Eye Health

Motswedi Information Centre, a division of the SANCB, is committed to promoting eye health education in South Africa and its neighbouring countries, through the distribution of information and education materials.

Based at our Pretoria Head Office, the Centre offers a free walk-in service as well as a distance enquiry service.

Visitors can access reference books on common eye diseases, ophthalmology, eye surgery, refractive errors and community eye health, as well as slide sets, posters, leaflets, health journals and newsletters.

Motswedi is not just a library, but a two-way channel of communication. Users – mainly health workers, ophthalmic nursing students, universities, schools, libraries, hospitals, eye clinics, government departments and researchers – not only obtain information, but also contribute relevant information for use by others.

Common eye disorders

Cataract

Cataract is a gradual clouding of the lens, leading to blurred or dull vision. Although some babies are born with congenital cataract, it more commonly occurs in older people. Cataract surgery – during which the damaged lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens – is quick, painless and relatively inexpensive.

'I can see again!' – read about the miracle of cataract surgery.

Although it can occur at any age, retinal detachment is more common in people over the age of 40. Symptoms include in floaters or specks, flashes of light or the appearance of a curtain over the field of vision.
Treatment is usually by surgery, and is best performed before the centre part of the retina (the macular) is affected. If you suspect you may have detached retinas, see a health care professional immediately.

Caused by an increase in pressure in the eye, glaucoma initially causes no pain or specific symptoms. Most people do not know they have it until they experience some vision lost. Although the disease can be successfully treated, lost vision cannot be restored. It is thus important to have your eyes tested for glaucoma regularly, after the age of 40.

Diabetic eye disease is not just a disease of the retina – it's a disease of the blood vessels in the retina and it affects the walls of blood vessels throughout the body, which is why patients who fail to manage their disease effectively can develop severe damage to the limbs, leading to amputation of feet or legs.

Often diabetic eye disease has no symptoms or early warning signs. If you have diabetes, get a dilated eye examination at least once a year.

This test allows an eye care professional to view the retina to detect early damage to blood vessels, and to adjust your medication if necessary.