Eye Disorders in Burleigh Waters & Tweed Heads

We warmly welcome patients from all locations to schedule their comprehensive eye exam with our Gold Coast optometrists, Andrew Bowden, Nicole Arnold and Cassie Baan. Our optometrists are passionate about eye health and vision and spend time diagnosing and treating conditions that contribute to enhanced life quality and visual clarity.

If you’re ready for your comprehensive eye exam in Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads, reach out to a member of our friendly team on (07) 5593 7844 to get started.

Cataract Solutions in The Gold Coast

Cataracts form due to the breakdown in the material that makes up the lens within the eye. This causes crystallization and clouding of the lens material and subsequent deterioration in the sharpness of vision. Cataracts are most commonly the result of ageing and long-term exposure to UV light. However, they can also be caused by injury, disease, certain medications and exposure to toxic materials. Some cataracts can also be congenital, and babies can be born with significant opacities.

We diagnose and treat cataracts in our Gold Coast eye clinics in Tweed Heads and Burleigh Waters.

If cataracts progress, our optometrists,  Andrew Bowden, Nicole Arnold or Cassie Baan will discuss cataract surgery with you. This surgery involves removing the cloudy lens material from the eye and replacing it with a plastic intraocular lens that restores clear vision.

Glaucoma Management

With glaucoma, the optic nerve at the back of the eye, which connects the eye to the brain, progressively decays. It is most commonly associated with raised fluid pressure inside the eye.

The progressive decay of the optic nerve causes a gradual loss of peripheral vision, and if left untreated, the patient will eventually have severe and irreversible vision loss.

There are usually no early symptoms, so it is vitally important for everyone to have their vision and eye health checked every two years, including an eye pressure test.

Fortunately, most patients can undergo successful glaucoma treatment, often with eye drops to lower eye pressure. This may be an effective treatment that prevents progressive nerve damage.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma. The treatment is ongoing and will require daily instillation of eye drops, usually for the rest of your life. You will also need scheduled visits with Andrew, Nicole or Cassie to check your eye pressure and vision. If drops are ineffective, further treatments by laser or surgery will be considered to lower your eye pressure effectively.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in Australia. It blurs the sharp, central, fine detail vision that you need for 'straight-ahead' viewing. AMD affects the macula, the central area of the retina at the back of your eye, allowing us to see fine details. The most common symptom is blurred vision.

In the wet form, an early sign is that straight lines appear wavy.

The causes are still not fully understood. However, a lifetime of exposure to UV light, production of free radicals and reduced blood flow to the retina may result in abnormal changes in the thin pigmented layer called the retinal pigment epithelium.

Risk factors include:

• >50 yrs
• Smoking; you are almost three times more likely to develop AMD if you smoke
• Being overweight
• The risk is greater with a family history
• Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
• A history of significant exposure to UV
• Women are at a greater risk than men

Andrew will discuss all findings with you following your comprehensive eye exam and share any macular degeneration treatments, such as therapeutic options or surgery. 

Pterygium (Surfer’s Eye) Treatments in The Gold Coast

A pterygium is a triangular-shaped lump of tissue that grows from the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye) onto the cornea (the clear central part of the eye). They often occur in both eyes, most commonly in the corner near the nose.

It is typically caused by exposure to UV light and hot, dry and windy conditions. They are very common in our local Gold Coast climate, especially among outdoor enthusiasts like surfers.
If it is not interfering with your vision, Andrew may recommend using sunglasses or goggles with sun protection. However, in cases where inflammation is chronic—or vision is compromised—he may recommend surgical removal, which is a minor procedure.

Keratoconus (Conical Cornea) Treatment

Keratoconus means the central area of the cornea has thinned or become distorted. Keratoconus usually presents after age 10 and up to age 25. It is often linked with allergies, pediatric eczema and even asthma. The initial symptoms of keratoconus are blurry vision and a reduced ability to see clearly at night. This is caused by the cornea changing shape as it bulges forward.

Treatment options from your Gold Coast optometrists in Burleigh Waters and Tweed Heads may include but are not limited to:

• RPG contacts
• Mini-scleral contacts
• Cross-linking

During your routine comprehensive examination, Andrew can detect keratoconus and recommend specialised lenses to provide therapy, resulting in clear vision. We also recommend regular visits to ensure the lenses fit and perform optimally.

Gold Coast Optometry for Families

Regular eye exams are crucial to the health of your eyes. If it’s time for your next eye exam, or if you’re experiencing any vision changes or eye irritation, reach out to a member of our team to book your appointment at our Burleigh Waters or Tweed Heads office.

We look forward to welcoming you.