Eye defects and diseases

At the Eye Centre Prague, we offer comprehensive ophthalmic care, including examinations for refractive errors. We also specialize in the treatment of retinal diseases, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We are equipped with all the modern devices necessary for the contemporary diagnosis of eye diseases.

Refractive errors of the eye

These are optical defects of the eye that cause impaired vision at near or distance. The main refractive errors include myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness). All these refractive errors are corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses. An alternative includes laser and intraocular surgeries that eliminate the dependence on glasses.

Hyperopia

Hyperopia (professionally referred to as hypermetropia) causes poor vision at short distances. In hyperopia, the eye is considered 'short,' and incoming light rays converge behind the retina, resulting in a blurred and unclear image projected on the retina. The degree of the defect is expressed in diopters with a plus sign.

Myopia

Myopia (professionally referred to as nearsightedness) causes poor vision at long distances. In myopia, the eye is considered 'long,' and incoming light rays converge before reaching the retina, resulting in a blurred and unclear image projected on the retina. Myopia can also be caused by a greater optical power of the lens or cornea, significant curvature of the eye lens, or a combination of multiple factors. The degree of the defect is expressed in diopters with a minus sign.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism reduces visual acuity at all distances. It is a type of cylindrical refractive error caused by irregular curvature of the cornea, and less commonly, by the curvature of the lens. Instead of a spherical shape, the curvature is more ellipsoidal, causing light to bend differently at areas with greater or lesser curvature. This results in light rays not converging on the retina, leading to blurred, distorted, and deformed vision. Astigmatism often occurs simultaneously with hyperopia or myopia.

Presbyopia - poor near vision in old age

Presbyopia, also known as age-related loss of accommodation, causes poor vision at near distances, such as reading. The reason is that with aging, the human eye begins to lose its ability to accommodate, or focus on close distances. It typically appears around the age of 45, and unfortunately, it cannot be avoided.

Other eye diseases

Common eye diseases that tend to occur more frequently in older age (but can also appear earlier) include cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy.

Cataract

Cataract (professionally referred to as cataract) is an eye disease that most commonly arises due to the aging of the human lens, typically affecting individuals aged 60 to 75 years. With cataracts, the clear human lens becomes cloudy, obstructing the passage of light rays to the retina, causing the person to feel as though they are seeing through fog. Cataracts can only be removed through surgery, and there is no other method of treatment. At the Eye Centre Prague, we specialize in cataract surgeries and have already performed over 60,000 successful operations.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye disease that is very serious, as it is the second leading cause of blindness and is often referred to as the 'silent thief of sight.' This is because glaucoma involves the gradual degeneration and death of the optic nerve, but patients do not experience any symptoms. It can only be detected in a timely manner during a medical examination, which is why it is important to undergo regular eye check-ups after the age of 40. At the Eye Centre Prague, we have a glaucoma clinic. For diagnosis, we use optical coherence tomography (OCT angiography or CT of the retina). We also offer the latest treatment for reducing intraocular pressure using a special laser, which is particularly suitable for patients with glaucoma.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a disease of the cornea, characterized by its deformation and gradual, but permanent thinning and improper protrusion (resembling a cone bulging forward). This change in the cornea results in a significant deterioration of vision. At the Eye Centre Prague, we now offer treatment for keratoconus using a modern method of corneal strengthening called Collagen Cross Linking (CXL, CCL), which helps to halt and stabilize this condition.

Retinal and vitreous diseases

The most common retinal diseases include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular diseases, retinal detachment, and all degenerative changes in the retina. At the Eye Centre Prague, we have a specialized center for the treatment of retinal diseases (known as a vitreoretinal center).

Age-Related macular degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most serious retinal diseases and the leading cause of severe vision loss or blindness in older individuals. In macular degeneration, the so-called macula (the central part of the retina) is affected. The disease occurs in two forms—dry and wet—where the 'wet' form progresses very quickly and can destroy vision within a few weeks or months. Initially, it affects only one eye, but the disease may manifest in the other eye within a few years. Unfortunately, macular degeneration cannot be completely cured (i.e., it is not possible to fully restore visual functions and normal vision), but the disease can be effectively slowed down and further progression halted. Early detection of the disease is essential, so it is important to undergo regular eye examinations after the age of 50.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious disease of the blood vessels in the retina resulting from poorly managed diabetes, and it is the leading cause of blindness among diabetics in developed countries. High blood sugar levels cause blockage and damage to the small blood vessels that permeate the retina, leading to impaired blood flow to the retina. In another form of diabetic retinopathy, the vessels in the retina become 'leaky,' causing fluid to leak out and resulting in swelling of the retina. Insufficient blood supply and swelling of the retina then destroy the ability to see.

Retinal detachment

Retinal detachment is a relatively common and serious eye disease that can cause irreversible vision damage or even blindness. In retinal detachment, the nerve tissue separates from the inner surface of the eye. Patients do not experience pain with this condition, but a detached retina triggers specific symptoms such as falling specks, flashes of light, dark curtains, and shadows that obscure vision. Retinal detachment is always addressed surgically—laser procedures are used for retinal tears, while the surgical procedure known as pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is employed for detached retinas. The sooner a patient undergoes the surgical procedure, the greater the chance of improving their vision.

Vitreous opacities

Vitreous opacities are small particles that can develop at any age due to degeneration of the vitreous body. The gelatinous substance of the vitreous then transforms into various formations that can significantly disrupt vision and obstruct the field of view. At the Eye Centre Prague, we now offer laser treatment for vitreous opacities.