Specialist Eye Centre

04/09/2025

04/09/2025

We are very excited to try the Envisions new preservative free lubrication drop, Vismed, prior to their official launch in October 2025.

25/08/2025

Casual Day – With Persons With Disabilities
Casual Day is on Friday, 5 September 2025, not October 5, 2025.

It is a national awareness and fundraising event in South Africa for the National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), supporting people with disabilities. The theme for 2025 is "Beyond the Label", encouraging people to see the person, not the disability, and promoting inclusivity.

You can participate by buying a R20 sticker or merchandise.

25/08/2025

Every ticket you buy helps fight retinal blindness in South Africa. BUY 10 GET 1 FREE

https://retinasa.org.za/shop/Zanzibar-Raffle-p744675228

19/08/2025

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS

Since cataracts develop gradually, symptoms are not always noticeable in the early stages or mild cataracts. As cataracts grow, symptoms can affect your vision and ability to carry out everyday activities.

Changes in your vision can present as:

Blurry vision
Colors look faded
Poor vision at night
Sensitivity to bright lights and glare
Halos around lights
Double vision at times
Frequent changes in prescription
These symptoms aren’t exclusive to cataracts only. If you experience these symptoms, visit your eye doctor to rule out other conditions.

An ophthalmologic surgeon preparing for cataract surgery on a patient.

WHAT HAPPENS IF CATARACTS ARE LEFT UNTREATED?

Untreated or not removing a cataract can lead to vision impairment, loss, and possibly blindness. Even though surgery is the only treatment for removing cataracts, this doesn’t mean everyone with cataracts requires surgery.

Some people with mild cataracts can correct their vision with prescription glasses and contact lenses. They can also manage with brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, and magnifying lenses. Sometimes, even mild cataracts can worsen rapidly.

As symptoms progress, you risk the following if you don’t have a cataract removed:

Inability to carry out your job
Inability to enjoy activities or reading
Inability to drive in low light conditions or at night
Increases the risk of falls or injuries
Waiting too long to have cataract surgery can result in a mature or hyper-mature cataract that can lead to surgery complications. When cataracts occur at a younger age (congenital cataracts) or due to other causes, cataracts can progress faster and may require timely surgery.

09/08/2025

Happy Women’s Day

21/07/2025

17/07/2025

Happy birthday and welcome to Nokwanda, our new Ophthalmic Assistant and addition to our Eye-Team!

12/07/2025

Cataracts, or cloudy areas in the lens of the eye, are primarily caused by the natural aging process, where proteins in the lens break down and clump together. However, other factors can contribute, including genetics, eye injuries, certain medical conditions (like diabetes), and long-term steroid use.

Age-Related Cataracts:
As people age, the proteins and fibers in the lens of the eye can break down and clump together, causing clouding.
This is the most common type of cataract and is a natural part of the aging process.

Other Causes:

Congenital Cataracts:
Some babies are born with cataracts, or develop them in childhood, due to genetic factors or infections during pregnancy.

Secondary Cataracts:
These can develop as a result of other health conditions (like diabetes), eye injuries, or long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids.

Traumatic Cataracts:
Eye injuries, either from accidents or surgery, can also lead to cataract formation.

Environmental Factors:
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of cataracts.

Lifestyle Factors:
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have also been linked to a higher risk of cataracts.

08/07/2025

Welcome back to another inspiring episode of Retinal Realities, the podcast that brings you stories of strength, insight, and perseverance from the world of ...

24/06/2025

https://sensorysolutions.co.za/

Sensory Solutions is a leading company with extensive expertise in Assistive Technology solutions. We address the needs of visually impaired individuals, including those who are blind or partially sighted. Sensory Solutions caters to diverse sectors, with a primary focus on enhancing accessibility f...

01/06/2025

I had the privilege to meet Gavin Kilpatrick yesterday at The Speciality Coffee Expo at Fourways Mall! Paralympic Bronze Medalist Track Cycling Beijing 2008. Para-Rowing World Championship Bronze Medalist South Korea 2013 . Para-Triathlete since September 2017. Also known as the Blind Barista.
Visually challenged with Stargardts, does this human inspire or what?!?