Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology is the field of the medicine that prevents, diagnoses and treat diseases of the eyes, orbit and lacrimal system. Ophthalmologists are doctors specializing in eye care with advanced medical and surgical training, who diagnose and treat all different eye diseases, perform eye surgery, and prescribe and fit glasses and contact lenses to correct vision problems. Due to their medical education, during the ophthalmology consultation they can recognize other health problems associated or not with vision that may require evaluation by other of our specialist for comprehensive management of the patient.

Ophthalmological evaluations are recommended during all stages of life due to silent conditions that can compromise our vision. During the first 8 years of life in the process of visual development of children, early detection test are sought in order to initiate timely treatments or monitor good visual development. It is advisable to perform an ophthalmological examination on children at birth, at one year of age, before entering school life and during adolescence, or in case of any symptoms manifested by the child such as blurred vision, itching, red eye, watering or other symptoms of ocular discomfort.

In patients under 40 years of age, it is recommended to carry out evaluations if there is any ocular alteration since adolescence, in case of systemic diseases or family conditions. Evaluations are recommended according to each patient, but in general annual review is suggested to monitor the appearance of any changes in the eyes and vision.

At the age of 40 it´s important to have a complete eye examen, this is the time when changes in near vision may occur that can lead to symptoms of fatigue or heaviness with activities such as reading. Symptoms that may indicate the appearance of presbyopia and the needed to wear glasses. Between the ages of 40 and 60, you may notice a worsening of near vision and intermediate vision, which may require adjustments in your lens prescription. In addition, an evaluation is recommended every two years to determine the appearance of disease such glaucoma and cataracts. Both detected during the ophthalmological evaluation.

After de age of 60, if there is no previous eye disease, it is recommended to attend an ophthalmic evaluation once a year to rule out common disease at this age such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age macular degeneration and glaucoma. This because the risk of developing eye disease increases with age and the initiation of timely treatment can prevent vision loss.