Cataracts are a common cause of visual impairment. The eye has a lens, which is situated behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). In the early stages of the condition spectacles may be sufficient to treat the cataracts

Glaucoma is the name given to a surprisingly common group of eye diseases in which the optic nerve at the back of the eye is destroyed resulting in loss of peripheral and if untreated, central vision.

Age related macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe visual loss in individuals over 50 years old. The incidence of this condition increases with increasing age.

Diabetes eye problems occur when blood glucose levels are left untreated, or may be hereditary and exacerbated by diabetes (such as cataracts and glaucoma).