Treatment and Support for Vision Loss
Treatment and support for vision loss depends on its cause, severity, and whether the damage is reversible. Some conditions require surgery or long-term medication, while others need support strategies to help individuals adapt to vision changes.
8 Common Treatments:
1. Glasses and contact lenses
- Correct refractive errors.
- Affordable options available in most towns and through public programmes.
2. Cataract surgery
- A quick, highly effective procedure where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one.
- Restores vision in most cases.
- Public hospitals in SA offer surgery, though waiting lists can be long.
3. Medication
- Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma.
- Steroids or anti-inflammatory drops for uveitis or allergic eye disease.
- Antibiotics or antivirals for infections like conjunctivitis or herpes simplex keratitis.
4. Laser therapy
- Used to treat retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma.
5. Intravitreal injections
- Anti-VEGF injections for wet macular degeneration or severe diabetic eye disease.
- Available in tertiary hospitals and private eye centres.
6. Low vision aids
- Magnifying glasses
- Large-print books and software
- Audio devices, screen readers, and mobile apps
- Braille systems for total vision loss
7. Orientation and mobility training
- Helps blind or visually impaired people navigate their surroundings safely.
- Includes use of white canes or guide dogs (less common in SA).
8. Support and counselling
- Vision loss can cause depression, anxiety, and isolation.
- Support groups, therapy, and practical training offer emotional strength and independence.
South African resources:
- South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) provides rehabilitation, employment support, and advocacy.
- Public sector eye clinics, like at Tygerberg, Groote Schuur, or Steve Biko hospitals, offer subsidised care.
- Community NGOs supply free spectacles, eye screenings, and education outreach.
Treatment and Support for Vision Loss
Treatment success depends on early diagnosis, consistent care, and access to support tools.
👉 [Next: Living with Vision Loss – Adjustment and Independence]
