, and this is the most feared complication of the disease. The disease is diagnosed by excluding other causes of elevated pressure within the head through imaging (CAT/CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging) and lumbar puncture (spinal tap). Treatment begins with weight loss when appropriate, and may also include diuretics or surgery if medical means fail.

Optic neuritis refers to inflammation of the optic nerve. Optic neuritis typically produces blurred vision in one eye with pain or discomfort around the eye. The visual blur progresses over the first week, then stabilises for several weeks before spontaneous improvement in most cases. Most patients regain vision of 6/12 (within three lines of 6/6 vision) by six months. The exam can help localise the blur to the optic nerve. Optic neuritis may occur without other disease, or can be associated with systemic diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Evaluation often includes an MRI scan to rule out other causes of optic nerve dysfunction, and to look for other evidence of MS. Treatment may include steroids (intravenous steroids followed by oral prednisone), which increases the rate of recovery of vision.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease affecting the brain or spinal cord. MS often affects younger patients with an average age at onset of 34 years. The most common form is characterised by exacerbations of inflammation affecting the nervous system followed by improvement. Although the disease may affect almost any portion of the brain or spinal cord, several symptoms occur more often than others. Visual loss due to optic neuritis and double vision are very common in MS patients. Exacerbations are often treated with steroids, while prophylactic medications are used to decrease the chances of future exacerbations. These protective medications include Avonex, Betaferon, Copaxone and Rebif.

If you are visiting an Ophthalmologist for a neurological complaint it is wise to bring along any MRI's or CT scans you have had done recently.

Your examination will be tailored to your specific complaint but is likely to include a visual field evaluation, examination of the structures of the eye itself, evaluation of your visual function, and inspection of your retina and optic nerve.

A Pterygium is an elevated, wedge-shaped growth that extends from the white of the eye onto the cornea. The cornea is the clear window in front of the iris, or coloured part of the eye.

Pterygia can cause a number of problems, beginning with redness and irritation of the eye. A pterygium growing across the cornea can cause distortion, resulting in impaired vision. In advanced cases, a pterygium can cover the pupil, causing visual loss.

Lubricating eye drops may help with redness and irritation, however pterygium surgery may be required if vision is threatened.

Pterygium surgery is usually performed under a local anaesthetic, together with a mild sedative, and the patient able to go home shortly after surgery. Following surgery, the surface of the eye will be very sensitive, so it is imperative that the patient rests and uses anti-inflammatory eye drops for a period of eight weeks.

The Ophthalmologists at Sunshine Eye Clinic are highly experienced in pterygium surgery, using the latest surgical techniques. With these techniques, the chances of a recurrence of pterygia are less than five per cent.