Emergency Eye Care & Ocular Trauma in Mbombela
Specialist treatment when every second counts.
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen provides urgent care for eye injuries and emergencies — protecting vision and preventing long-term damage.
When to Seek Emergency Eye Care
Eye emergencies can happen suddenly and may cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. You should seek immediate help if you experience:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Severe eye pain or redness
- Flashes of light or a sudden shower of floaters
- A shadow, curtain, or dark spot across your vision
- Penetrating injury or chemical burn
- Bleeding inside the eye (haemorrhage)
- Foreign body lodged in the eye
Ocular Trauma We Treat
- Blunt injuries (sports, accidents, falls)
- Penetrating trauma and sharp-object injuries
- Intraocular foreign bodies (metal, glass, or wood)
- Corneal lacerations or globe rupture
- Chemical burns
- Retinal injuries (tears, detachment, bleeding)
- Eyelid and orbital trauma
Our Emergency Care Approach
- Rapid assessment – urgent examination to establish the extent of the injury.
- Advanced diagnostics – OCT, fundus imaging, and ultrasound for trauma evaluation.
- Specialist surgery – from repairing corneal lacerations to complex retinal repairs.
- Comprehensive aftercare – close monitoring, follow-up visits, and rehabilitation when needed.
Why Patients Trust Us in Emergencies
- Immediate access to an ophthalmologist in Mbombela.
- State-of-the-art equipment for diagnosis and surgery.
- Experience across all aspects of eye care — from anterior segment trauma to complex retinal cases.
- Regional coverage — supporting patients from Mpumalanga, Swaziland, and Mozambique.
What To Do in an Eye Emergency
- Do not rub or press the injured eye.
- Do not attempt to remove foreign bodies.
- Shield the eye lightly (e.g. with a clean cup or eye shield).
- For chemical burns: rinse the eye immediately with clean water while seeking urgent help.
Call Us Immediately
Eye injuries and sudden vision loss are true medical emergencies. Delays can make the difference between sight saved and sight lost.
For urgent assistance, call the Lowveld Eye Institute right away and ask for emergency eye care with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are chemical injuries to the eye managed to prevent long-term damage?
If a chemical substance splashes into your eye, immediate and continuous irrigation with clean water or saline for at least fifteen minutes is critical before seeking emergency care. Once at the clinic, we perform a thorough wash to neutralize the pH levels and remove any remaining debris. We then assess the extent of the corneal and conjunctival injury. Timely intervention with specialized medications helps to manage inflammation, promote healing, and minimize the risk of scarring or permanent vision impairment.
What are the common signs of a serious ocular trauma that needs urgent care?
Signs of serious ocular trauma include severe pain, visible blood inside the eye, a pupil that appears misshapen, or a penetrating injury from a foreign object. You may also notice sudden swelling, bruising, or persistent double vision following an impact. These symptoms often indicate structural damage that is not always visible to the naked eye. An urgent, detailed examination using specialized diagnostic equipment allows for the accurate identification of internal injuries, ensuring that corrective measures are taken to stabilize the eye surface.
Can a detached retina be repaired if it is diagnosed during an emergency visit?
Yes, a detached retina is a critical emergency, but it can often be successfully repaired if diagnosed and treated promptly. Early warning signs include a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow appearing in your peripheral vision. During an emergency assessment, we use advanced imaging to locate the tear or detachment. Swift surgical intervention is necessary to reattach the retinal tissue to the back of the eye, which is essential for restoring blood flow and maintaining your vision.
What precautions should be taken when dealing with a suspected penetrating eye injury?
In the event of a suspected penetrating injury where an object has pierced the eye, it is crucial not to attempt to remove the object yourself. You should gently place a protective shield or a paper cup over the eye to prevent any accidental pressure, ensuring the shield does not touch the eye itself. Do not apply any ointments or drops. Seek immediate emergency specialist care, as these injuries require surgical expertise to safely remove foreign bodies and repair delicate internal ocular tissues.