​A regular eye check up is important not only for you to see as clearly as possible through a new pair of glasses but also for keeping a record of your eye health and general health. Atwell Optometrists uses high resolution digital retinal camera for retinal scan. These records allow comparisons to be made and any differences spotted over the years to help diagnose health problems such as: High blood pressure, High cholestrol, Diabetes, Cataracts, Glaucoma or Macular Degeneration.
​Glaucoma
​Glaucoma encompasses a group of disorders characterised by optic nerve damage; it is the second leading cause of blindness in the world.

This process usually progresses very slowly and destroys vision gradually, starting with the peripheral (side) vision.

About 3% of Australians have glaucoma but, because there are generally no warning signs, only about half of them have been diagnosed. One of the most sinister characteristics of glaucoma is that a person with glaucoma is unaware of any visual problems until a majority of nerve fibres have been irreversibly damaged.

This is why we encourage everyone to undertake a comprehensive eye check every two years. The tests for glaucoma are simple and painless.
​Macular Degeneration
​The macula is the central part of the retina, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina processes all visual images. It is responsible for your ability to read, recognise faces, drive and see colours clearly. You are reading this website using your macula. Macular degeneration causes progressive macular damage resulting in loss of central vision but the peripheral vision is not affected.

Current treatments aim to keep the best vision for as long as possible but there is presently no cure. Early detection can allow you to take steps to slow its progression and save sight.
​Diabetic Retinopathy
​Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes and is a leading cause of poor vision and blindness among working age adults. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. In some people with diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels may swell and leak fluid. In other people, abnormal new blood vessels grow on the surface of the retina.

If you have diabetic retinopathy, at first you may not notice changes to your vision. Over time, diabetic retinopathy can get worse and cause major vision loss, which is why regular eye examinations are so important.
​These images give an impression of what someone with diabetic retinopathy may see compared to someone with normal vision.
​Ultra Violet Sun damage
​Harmful ultraviolet light from the sun causes several known conditions to occur in the eye. Sunlight has been shown to speed up the development of cataracts and macular degeneration. It can also cause abnormal thickening or growths to form on the white part of the eye (conjunctiva). Especially at risk are people who spend long hours in the sun or who are taking certain medications.