Glaucoma Diagnosis & Treatment in Mbombela
Protecting vision with advanced testing and tailored care.
At the Lowveld Eye Institute, Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen offers comprehensive glaucoma management — from early detection to advanced surgical treatment — supported by cutting-edge diagnostics.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often due to raised eye pressure. It develops slowly and silently — many patients only notice symptoms once significant vision loss has occurred. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, but with early detection and treatment, vision can be preserved.
Symptoms of Glaucoma
- Often no symptoms in early stages
- Gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision
- Tunnel vision in advanced stages
- Sudden pain, blurred vision, and halos (in acute angle-closure glaucoma)
Advanced Glaucoma Diagnostics
Early detection is key. At the Lowveld Eye Institute we use state-of-the-art imaging and testing:
- Visual field testing – detects blind spots and tracks progression.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT):
- Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) analysis
- Ganglion Cell Layer analysis
- Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) analysis
- Anterior chamber and angle imaging – to assess for narrow or closed angles.
This combination allows for early detection, accurate monitoring, and tailored treatment plans.
Treatment Options
MEDICAL THERAPY
- Eye drops and oral medications to lower eye pressure.
- Tailored to each patient for best efficacy and tolerance.
LASER TREATMENTS
- Laser Peripheral Iridotomy (LPI): for narrow or closed-angle glaucoma.
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT): to improve drainage and reduce pressure.
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
For patients where medications and laser are not enough:
- Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS):
- iStent, XEN implant, Preserflo implant
- Lower-risk procedures with quicker recovery
- Trabeculectomy (Trabs): traditional gold-standard surgery to create new drainage pathways.
- Tube Shunts & Valves: devices such as Baerveldt or Ahmed valves to control pressure in advanced cases.
Why Choose Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen?
- Comprehensive glaucoma care — from diagnosis to the latest surgical options.
- Advanced imaging technology — OCT, RNFL, ganglion cell analysis, and visual field testing.
- Patient-centred approach — tailored treatment plans for every stage of glaucoma.
- Regional access — providing care for Mpumalanga, Mozambique, and Swaziland.
What to Expect
- Full assessment including pressure check, visual fields, and OCT scans.
- Personalised treatment plan — medication, laser, or surgery as needed.
- Close monitoring to protect your vision long-term.
Book a Glaucoma Assessment
Don’t wait until vision is lost — glaucoma damage cannot be reversed, but early treatment saves sight.
Contact us today to book your glaucoma screening with Dr. Dean van der Westhuizen at the Lowveld Eye Institute.
