Eye conditions explained

Symptoms, how urgent they are, treatment options and our doctor-reviewed guides, all in one place for each condition.

Cataract

A cataract is clouding of the lens inside the eye.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually without pain or early symptoms.

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels of the retina caused by diabetes.

Age-related macular degeneration affects the centre of the retina, which you use for reading and recognising faces.

Short sight makes distant things look blurry while close things stay clear.

A squint is when the eyes do not point in the same direction.

Dry eye happens when your tears do not keep the surface of the eye moist and comfortable.

In keratoconus, the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision.

Most red eyes are caused by conjunctivitis, allergy, dryness or a burst blood vessel, and settle on their own.