Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital

13/03/2026

How can you protect your vision from glaucoma?

Regular testing is the only way to identify glaucoma before it damages a person’s vision.

The South African Glaucoma Society recommends:
*Over 40s, have your eyes tested every two years. Over 60s, annual checkups are recommended.
*If someone in your family has glaucoma, you should have your eyes tested regularly. This is especially important if the affected relative was under 40 years of age when the glaucoma was first discovered.

Should you be diagnosed with glaucoma, various combinations of drops, non-invasive procedures and surgical solutions are available.

The frequency of glaucoma diagnosis has supported the innovation of many new techniques and devices.

For more information visit https://www.sags.co.za/

11/03/2026

How do you know you have glaucoma?

As the pressure builds, you don’t notice any changes. There is usually no pain or other symptoms. Only when the condition progresses will vision problems be noticed.

Some risk factors for glaucoma include; being over the age of 50, African or Asian origin, diabetes, family history of glaucoma, eye trauma and poor blood circulation in hands and feet.

Acute Glaucoma: Sudden decreased vision, pain, redness and even headaches and nausea can indicate acute glaucoma. This is an ocular emergency.

Childhood glaucoma: Children can also get glaucoma, but with the slightly different symptoms of cloudy eye surface and enlarged eyes. They need early referral to an ophthalmologist. Older children with glaucoma will usually have high eye pressures similar to those of an adult.

For more information visit https://www.sags.co.za/

09/03/2026

How does an eye develop glaucoma?

With glaucoma, the fluid within the eye (aqueous humour) increases in volume, filling up the eyeball and building up pressure. This pressure pushes on the optic nerve squeezing it in certain areas and causing nerve damage.

The damage to the optic nerve results in vision loss around the edge of the vision or in patches within the central vision. This damage is irreversible and can lead to blindness if not controlled.

Because of this, it is important to control the glaucoma to preserve vision.

For more information visit https://www.sags.co.za/

25/02/2026

If you are travelling through to the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital over the next couple of days (26 and 27 February), please plan some additional travel time.

With the opening of legislature, we anticipate some congestion and traffic officer presence in the area. If you are delayed, please don't worry and we will make a plan when you are able to arrive.

05/02/2026

"I can live my life to the full, with confidence, knowing my Glaucoma is being monitored and I am doing all I can do to keep it under control. My eye checks with my regular Optometrist and Ophthalmologist ensure changes are tracked and treatment is updated."

Glaucoma, easily identified during recommended screening for over 50s, can be controlled so visual deterioration is slowed. The use of eye drops reduces pressure in the eye, but annual monitoring, a safe environment to avoid accidents, regular activity, and embracing technology to support reduced vision, are all ways to live a better life.

Life gets better when you participate in your own healthcare, and continue to do things independently and safely. The things that you enjoy can be done any time you choose.

We commit to Expert Treatment and Exceptional Care. www.pmbeyehospital.co.za

You can find more information at https://www.sags.co.za (South African Glaucoma Society)

18/12/2025

If you are concerned about your eyes but are unsure what to do, we would recommend that you reach out for assistance.

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
*A sudden loss of vision
*Severe eye pain
*A sudden onset or worsening of a shadow or curtain over the vision, associated with flashes of light and floaters.
*Severe pain or loss of vision in an eye following an eye operation
*A chemical splash into the eye
*A firecracker injury
*A blunt or penetrating injury to the eye
*Double vision

Any minor eye ailments can be assessed by your GP, Optometrist, Pharmacist or at the local clinic.

Please note that the Hospital will be closing on Friday 19th December 2025 and reopening on Monday, 5th January 2026. There may be delayed responses to website, email or messenger enquiries over this period. However, one of our Ophthalmologists will be on call and can be contacted on 033 812 2300 in case of an eye emergency. If you don't get an immediate response, please leave a message. The Doctor may be busy in a consultation so unable to answer. Should you still not have heard back after a couple of hours, feel free to call again.

15/12/2025

SELF-CARE FOR YOUR EYES

75% of blindness is avoidable through prevention or treatment. Learning about how to care for your eyes and taking quick and easy action to prevent what you can is so important.

Self-care includes protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by using UV A & B filtering sunglasses and wearing wide-brimmed sun hats (CANSA-approved are best!). These slow the formation of cataracts and pterygiums. Eye protection goggles should be used whenever performing activities in a workshop or metalwork to prevent pieces from entering the eye.

Beyond self-care, your optometrist plays a critical role in assessing your eyes to identify any changes or progression of conditions. Sticking with a healthcare professional you trust is particularly important for continuity of care so that they can compare your eyes to previous examination findings.

Chronic conditions can have a significant impact on your eye health and vision. We recommend an annual dilated eye exam with an ophthalmologist for people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of eye disorders such as AMD or glaucoma.

The team at the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital are available if you have any questions or would like guidance. www.pmbeyehospital.co.za

28/11/2025

“I can live my life to the full, with peace of mind, knowing my eye health is being managed and my sight protected despite my chronic conditions. My regular eye checks ensure early detection and that any corrective action needed is taken.”

Regular eye checks, at various life stages, are essential to protecting your eye health especially if you have any chronic conditions. Engage with your eye health care team (which includes your GP, Optometrist, Ophthalmologist, the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital) and see the difference an early intervention can make. That’s why we do what we do.

Life gets better when you can do things independently and safely. The things that you enjoy can be done any time you choose.

We commit to Expert Treatment and Exceptional Care.

19/11/2025

Are you enthusiastic about contributing to a positive patient experience? Do you thrive in a fast-paced surgical clinical environment? Do you enjoy working interdependently as part of a close team?

We are recruiting for an Registered Nurse in the Day Ward as a member of the nursing clinical care team.
To find out more about the position and apply, go here: https://www.pmbeyehospital.co.za/vacancies/

14/11/2025

“Diabetic eye disease is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness.” remarked ophthalmologist, Dr Uys. “Good blood glucose control is the most effective way to reduce diabetic complications, including problems with your eyes.”

Diabetes affects the cells that line the blood vessels throughout your body, especially those small vessels in the eyes (microvascular system). These damaged blood vessels feeding the light sensitive areas in the retina at the back of the eye become weak, swell, leak or become blocked. The damage is not immediately obvious. You can have a normal vision while your eyes are being affected. In fact, by the time you notice a change in your vision the damage is quite advanced, so the possibility of reversing the damage is limited and the risk for vision loss is greatly increased!

Dr Uys commented, “The only way to find out how your diabetes is affecting your eyes is to have a dilated eye examination by an ophthalmologist.” As soon as you are diagnosed with diabetes we recommend consulting an ophthalmologist who will assess your eyes and establish a baseline. This baseline may include photos and scans of the back of the eye to have for future reference. They will then work with you and your physician to minimise the impact diabetes has and protect your vision. An annual dilated eye examination will identify any areas of concern and treatment plans can be made.

On World Diabetes Day we encourage all those living with Diabetes to focus on the lifestyle decisions that will ensure controlled blood sugar levels. In turn, this will protect their vision to see the future clearly. Learn more and get support at Diabetes South Africa https://www.diabetessa.org.za

06/11/2025

“I can drive more confidently both at night and when there is poor visibility. I can exercise better judgement and get where I want to go”

Life gets better when you can do things independently and safely.

The things that bring meaning to your life.

At the Pietermaritzburg Eye Hospital we see the difference a procedure can make, on a daily basis. That’s why we do what we do.

We strive to help you be the best you can be.

We commit to Expert Treatment and Exceptional Care.

14/10/2025

We'd like to encourage you to wear your coolest sunglasses on 17 October 2025, to show your support for visually impaired South Africans. Get that R20 sticker to raise funds for this worthwhile cause!

On 17 October 2025, wear your coolest sunglasses and show your support for visually impaired South Africans.

Get your R20 sticker:

🕶️Buy digital sticker (link in bio) or
🕶️Buy a physical sticker at these participating partner retailers:

😎 Pick n Pay (*selected stores)

😎

😎

😎

😎Spar (*Western Cape selected stores)

🎁 Stand a chance to WIN R20 000 in prizes! Simply:

1️⃣ Snap a picture of yourself, your group, or your pet in your best shades.
2️⃣ Post and tag
with .