Cataracts

Cataracts occur when changes in the lens of the eye cause it to become less transparent. This results in cloudy or misty vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally but can be easily treated. Read more
Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the most common cause of sight loss amongst those of working age. Pressure is raised in the eye which damages the optic nerve and increasingly causes sight loss. New treatments, including improved eye drops and surgical techniques to reduce this pressure in the eye are being researched. Read more
Age-related macular degeneration

600,000 people in the UK currently have sight loss caused by AMD and around 70,000 new cases are diagnosed every year. Read more

About eye diseases

There are more than one hundred recognised eye diseases. Here we give a brief outline of some of the more common causes of sight loss. If you have any symptoms of visual disturbance, infection, pain or redness in the eye you should consult your GP, optometrist or ophthalmologist without delay. Even if you have no symptoms of sight loss or visual disturbance you should have your eyes tested at least every two years as some eye diseases can develop without symptoms for a significant time. Early diagnosis of eye disease produces the best outcomes and gives the best chance of protecting your sight.

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Amblyopia

A lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is a childhood condition that occurs when the vision in one eye does not develop properly. Read more

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when changes in the lens of the eye cause it to become less transparent. This results in cloudy or misty vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally but can be easily treated. Read more

Charles Bonnet Syndrome

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) affects many people with sight loss and causes them to experience visual hallucinations. The hallucinations are often distressing and continuous – the exact causes are still unknown. Read more

Children's Eye Diseases

Common signs of vision troubles in children include frequently rubbing their eyes, squinting, tilting or turning the head to look at objects, wandering eyes, or squeezing eyes. Read more

Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy is a collective term that refers to several conditions that cause damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue at the front of the eye that lets in light and helps focus it on the retina so that we can see. Read more

Corneal transplant

Cornea transplants are successful sight-saving operations, with 93% of grafts functioning after one year. Read more

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the cells at the back of the eye, known as the retina. If it is not treated, it can lead to blindness. Read more

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming red, swollen and irritated. Dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Read more

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Research Funding Programmes & Application Procedures

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the most common cause of sight loss amongst those of working age. Pressure is raised in the eye which damages the optic nerve and increasingly causes sight loss. New treatments, including improved eye drops and surgical techniques to reduce this pressure in the eye are being researched.
Age-related macular degeneration

600,000 people in the UK currently have sight loss caused by AMD and around 70,000 new cases are diagnosed every year.
Cataracts

Cataracts occur when changes in the lens of the eye cause it to become less transparent. This results in cloudy or misty vision. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness globally but can be easily treated.
Uveitis

Uveitis is a leading cause of visual impairment in people of working age in the UK. It is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, called the uvea or uveal tract.
Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don't make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming red, swollen and irritated. Dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
Corneal Dystrophy

Corneal dystrophy is a collective term that refers to several conditions that cause damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear tissue at the front of the eye that lets in light and helps focus it on the retina so that we can see.
Retinitis pigmentosa

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the name given to a group of inherited conditions of the retina that all lead to a gradual progressive reduction in vision.
Amblyopia

A lazy eye, also known as amblyopia, is a childhood condition that occurs when the vision in one eye does not develop properly.
Funding Schemes
Who we are and what we do

The National Eye Research Centre is a leading eye research charity that funds eye research teams across the UK to find the causes of eye disease to develop new prevention methods and more effective treatments. We fund research for eye diseases in both adults and children.