Glaucoma treatment designed around your vision

Discover how personalised treatment can help manage glaucoma and support your long-term eye health.

Glaucoma treatment designed around your vision

Discover how personalised treatment can help manage glaucoma and support your long-term eye health.

Understanding glaucoma can help you protect your vision

Discover how glaucoma affects your eyes, how it can be treated and what you can do to help protect your sight

What is glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain. The damage can affect your vision and, without appropriate management, may lead to permanent sight loss. Glaucoma is often associated with increased pressure inside the eye, although it can also develop when eye pressure is within the normal range. Because the condition can progress gradually, some people may not notice changes to their vision in the early stages. Regular eye examinations can help detect glaucoma and allow treatment to begin when appropriate.

Glaucoma does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which is one reason regular eye examinations are important. As the condition progresses, it can cause gradual loss of peripheral vision, meaning you may begin to lose some of your side vision without realising it. More sudden symptoms, such as severe eye pain, blurred vision, redness, nausea or seeing halos around lights, can occur with certain forms of glaucoma and require urgent medical attention. If you notice any significant or sudden change in your vision, seek professional eye care promptly.

There are several types of glaucoma, and the underlying causes can vary. In many cases, glaucoma is linked to problems with the drainage of fluid from the eye, which can cause pressure inside the eye to increase. However, glaucoma can also occur when eye pressure is not elevated. Your risk may be influenced by factors including age, family history, certain medical conditions and previous eye problems. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop glaucoma, but understanding your individual risk can help you and your eye care professional decide how your eyes should be monitored.

A glaucoma assessment involves more than simply checking how clearly you can see. Your eye care professional may measure the pressure inside your eyes, examine the optic nerve and assess your visual field to look for changes in your peripheral vision. Additional tests may also be used to examine the structure of the optic nerve and surrounding tissues. These assessments can help identify glaucoma and monitor whether the condition is changing over time. Because early glaucoma may not cause noticeable symptoms, regular examinations can be particularly important for people who have an increased risk of developing the condition.

Treatment for glaucoma focuses on managing the condition and protecting the optic nerve from further damage. Depending on the type and severity of glaucoma, treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser treatment or surgery. These approaches can help lower or control pressure inside the eye, which may reduce the risk of further damage. The most appropriate treatment depends on your individual circumstances and the type of glaucoma you have. Treatment cannot usually reverse existing optic nerve damage, so early diagnosis and appropriate management are important for protecting your remaining vision.

In some cases, glaucoma surgery may be recommended when other treatments are not sufficiently controlling eye pressure or when a more effective way of managing the condition is needed. Glaucoma surgery aims to improve the drainage of fluid from the eye or reduce the amount of fluid being produced, helping to lower eye pressure. There are different surgical approaches, and the most appropriate option depends on the type and severity of glaucoma and your individual eye health. Your ophthalmologist can explain the potential benefits, risks and expected recovery associated with any recommended procedure.

There is currently no cure that can restore vision already lost because of glaucoma. However, treatment can help control the condition and reduce the risk of further damage to the optic nerve. Managing glaucoma is often a long-term process, which may involve regular eye examinations, monitoring of eye pressure and ongoing treatment. Following your treatment plan and attending recommended follow-up appointments can help your ophthalmologist monitor your condition and make changes to your treatment when needed. The earlier glaucoma is detected and managed, the more opportunity there is to protect the vision you still have.

Take the first step towards clearer, healthier vision

Request an appointment to understand your eyes, explore your options and find out what treatment may be right for you.

Take the first step towards clearer, healthier vision

Request an appointment to understand your eyes, explore your options and find out what treatment may be right for you.

See your best in 3 simple steps 

Your eye health matters. We make your journey from your first assessment to better vision clear, simple and personal

Step 1: Get in touch

Every pair of eyes is different, so the right treatment depends on your vision, eye health, lifestyle and goals. Get in touch with our friendly team to arrange your initial assessment and find out how we can help.

Step 2: We’ll meet 

At your assessment, we’ll take the time to understand your needs and examine your eyes in detail. We’ll explain your options, answer your questions and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of the next step and what to expect.

Step 3: Enjoy Freedom

Once your treatment is complete, you can look forward to the lasting benefits of clearer, more comfortable vision. Whether your goal is greater freedom from glasses, improved everyday vision or better eye health, we’re here to support you throughout your journey.

The difference better vision can make

Discover how the right eye care has helped our patients see and live with greater confidence.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“From the telephone call to walking into reception, meeting the assistants, and finally seeing Dr Sven, it was such a wonderful experience. The staff are amazing, and Dr Sven is just as amazing. I found him on Google, and to whoever is reading this, book with him! Such a calm and lovely experience.”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Thank you so much for taking such great care of my mom. I really appreciate your willingness to help so quickly, and we are so grateful for your fantastic skill and expertise. ”

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“The level of skill, professionalism, flexibility, and service provided by Dr Sven, senior optometrist Shaarla, and the staff have been exceptionally high. Dr Sven and Shaarla went above and beyond to help diagnose the effects of the injury and provide initial treatment, using state-of-the-art equipment and methods. ”

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Dr  Sven  Obholzer

MBChB (Stell), MMed Ophth (Stell), FC Ophth (SA)

I’m a specialist ophthalmologist with more than 14 years of experience in eye care and microsurgery. I trained at Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, where I completed my Master’s Degree in Ophthalmology and Fellowship of the College of Ophthalmologists of South Africa. My main areas of interest include retinal surgery, cataract surgery and anterior segment surgery. As founder of the Namibia Eye Institute, I use modern surgical techniques and advanced technology. My focus is simple: to provide careful, evidence-based treatment that is tailored to each patient.