While cataracts and glaucoma are widely recognised, several other eye conditions remain unfamiliar to most people. Dr Naing Tint, an eye surgeon practising in Glasgow and Edinburgh, regularly treats patients with some of these lesser-known disorders and explains what to watch for.
Keratoconus
Affecting up to 1 in 450 people, keratoconus usually begins in the teenage years or twenties. It causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, leading to blurred and distorted vision. Dr Tint notes that about a third of his clinic patients have this condition. Treatments include corneal cross-linking to strengthen the cornea and specialised contact lenses.
Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
This inherited disease impacts the innermost layer of the cornea, which normally keeps the eye clear by pumping out fluid. It affects approximately 7% of adults globally, with women two to three times more likely to develop it than men. Symptoms include hazy vision that is often worse in the morning. Advanced cases may require a corneal transplant. In 2015, Dr Tint became the first surgeon in Scotland to perform Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), a procedure replacing only the damaged corneal layer.
Pterygium
This condition involves a fleshy growth spreading across the white of the eye towards the cornea, commonly linked to sunlight exposure. It can cause redness, irritation, and blurred vision if it progresses. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps prevent pterygium, and surgery can remove it if necessary.
Recurrent corneal erosion
Often resulting from a previous eye injury, this condition occurs when the cornea's surface layer does not adhere properly to underlying tissue. It can cause sudden sharp pain, especially upon waking. Initial treatment usually involves lubricating ointments, with further procedures available if symptoms continue.
Dry eyes and the menopause
Beyond well-known menopause symptoms like hot flushes, dry and gritty eyes are also common and can persist into post-menopause. A 2026 survey found that only 14% of women recognise dry eye as a menopause symptom compared to 79% who identify hot flushes. The potential of hormone replacement therapy to reduce glaucoma risk remains under investigation.
Contact lens infections
Contact lens wearers should avoid exposing lenses to tap water, including during showering or swimming, to prevent infections. Although rare, parasitic infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis affect about 2 in 100,000 UK contact lens users annually, with the UK historically having higher rates than other countries.
Many of these conditions can be detected during routine eye examinations, which are recommended every two years for most people. Early diagnosis often allows for simpler treatment. Anyone experiencing sudden vision changes or eye pain should seek urgent medical advice.
