Laser Vision

5 Common Eye Conditions Explained

5 Common Eye Conditions Explained

Here at LaserVision our expert eye surgeons take a look at some of the most common eye health concerns that affect people of all ages, discover the symptoms and treatments available for each individual condition.

Condition: Eyelid Cyst

Symptoms: Eyelid lump or swelling, inflamed sore eye

What is it? An eyelid cyst (or chalazion) is a small, usually painless round lump found in the upper or lower eyelid.

Causes: It is caused by a blockage of the meibomian gland (one of the small glands in the eyelid) and can sometimes be mistaken for a stye.

Who is affected? Eyelid cysts can occur at any age.

How to treat it: Eyelid cysts are usually harmless and nearly all resolve within several weeks. Applying a warm compress to the affected eye can help. If persistent, an eyelid cyst can be removed by excision and curettage. However, if the lump bleeds or does not resolve in a few weeks I recommend having it checked by an eye surgeon as it could be something more serious.

Condition: Cataracts

Symptoms: Blurry and clouded vision, sensitivity to light and glare, haloes around bright lights, difficulty reading small print and text on television, rapidly changing eyeglasses or contact lens prescription

What is it? Cataracts are formed when the eye’s natural lens (behind the iris) becomes cloudy. This lens works much like a camera lens – focusing light on the retina for clear vision and as we age, this becomes more opaque, preventing light rays from passing through it – like a frosted glass window.

Causes: The causes include; age-related, diabetes, eye trauma and medications such as steroids.

Who is affected? Cataracts mainly develop in those aged 65 or older, however, cataracts can develop at any age from childhood onwards.

Treatment options: The only proven treatment that is effective and reverses the effect of cataract is cataract surgery – the surgical removal of the natural lens and implantation of an artificial lens.

Laser cataract surgery is now also available which is minimally invasive and brings a whole new level of accuracy and precision to steps that are traditionally performed by hand.

Many patients with cataracts choose to upgrade to refractive lens exchange which allows them to choose an artificial lens tailored to their prescription. This reduces or completely eliminates the need for glasses and contact lenses.

Condition: Dry eye

Symptoms: A gritty/scratchy feeling, burning sensation, watering eyes, tiredness sensation especially towards the end of the day

What is it? A condition in which a person doesn’t produce enough quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye as well as providing clear vision.

Causes: Dry Eye is generally caused by an imbalance of different components in the tear film that acts as a shield on the surface of our eyes.

Who is affected? While it can occur at any age, dry eye is more common in women, especially after the menopause. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and blepharitis can also contribute to the condition.

How is it treated? The key to effective dry eye treatment is to understand the underlying cause of the symptoms. Using eye drops to produce artificial tears and inserting punctal plugs to make the most of your natural tears are effective treatments for dry eye. Addressing other co-existing conditions such as blepharitis is also beneficial.

Condition: Blepharitis

Symptoms: Sore, gritty burning or tired eyes

Who is affected? This condition can impact the eye health of people of almost any age. Approximately 20% of the population have a degree of blepharitis, but not always severe enough to give symptoms.

Causes: The condition is caused by our own bacteria growing on the skin around the eyelashes. These irritate the eye and cause the symptoms.

Treatment: Blepharitis is usually a long-term condition, however, establishing a daily routine by cleaning the lashes with a special cleaning product available from an opticians and chemists can often help.

Condition: Keratoconus

Symptoms: Blurred vision, distorted vision, increasing astigmatism, poor vision in more severe cases it is not correctable with glasses or soft contact lenses

What is it? Keratoconus is a condition that affects the cornea, the clear window at the front of the eye. It causes the central area of the cornea to become weak and thinner which leads to an abnormal bulge in the shape. Keratoconus usually affects both eyes, but one is usually more affected than the other.

Causes: The exact cause of keratoconus is unknown. It is believed that genetics play a role as a significant minority of cases run in families.

Who is affected? It is usually diagnosed in the late teens or early twenties and can worsen over time.

How to treat it: In the early stages, glasses and specialist contact lenses may help correct vision. A surface surgical procedure called collagen crosslinking (CXL), wherein the cornea is made stiffer with ultraviolet light can stabilise the condition. In very advanced cases a corneal transplant may be needed.

 

Book a consultation with one of our eye health experts to discuss treatment for one of these conditions.

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Colin D.
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I was initially going to write a brief review, but thought it might be beneficial to anyone considering using LaserVision Prema, if I gave a more detailed account of my personal experience? After 10 years of my eyesight gradually deteriorating due to age, wearing glasses became a necessity for all distances, which constantly frustrated me after having had perfect vision for most of my life. I'd heard of lens replacement surgery, so looked deeper into it and due to their positive reviews, settled on LaserVision Prema for an initial consultation to discuss options. From the outset, the experience has been amazing. The staff are friendly, making patients feel very welcome and at ease, there's no pressure to agree to have anything done and any concerns you have will be addressed, including any negative points you may need to consider? During the initial consultation, my eyes were thoroughly examined using a variety of methods and equipment, which gave me confidence the results would be accurate. Following this, I met with Rakesh, who performs the operations, to discuss the different options available based on the results. Fortunately, my eyes were suitable for any of the procedures. Rakesh took the time to make sure I knew exactly what the pros and cons of each lens type were, he also ensured I was aware that although my vision would likely be much better, nothing available at the present time will give me perfect sight back? In the end, I decided to opt for lenses which would improve vision at all distances. On the day of the operation, staff do everything to relax patients, and nothing feels rushed. The whole experience was easy and completely painless, taking approximately 15-20 minutes per eye. Throughout the procedure Rakesh will ensure you're fine. Although you can see enough to walk immediately afterwards, your vision is initially very much reduced, so you won't be able to drive. I'd booked a room in the Travelodge opposite in case I wasn't able to travel after the operation and walked to it without assistance. LaserVision Prema provide you with various eye drops, required to be used several times a day for a couple of months to ensure your eyes properly heal. I used these as prescribed and didn't experience any problems. As the day went on my vision started slowly improving, to the point where I could watch a film on my iPad, without it being too blurry. Later in the evening, I looked out the window and was immediately aware of a massive improvement to my distance vision, being able to see things clearly at distances I previously would have needed glasses for. The only discomfort in the entire process was in the evening after I'd had the operation, my eyes felt like they were gritty and began to water for two or three hours. Although it was quite annoying and noticeable, it was manageable. After a few hours my eyes stopped watering and the grittiness was at the point where I no longer thought about it. Rakesh called me late in the evening, in his own time, to ask how I was getting on and make sure I was ok? This is the level of care LaserVision provide. The morning after the operation, the improvement to my near, intermediate and far distance sight was incredible. This was done in December 2025 and since then, I haven't needed to ever wear glasses again for anything, at any distance - I don't even own a pair now! To give an idea, I can read unaided N4 size words on a reading chart. As Rakesh pointed out, it hasn't given me totally pin sharp eyesight back, but it really isn't far off and seven months later, I'm still amazed at what LaserVision Prema was able to achieve. The operation itself isn't the end of the process, you will also receive an aftercare service of follow up visits to check everything is as expected and to ensure you are happy with your progress. As mentioned, the results in how much your eyesight can be improved differs from person to person. This review is purely to highlight how impressed I am with LaserVision Prema, their professionalism and level of care provided to patients.
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Fab Smith
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Tim Ford literally gave me my vision back — life-changing care! For years I’ve struggled with contact lenses, feeling frustrated and limited by my keratoconus. But from the moment I met Tim Ford, everything changed. He didn’t rush; he truly listened to my challenges, understood exactly what I’d been going through, and carefully created a personalised plan that finally works for me. His expertise, patience, and kindness are incredible — he didn’t just treat my eyes, he cared about restoring my quality of life. I can’t believe the difference; it feels like he has truly given me my vision back. If you’re looking for an optometrist who goes above and beyond, especially for complex eye health, Tim is absolutely amazing. Thank you so much for everything! 🙏✨
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Nigel Steward
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Excellent professional care.
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Darren Toomer
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I have been delighted with the level of care provided by Rakesh and his team during my eye lens replacement surgery. The results of the surgery have been nothing less than life-changing. I shall always remain extremely grateful to the gift of 20:20 sight given to me.
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Peter Dixon
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Excellent, could not have asked for more.
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ros summers
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Excellent service, very friendly approachable staff. My eye condition was identified quickly & medication prescribed. So pleased I decided to book my initial appointment. Highly recommended
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Janey Power
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Absolutely incredible service so far. The most attentive staff that greet me by name and make me feel so valued. My Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Rakesh Jayaswal has made everything understandable and couldn’t be a nicer, more relatable gentleman than he is. The professionalism from all staff especially Vicky, Tracey, Jane and Rakesh, has made me feel so secure and I know I’m in safe hands. The lens replacement surgery was a bit strange but painless and over quickly. Now just looking forward to my recovery. My sincere thanks to all involved . It is now 5 months post surgery and I cannot believe the quality of the aftercare that I have received from Vicky and Rakesh. My biggest concern was that after paying for surgery, I would just be left then to get on with things but they have seen me regularly and given me the most incredible service. Nothing was too much trouble and they have checked and checked my vision every step of the way. I have been made to feel like an important guest and their warmth and concern has made me feel so special. For anyone considering Prema, please take my word for the most incredible experience and I can read, see and do jigsaws with NO GLASSES. Words are not enough to thank them for what they have given me. 5 stars are not enough!!!
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Alison Philp
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Caring, empathetic staff with a lovely atmosphere in the clinic. The time taken to make sure I was happy with the treatment was never rushed & the whole procedure was so much more relaxed than I would have thought possible. Amazing.
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Robert James
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Very well looked after by Mr Tapper at his Nuffield Woking clinic today, following a capsulotomy by him 6 weeks ago. I now have greatly improved vision in the affected eye. The LaserVision support team are also excellent. I would not hesitate to recommend this clinic to others.
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Lynette Marshall
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If you are nervous about eye surgery, I highly recommend LaserVision Prema in Portsmouth. They looked after me so well from start to finish. Mr. Rakesh Jayaswal is a true gentleman whose calm manner and precision made me feel completely comfortable. The team is professional, kind, and happy to answer any questions. A five-star experience!
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