Charitable organisation Macular Degeneration New Zealand is launching the first-ever Macular Degeneration Awareness Week, running from Sunday May 27 – Saturday June 2.

Vitreoretinal surgery treats problems related to the retina and vitreous of the eye. The retina is the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye. The vitreous is a clear fluid that fills the central cavity of the eye.

A squint, or strabismus, occurs when the two eyes are not looking in the same direction (‘crossed eyes’). It may be apparent all the time or only when the person is tired or focusing on a near or distant object. The eye may turn in or out, or one eye may sit higher than the other. The condition may affect children and adults.

Pterygium surgery is performed to remove a pterygium (plural pterygia), a benign (non-cancerous) growth of the conjunctiva, the clear, thin tissue that lies over the sclera, the white part of the eye. It may affect one or both eyes, and can be caused by overexposure to bright sunlight.

Oculoplastic surgery involves plastic and reconstructive surgery to the eye. It is an area of ophthalmology that specialises in the eyelids and the structures surrounding the eye, including problems of the lacrimal (tear) system and the orbit, the region surrounding the eyeball.

Conjunctivitis is a condition in which swelling and inflammation of the conjunctiva (transparent membrane that covers the eye white) occurs.

Amblyopia, also known as 'lazy eye', is a common cause of vision problems during childhood. It occurs when the nerve pathway of one eye does not fully develop, causing the abnormal eye to send blurry or incorrect images to the brain.

Far-sightedness is caused by the shape of the eye being too short for light to focus on the retina.

Initial results of a trial involving embryonic stem cells in the assistance of eye disease (published in the Lancet) have shown positive results, with two legally blind women in the US gaining some vision after undergoing treatment.

Increasing vitamin D intake in middle age can help stop age-related eye deterioration in its tracks, says a new study undertaken by researchers at University College London. Tests also showed that the protein linked to Alzheimer's disease, amyloid beta, was also reduced when vitamin D was taken for six weeks.

New Zealanders fear losing their vision above memory, hair and even the ability to walk, nationwide research conducted on behalf of eye care provider OPSM reveals.