Cornea Care
Advanced diagnostics and treatment for corneal disease.
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen provides expert care for corneal conditions — from dry eye and allergies to complex infections and corneal scarring — supported by state-of-the-art diagnostic technology.
Advanced Corneal Imaging
We use the latest technology to diagnose corneal disease with precision:
- Pentacam (Corneal Topography) – a 3D map of the cornea, essential for detecting keratoconus, irregular astigmatism, and planning surgery.
- Heidelberg Anterior Segment OCT – high-resolution imaging of the cornea, angle, and anterior chamber to evaluate scarring, edema, and surgical planning.
Conditions We Treat
DRY EYE & ALLERGIC EYE DISEASE
- Dry Eye Syndrome – often caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, screen use, or age-related changes.
- Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) – a severe allergic condition common in children and young adults.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis – seasonal or perennial, causing itching, redness, and tearing.
Management: lubricants, anti-inflammatory drops, allergy control, and advanced therapies where needed.
CORNEAL INFECTIONS & ULCERS
- Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the cornea.
- Symptoms: pain, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity.
- Urgent treatment is required to prevent permanent scarring or vision loss.
CORNEAL SCARRING
- Scarring can occur after infections, trauma, or advanced keratoconus.
- Treatment may involve contact lenses, corneal transplantation, or lamellar keratoplasty depending on severity.
CORNEAL OEDEMA (SWELLING)
- Often due to endothelial cell dysfunction, trauma, or previous eye surgery.
- Symptoms: cloudy vision, haloes around lights, morning blur.
- Management includes medical therapy and, in advanced cases, corneal transplant surgery.
OTHER CORNEAL CONDITIONS
- Pterygium – growth of tissue over the eye.
- Keratoconus – thinning and bulging of the cornea, often requiring cross-linking.
- Ocular Surface Disease – chronic irritation and instability of the tear film.
Why Choose Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen?
- Comprehensive ophthalmologist with advanced training in surgical retina and broad corneal expertise.
- State-of-the-art diagnostics – Pentacam and Heidelberg OCT for precise assessment.
- Patient-first care – from minor irritation to complex surgical planning.
- Regional access – serving patients across Mpumalanga, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
What to Expect
- Detailed assessment with Pentacam and anterior segment OCT.
- Personalised treatment plan – tailored to your condition, from drops to surgery.
- Ongoing care – regular follow-up to protect your vision and eye health.
Book a Corneal Consultation
If you have persistent redness, irritation, blurred vision, or corneal scarring, expert care can protect and restore your sight.
Contact us today to schedule your corneal assessment with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen at the Lowveld Eye Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common symptoms associated with corneal diseases or disorders?
Patients suffering from corneal issues often experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with their quality of life. Common signs include persistent eye pain, blurred vision, extreme sensitivity to light, and a frequent sensation that something is stuck in the eye. You might also notice redness, excessive tearing, or a cloudy appearance on the surface of the eye. If you experience these symptoms, a specialist evaluation is necessary to diagnose the underlying cause and prevent any further progression of the condition.
What is keratoconus and how can it be managed with modern treatments?
Keratoconus is a progressive condition where the cornea thins and begins to bulge into a cone-like shape, causing significant visual distortion. Modern ophthalmology offers several effective management strategies depending on the severity of the case. In early stages, specialized contact lenses or glasses can provide clarity. For progressive cases, corneal collagen cross-linking is often recommended to strengthen the corneal tissue and halt further bulging. Our practice focuses on personalized care to ensure the most stable and effective long-term outcome for your vision.
How does corneal collagen cross-linking help stabilize thinning corneal tissue?
Corneal collagen cross-linking is a minimally invasive procedure designed to strengthen a weakened cornea. During this treatment, riboflavin drops are applied to the eye and then activated by a specific wavelength of ultraviolet light. This process creates new chemical bonds, or "cross-links," between the collagen fibers, significantly increasing the mechanical strength of the cornea. While it does not reverse existing bulging, it is highly effective at stopping the progression of conditions like keratoconus, potentially saving patients from needing a future corneal transplant.
When is a corneal transplant necessary and what does the procedure involve?
A corneal transplant, or keratoplasty, becomes necessary when the cornea is so severely damaged or scarred that vision cannot be corrected by other means. This surgical procedure involves removing the diseased or opaque corneal tissue and replacing it with healthy donor tissue. Advances in surgical techniques now allow for partial-thickness transplants, which can lead to faster recovery times and a lower risk of rejection. Our specialist approach ensures that each patient receives a thorough evaluation to determine the safest and most effective surgical method.
Can corneal infections be treated effectively to prevent permanent scarring?
Yes, most corneal infections, whether caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, can be treated successfully if caught early. Treatment typically involves the frequent application of medicated eye drops or ointments tailored to the specific pathogen. If left untreated, these infections can lead to deep ulceration and permanent scarring, which may severely obstruct your vision. Prompt diagnosis through a professional examination is the best way to resolve the infection quickly, minimize discomfort, and protect the long-term clarity and health of your eye surface.
How does the Pentacam technology assist in diagnosing complex corneal conditions?
Pentacam technology is a sophisticated diagnostic tool that provides a comprehensive 3D map of the entire anterior segment of the eye. It measures the shape, thickness, and contour of the cornea with incredible precision, capturing thousands of data points in seconds. This allows for the early detection of subtle changes indicative of diseases like keratoconus long before symptoms appear. By utilizing this advanced imaging, we can create highly accurate treatment plans and monitor the health of your cornea over time with unparalleled detail and accuracy.