Diabetic Retinopathy Treatment in Mbombela
Protecting your vision through advanced retinal care.
As a vitreoretinal surgeon, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen provides comprehensive diabetic eye care — from early screening to advanced treatments — at the Lowveld Eye Institute, Mpumalanga’s dedicated eye hospital.
What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels can weaken or block these vessels, leading to bleeding, swelling, or scarring at the back of the eye. If left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause severe vision loss or blindness.
The Importance of Early Screening
Diabetic retinopathy often develops silently, without symptoms in the early stages. That’s why all people with diabetes should have an annual eye examination. Early detection is the key to preventing permanent damage.
Warning signs that may appear later include:
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Dark spots, floaters, or streaks in your vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sudden loss of vision (from a vitreous haemorrhage or retinal detachment)
Treatment Options
Intravitreal Injections
Medications injected directly into the eye can reduce swelling, seal leaking blood vessels, and stabilize vision. These injections are quick, well tolerated, and performed in the consulting rooms.
Laser Therapy (Focal & Panretinal Photocoagulation)
Laser treatment seals abnormal blood vessels and prevents further bleeding or leakage. In advanced cases, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) helps reduce the risk of severe vision loss by treating large areas of the retina.
Vitreoretinal Surgery
For advanced complications such as vitreous haemorrhage or tractional retinal detachment, surgical intervention may be needed. As a specialist in retinal surgery, Dr. van der Westhuizen performs:
- Vitrectomy to clear blood from the eye
- Membrane removal for scar tissue pulling on the retina
- Retinal repair for tractional detachments
These procedures are performed at the Lowveld Eye Institute’s state-of-the-art theatres, designed for advanced retinal surgery.
Prevention & Long-Term Care
The best treatment for diabetic retinopathy is prevention:
- Maintain good blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol control
- Stop smoking
- Have annual eye screenings even if your vision feels normal
- Follow up promptly if your ophthalmologist recommends treatment
Why Choose Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen?
- Specialist retina surgeon with advanced training in surgical retina and diabetic eye disease.
- Comprehensive care — from early screening to injections, laser, and advanced surgery.
- Cutting-edge technology — latest imaging, laser, and microsurgical systems.
- Regional trust — serving patients from Mpumalanga, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
Book Your Diabetic Eye Screening
Diabetes doesn’t have to mean losing your sight. With regular check-ups and the right treatment, vision can be protected.
Contact our team to book your diabetic eye screening or treatment at the Lowveld Eye Institute with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen.
Why is early screening necessary if my vision feels normal?
Diabetic retinopathy often develops silently without any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Annual eye examinations are critical for early detection, which is the most effective way to prevent permanent damage.
What are the common warning signs of advanced diabetic eye disease?
Later-stage symptoms include blurred or fluctuating vision, dark spots or floaters, difficulty seeing at night, and sudden vision loss caused by retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage.
What treatment options are available for this condition?
Treatment varies by severity and includes intravitreal injections to reduce swelling, laser therapy to seal leaking vessels, and advanced vitreoretinal surgery (such as vitrectomy) for complex complications like scar tissue or retinal repair.
How can I prevent diabetic retinopathy from progressing?
Beyond medical treatments, you can protect your sight by maintaining stable blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels, quitting smoking, and attending annual eye screenings.