Dr Simon Skalicky

Dr Simon Skalicky A/Prof Simon Skalicky is a Melbourne-based Ophthalmologist achieving excellence in the management of

It is rare for glaucoma to occur in young adults or older teenagers but this tends to be similar to the various types of...
10/11/2025

It is rare for glaucoma to occur in young adults or older teenagers but this tends to be similar to the various types of glaucoma that occur in older age, and often has a strong underlying genetic component. The treatment is similar to glaucoma that occurs in older adults, primarily by lowering the eye pressure with gentle laser, eye drops or occasionally glaucoma surgery.

Glaucoma tends to become more common as we age, however can still occur in young age.Very rarely, infants can be born wi...
03/11/2025

Glaucoma tends to become more common as we age, however can still occur in young age.
Very rarely, infants can be born with glaucoma, or can develop glaucoma in the first few months of life. This type of glaucoma is often related to an underlying genetic condition, and is quite different from most adult-onset types. It can be visually devastating for a lifetime of poor vision. Fortunately, if detected and treated promptly, children with glaucoma can grow up to lead full lives with good vision. It usually involves eye surgery in infancy.

Diabetes increases the risk of open-angle glaucoma, the most common type. Glaucoma is the pressure-related damage to the...
29/10/2025

Diabetes increases the risk of open-angle glaucoma, the most common type. Glaucoma is the pressure-related damage to the optic nerve. Elevated eye pressure over time can damage the optic nerve, leading to a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision.

Some people with diabetes also develop neovascular glaucoma, where abnormal blood vessels form in the eye and block fluid drainage, increasing pressure.

Symptoms (often late-stage):
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Eye pain or pressure (especially in neovascular glaucoma)
- Blurred vision
- Headaches and halos around lights

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's natural lensPeople with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a young...
27/10/2025

Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's natural lens
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age, and the condition may progress faster than in non-diabetics.

High glucose levels can cause changes in the lens’s structure, leading to cloudiness and loss of clarity over time. While cataracts are common with ageing, they are often more severe and develop earlier in those with poorly controlled diabetes.

Symptoms:
- Blurry or hazy vision
- Increased glare sensitivity
- Difficulty with night vision
- Colours appearing dull

Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) is the swelling at the centre of visionThe macula is the part of the retina responsible fo...
22/10/2025

Diabetic Macular Oedema (DMO) is the swelling at the centre of vision
The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. In people with diabetes, fluid from leaking retinal vessels can accumulate in the macula, causing it to swell—a condition called diabetic macular oedema.

DMO can occur at any stage of diabetic retinopathy and is one of the most common causes of vision loss in people with diabetes.

Symptoms:
- Blurred or wavy central vision
- Colours appearing faded or washed out
- Difficulty reading or recognising faces

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye diseaseIt occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the sm...
20/10/2025

Diabetic Retinopathy is the most common diabetes-related eye disease
It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak, swell, or become blocked. Over time, this can lead to abnormal blood vessel growth and scarring, ultimately impairing vision.
Stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:
- Mild to Moderate Non-Proliferative Retinopathy – microaneurysms and small leaks
- Severe Non-Proliferative Retinopathy – more widespread vessel damage
- Proliferative Retinopathy – new, fragile blood vessels form, which can bleed into the eye

Many people do not experience symptoms until the disease has advanced, making regular screening essential.
Symptoms (when they appear):
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Floaters or dark spots
- Vision loss or blind spots
- Difficulty seeing at night

One of the most significant challenges in managing diabetic eye disease is its lack of early symptoms. Many people assum...
15/10/2025

One of the most significant challenges in managing diabetic eye disease is its lack of early symptoms. Many people assume their vision is fine until considerable damage has occurred.

This is why regular, comprehensive eye exams are essential for everyone with diabetes, regardless of whether they wear glasses or have any visual complaints.

Early detection can:
- Catch silent retinal changes before symptoms begin
- Prevent permanent vision loss through early treatment
- Reduce the need for complex surgery or injections
- Improve long-term outcomes with better glucose and pressure control

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose). Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage ...
13/10/2025

Diabetes affects your body’s ability to regulate blood sugar (glucose). Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels, including the delicate capillaries that nourish the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. This damage can lead to several eye conditions collectively referred to as diabetic eye disease.
These include:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Diabetic macular oedema (DMO)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma

Each of these eye conditions can impact your vision and it is important to be assessed and treated appropriately.

The link between diabetes and vision is often underestimated or overlooked until noticeable symptoms develop. The good n...
08/10/2025

The link between diabetes and vision is often underestimated or overlooked until noticeable symptoms develop. The good news? With awareness, regular eye exams, and early treatment, most diabetes-related vision loss can be prevented. It is important to be aware of the common conditions and that timely care can have a profound impact.

Diabetes is more than just a blood sugar problem—it’s a complex, chronic condition that can affect many parts of the bod...
06/10/2025

Diabetes is more than just a blood sugar problem—it’s a complex, chronic condition that can affect many parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetes is a leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults worldwide. In my latest blog, we explore the link between diabetes and eye health. Find out more here https://loom.ly/13Mqiqk

While ageing naturally brings some visual changes, not all of them are “just part of getting older.” Knowing the differe...
29/09/2025

While ageing naturally brings some visual changes, not all of them are “just part of getting older.” Knowing the difference between harmless symptoms and signs of disease can make all the difference in preserving your sight.

Your eyes deserve the same level of care and attention as the rest of your body. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of the signs discussed here, don’t wait—book an appointment with a trusted ophthalmologist.

You should schedule a comprehensive eye examination immediately if you experience:- Rapid or significant changes in visi...
26/09/2025

You should schedule a comprehensive eye examination immediately if you experience:
- Rapid or significant changes in vision
- Vision loss in one or both eyes
- Unexplained visual disturbances
- Eye pain, redness, or pressure
- A sudden increase in floaters or flashes

Even without symptoms, adults over 40 should undergo regular eye exams to detect conditions such as glaucoma or macular degeneration before they become noticeable.

Address

Suite 52, Cabrini Medical Centre, Isabella Street
Malvern East, VIC
3144

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61395094233

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