Regular glaucoma screenings are recommended for people over the age of forty, especially if there is a family history of glaucoma. Screenings typically involve several tests, including tonometry to check the eye pressure; visual field testing to test sight at various areas of your vision; pachymetry to assess the thickness of the cornea; ophthalmoscopy to check for damage to the optic nerve; gonioscopy to look at the outflow angle and determine whether the iris is situated in an abnormal position; and optic nerve and retinal layer imaging (OCT or HRT) to check for any changes in the optic nerves and ganglion cell layer of the retina over time. All of these tests are painless, and Dr Enslin Uys will let you know which tests are recommended for your particular needs.
Sometimes, medication may not be sufficient, in which case Dr Enslin Uys may recommend glaucoma surgery. One of the most common procedures is laser surgery, which works by increasing the flow of fluid from the eye and preventing blockages. There are a number of laser surgeries available, including trabeculoplasty, which works by opening up the drainage area; iridotomy, which involves making an a small hole in the iris to let fluid flow via an alternative path from the back to the front of the eye; and cyclophotocoagulation, which reduces the production of fluid by applying laser to the ciliary body, a part of the middle layer of the wall of the eye, situated just behind the iris.
Microsurgery is also an option, in which case Dr Enslin Uys will create a drainage procedure called a trabeculectomy. This allows the excess fluid to drain out of the eye and get absorbed under the skin, also called the conjunctiva, of the eye. This will help to relieve pressure in the eye. Sometimes, a tube or drainage device is implanted. The latest technique is the placement of a I stent. The I Stent is cutting edge technology and currently the smallest device implanted in the human body. Dr Uys has gained valuable experience in implanting these devices in early glaucom. The choice depends on the type of glaucoma you have and how advanced it is. Dr Enslin Uys is well qualified in helping you make the correct decision.
Glaucoma Treatment FAQ
- Is the whole eye transplanted during this surgery?
No, only the cornea—the clear, thin front “window” of the eye—is replaced during
transplant. The rest of the eye remains intact. This is a common myth in South
Africa, and it is important for patients to know that the procedure is limited to the
surface of the eye - Why is glaucoma called the “silent thief of sight”?
Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” because it typically causes no pain and
no obvious symptoms in its early stages. Most patients do not notice any change in
their vision until significant, permanent damage to the optic nerve has already
occurred. Regular screening with Dr. Enslin Uys in Pietermaritzburg is the only way
to detect glaucoma before vision loss begins. - What are the warning signs of glaucoma?
The primary warning sign of glaucoma is the gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision,
which often goes unnoticed by the patient. Because there is rarely pain or redness,
the disease is usually “silent” until it reaches an advanced stage. This is why routine
eye pressure checks and optic nerve scans are essential for early detection - What is a "normal" or "target" eye pressure?
A “target pressure” is the specific eye pressure level required to prevent further optic
nerve damage in an individual patient. While “normal” pressure is generally between
12–21 mmHg, some people develop glaucoma at lower pressures. Dr. Enslin Uys
determines your personal target pressure based on the current health of your optic
nerve. - Will I go blind from glaucoma?
While glaucoma can lead to blindness if left untreated, total vision loss is almost
always preventable with early diagnosis and consistent treatment. In South Africa,
the key to saving your sight is lifelong management and attending every follow-up
appointment in Pietermaritzburg to ensure your eye pressure remains controlled - Is there a cure for glaucoma?
No, there is no permanent cure for glaucoma, but the condition can be successfully
managed for life. Treatment is focused on lowering eye pressure to stop or slow
further vision loss. Because it is a chronic condition, it requires ongoing care rather
than a one-time “fix.” - Is glaucoma hereditary?
Yes, glaucoma has a strong genetic component, and having a close relative with the
condition significantly increases your risk. If you have been diagnosed, it is vital to inform your siblings and children so they can begin regular screenings with an eye
specialist - What should I do if I miss a dose of my glaucoma eye drops?
If you miss a dose, you should typically use the drops as soon as you remember and
then return to your regular schedule. Do not “double up” on doses. Consistent use is
the most important factor in preventing vision loss, so contact Dr. Enslin Uys’s rooms
if you find it difficult to maintain your daily routine - Are glaucoma eye drops supposed to sting?
Some mild stinging or redness is a common side effect of glaucoma medication, but
it should not be debilitating. If your drops cause persistent pain or severe redness,
Dr. Enslin Uys can often prescribe alternative preservative-free drops or discuss
laser treatments to reduce your reliance on medication. - Is glaucoma surgery a last resort?
No, surgery or laser treatment (SLT) is not always a last resort and may b
recommended early if eye drops are ineffective or poorly tolerated. The choice
between drops, laser, or surgery depends on how well your eye pressure is
controlled and the rate of any vision changes