Dr Simon Skalicky

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

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.

Assuming that vision changes are “normal” can delay diagnosis of serious, and often treatable, eye conditions. Many sigh...
22/09/2025

Assuming that vision changes are “normal” can delay diagnosis of serious, and often treatable, eye conditions. Many sight-threatening diseases—such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts—develop gradually, and early symptoms may go unnoticed or be brushed off.

The earlier these conditions are identified, the better the outcome will be. Timely intervention can:
Prevent irreversible vision loss
Simplify treatment plans
Improve quality of life
Preserve independence, mobility, and mental health

We recommend paying attention to these condition in order to timely intervention.

Floaters, Flashes or a Shadow in Your VisionA few floaters—those specks or threads that drift across your vision—are com...
19/09/2025

Floaters, Flashes or a Shadow in Your Vision
A few floaters—those specks or threads that drift across your vision—are common, especially in older adults.
A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or the appearance of a dark curtain or shadow could indicate a retinal tear or detachment, which is a medical emergency.
Other potential causes include:
Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD)
Bleeding in the eye
Inflammation or infection

If you notice these symptoms, especially in one eye, do not wait—prompt treatment is critical to preserving your vision.

A gradual change in prescription every few years is typical.If your optometrist or ophthalmologist is constantly updatin...
15/09/2025

A gradual change in prescription every few years is typical.
If your optometrist or ophthalmologist is constantly updating your prescription, and your vision still doesn’t feel quite right, it could be a warning sign of:
Cataract formation (especially nuclear cataracts, which cause myopic shifts)
Diabetes-related changes to the lens
Corneal conditions, such as keratoconus
Uncontrolled hypertension

Frequent prescription changes should not be dismissed. They often reflect underlying structural changes in the eye. If this is happening to you, please book an appointment.

There is no normal age-related reason to lose peripheral vision.Tunnel vision - a narrowing of your visual field, is str...
12/09/2025

There is no normal age-related reason to lose peripheral vision.
Tunnel vision - a narrowing of your visual field, is strongly associated with glaucoma, which can progress silently and often without early warning signs.

Other possible causes include:
Retinitis pigmentosa
Neurological conditions
Retinal detachment

Peripheral vision loss is subtle but dangerous. It may first show up as difficulty noticing people or objects from the side, misjudging steps or curbs, or bumping into furniture. If these symptoms are happening to you, it is recommended to see an eye specialist to be assessse and treated appropriately.

Mild glare or sensitivity at night is common with age, especially when driving. It is when you see halos, rings, or rain...
08/09/2025

Mild glare or sensitivity at night is common with age, especially when driving. It is when you see halos, rings, or rainbow-coloured fringes around lights that could be of concern.
These could be a symptom of:
Cataracts (especially nuclear or cortical types)
Glaucoma – rising eye pressure can cause corneal swelling
Corneal oedema or inflammation
Incorrect contact lens use

These visual disturbances may signal a build-up of pressure in the eye or a lens becoming cloudy, both of which can severely impact vision if left untreated. It is important to have this assessed and treated appropriately.

It's normal to have blurred vision. This gradual difficulty focusing on near objects (presbyopia) often begins in the 40...
05/09/2025

It's normal to have blurred vision. This gradual difficulty focusing on near objects (presbyopia) often begins in the 40s and is a completely normal phenomenon.
What’s Not Normal:
If your vision becomes suddenly blurry—whether in one eye or both—it’s a red flag.
This can indicate:
Retinal detachment
Cataracts that have progressed rapidly
Diabetic retinopathy
Stroke or mini-stroke (TIA)
Acute glaucoma

Blurred vision that comes on quickly, especially if accompanied by dizziness, eye pain, or visual distortion, requires immediate attention. Dr Simon Skalicky and our team can assess and treat you appropriately, Find out more via our website.

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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