A cataract develops when the lens inside the eye loses its transparency. It can make vision blurry, make lights appear brighter, or cause colors to look less vivid.

You may notice cloudy vision, difficulty driving at night, more glare from lights, or frequent changes in your glasses prescription. These changes can have other causes, so an eye examination is needed to confirm the diagnosis.

No. Eye drops and medicines cannot make a cloudy lens clear again. When a cataract affects your vision or daily activities, treatment involves surgically removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an intraocular lens.

Usually, no. The timing depends on how much the cataract affects your vision and daily life, as well as the overall health of your eye. You can discuss surgery when reading, driving, or other activities become difficult.

Yes. Cataracts can develop at different rates in each eye. An examination will show how each eye is affected and help guide the next steps.

The cataract itself cannot grow back because the cloudy natural lens has been removed. In some people, the membrane that holds the new lens becomes cloudy months or years later. This is called posterior capsule opacification and can usually be treated with a laser.

That depends on the intraocular lens selected, the characteristics of your eyes, and your near and distance vision needs. Some people still use glasses for reading or particular activities. Your ophthalmologist will explain the options before you choose a lens.

SMILE PRO is a laser vision correction technique that changes the shape of the cornea through a small incision. It is used to correct nearsightedness and, in selected patients, astigmatism, with the aim of reducing dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

Your specialist will assess your prescription and its stability, as well as the shape, thickness, and health of your cornea. The examination also checks for dry eye or other conditions that may affect the outcome. These findings help determine whether SMILE PRO or another option is right for you.

SMILE PRO uses a small incision and does not require a corneal flap. FemtoLASIK creates a flap with one laser and uses another laser to correct the prescription. Each technique has its own indications; no single approach is best for everyone.

Anesthetic eye drops are applied before the procedure. The laser creates a small piece of tissue inside the cornea, which the surgeon removes through a small incision to adjust how the eye focuses. The team will explain each step and your aftercare instructions.

Many people return to routine activities within a few days, although vision can change as the eye heals. Wait until your specialist confirms that you can drive safely, and follow their instructions about screens, exercise, makeup, and swimming.

The goal is to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses, but results vary with each person's prescription and eye characteristics. Natural changes over time, including presbyopia, can also affect near vision.

FemtoLASIK is a laser vision correction procedure. A femtosecond laser creates a thin corneal flap, and an excimer laser changes the shape of the cornea. It may be used for selected cases of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

In FemtoLASIK, the corneal flap is created with a femtosecond laser. In conventional LASIK, it may be created with a mechanical instrument. Your specialist will recommend an approach based on your corneal measurements and visual needs.

The evaluation includes your prescription and its stability, corneal thickness and shape, tear quality, and overall eye health. If the cornea is too thin or has certain changes, your specialist can discuss other options.

Anesthetic eye drops are applied first. A femtosecond laser creates a thin flap in the cornea; then a second laser adjusts its shape to correct your prescription. The surgeon places the flap back in position at the end of the procedure.

Many people notice an improvement in vision during the first few days. Vision may fluctuate as the eye heals, so it is important to use the prescribed drops, avoid rubbing your eyes, and attend follow-up appointments. Your specialist will advise when you can drive, exercise, and return to work.

Talk about your daily activities, how much you rely on glasses or contact lenses, and what you hope to achieve. The evaluation will cover corneal and ocular surface health, available alternatives, and what outcome is reasonable for your eyes.

Presbyopia is a gradual loss of the eye's ability to focus up close. You may begin holding your phone farther away, need more light to read, or find that your arms no longer seem long enough. It is a natural change in vision with age.

No. Presbyopia makes it harder to focus up close. A cataract occurs when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy and can affect vision at different distances. Both can occur together, so it helps to identify what is causing changes in your vision.

Depending on your eyes and daily activities, options may include reading glasses, progressive lenses, contact lenses, or surgical procedures. The choice also depends on whether you have a cataract, your corneal health, and how much you would like to reduce your use of glasses.

PRESBYOND is a personalized laser treatment for presbyopia. It adjusts the focus of the two eyes in a complementary way to support distance, intermediate, and near vision. It aims to reduce dependence on glasses; results vary from person to person.

It may be an option for people with presbyopia whose eyes are suitable for laser surgery. The evaluation looks at the cornea, prescription, tear quality, and how the eyes work together. At the Instituto, eligibility is determined individually after a complete examination.

No. PRESBYOND treats the cornea and does not replace the natural lens. Cataract surgery removes a cloudy natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens. If you have a cataract, your ophthalmologist will discuss which treatment best addresses your needs.

Some people notice a change soon after treatment, but vision may fluctuate while the eyes heal and the brain adapts to a new way of focusing. The adjustment period is different for everyone; follow-up visits help track your progress.

Eye health is monitored from a child's earliest pediatric visits. At the Instituto, a complete ophthalmic evaluation is recommended during the first year of life. If you notice a turned eye, a white-looking pupil, or have a relevant family history, arrange an evaluation sooner.

Your child may sit very close to books or screens, squint, tilt their head, or lose their place when reading. Some children show no clear signs and assume everyone sees as they do, so vision checks are useful even without a complaint.

No. A school screening can identify a possible vision issue, but it does not replace a complete examination. A child who does not pass the screening, has visual changes, or has relevant risk factors should have a full eye examination.

Amblyopia occurs when vision in one or both eyes does not develop as expected during childhood. It can happen, for example, when the eyes have very different prescriptions or when an eye is misaligned. Early detection makes it possible to start treatment while vision is still developing.

Yes. Treatment depends on the cause and may include glasses, patching, medication, or surgery. If you notice that one eye turns, even occasionally, have it evaluated.

It does not always indicate an eye condition, but it may be a clue that your child has trouble seeing at a distance. If they also squint or hold books very close, an eye examination can help identify the cause.

Using screens can contribute to visual fatigue and dryness because we tend to blink less often. Regular breaks, time outdoors, and screen use suited to your child's age can help support healthy visual habits.

Glaucoma is a group of conditions that affect the optic nerve, which carries visual information to the brain. It can progress without obvious changes at first, so a simple visual acuity test cannot rule it out.

Yes. Early changes can affect areas of vision that are easy to overlook. An examination of the optic nerve and eye pressure, with additional tests when needed, can help detect glaucoma and monitor it over time.

Not necessarily. High eye pressure increases the likelihood of glaucoma, but some people with elevated pressure never develop it. Glaucoma can also occur at an eye pressure that appears normal. Diagnosis requires a broader assessment of the eye.

Existing damage to the optic nerve generally cannot be reversed. Treatment aims to slow or prevent further changes and preserve the vision you have. Regular follow-up remains important even when you notice no change in your sight.

Depending on the type and stage, treatment may include eye drops, laser treatment, or surgery to lower eye pressure. Your specialist will adjust the plan according to test results and how each eye responds.

Do not stop them on your own. A lower reading may mean the treatment is working. Pressure can rise again after stopping the drops, even if your vision seems unchanged, so discuss any adjustments with your ophthalmologist.

Tell your doctor if you have a close relative with glaucoma, elevated eye pressure, a history of eye injury, or other relevant eye conditions. Age can also affect your likelihood of developing glaucoma. Your specialist can advise how often to have an examination.

This specialty focuses on the eyelids, tear drainage system, and tissues around the eyes. It addresses drooping eyelids, eyelid lesions, changes in eyelid position, and some causes of tearing, as well as aesthetic concerns.

Excess skin or a low eyelid can block part of the pupil, lead you to raise your eyebrows to see, or make it harder to look upward. An examination can identify which structure is involved and whether treatment may help.

Blepharoplasty removes or repositions eyelid tissue when appropriate. The result depends on your anatomy and the surgical plan. During your consultation, you can explain the changes you have noticed and the features you would like to preserve.

A CO2 laser may be used in certain oculoplastic procedures and treatments of the skin around the eyes. An evaluation will determine whether it is suitable for your goals, what results to expect, and what your recovery will involve.

No. It could be a stye, a chalazion, or another type of lesion. If it persists, grows, bleeds, changes appearance, or affects vision, have a specialist examine it before trying to remove or treat it yourself.

Recovery varies with the procedure and the individual. Before surgery, your specialist will explain how to care for the area, when follow-up visits are needed, and when you can resume your activities.

Signs can include redness, tearing, or blurred vision that comes and goes, especially when using screens or spending time in air-conditioned rooms. An examination can determine whether dry eye or another condition is causing these changes.

When the tear film does not keep the eye's surface stable, the eye may produce reflex tears. Tearing can also have other causes, including allergies or changes in how tears drain from the eye.

Yes. We tend to blink less while concentrating on a screen, allowing tears to evaporate more quickly. Taking breaks, blinking regularly, and avoiding direct air conditioning can help.

Artificial tears may help, but different drops serve different purposes. For example, drops sold to "take the red out" do not necessarily treat dry eye. If you need drops often, it is helpful to identify the cause before choosing a treatment.

Yes. Depending on its cause and severity, care may include lubricating drops, changes in daily habits, eyelid care, or specific procedures. The aim is to support a healthy ocular surface and stable vision.

Yes. Tear quality is evaluated before recommending refractive surgery because it can affect vision after the procedure. When needed, your specialist may recommend treating dry eye before deciding which technique is suitable.

The cornea is the clear layer covering the front of the eye. It helps focus light and keep vision sharp. Changes in its shape or transparency can affect how clearly you see.

Keratoconus is a condition in which the cornea becomes thinner and changes shape, causing blurry or distorted vision. Your glasses prescription may change repeatedly, and glasses alone may no longer provide the clarity you expect.

Along with an eye examination, the specialist takes detailed measurements and maps of the cornea's shape. These tests help confirm the condition, monitor changes, and choose the appropriate care.

No. Depending on the stage, options may include specialty contact lenses or treatments such as corneal cross-linking to help slow progression. A transplant is considered in more advanced cases or when other options do not provide sufficient vision.

It is important to avoid frequent or vigorous rubbing, especially if you have keratoconus or may be developing it. If you often feel the need to rub your eyes, an evaluation can identify the reason and help you care for your cornea.

Seek an evaluation promptly if you notice a sudden change in vision or pronounced redness, particularly if you wear contact lenses. Your specialist can identify the cause and recommend appropriate care.

The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. It captures images that the brain then interprets. Your ophthalmologist may dilate your pupils to examine it and request further tests when needed.

Floaters are dots, threads, or small shadows that seem to move across your vision. They are often related to changes in the vitreous, the gel-like substance inside the eye. If they appear suddenly or increase significantly, have your retina checked.

New flashes, particularly when accompanied by many new floaters, may indicate a retinal tear. A shadow or "curtain" across your vision may be a sign of retinal detachment. Seek urgent eye care the same day.

It may appear as flashes, many new floaters, or a shadow covering part of your vision. If you notice any of these changes, go immediately to an ophthalmologist or emergency department.

Some tears can be treated with laser or freezing treatment to help prevent a detachment. Once the retina has detached, surgery is usually required. Treatment depends on where the problem is and how much of the retina is affected.

A sudden change or loss of vision requires urgent medical attention, even if it improves afterward. Different conditions can cause it, and an early examination helps determine the right treatment.

It is a condition affecting the macula, the area of the retina used for reading and seeing fine details. It can cause blurred central vision or make straight lines appear bent. There are different forms, so follow-up and treatment depend on the diagnosis.

Yes. Changes in the retina can begin without noticeable vision changes. Seeing well does not replace a dilated eye examination at the interval recommended by your specialist.

Diabetic retinopathy involves changes to the retina's small blood vessels caused by diabetes. These changes can lead to bleeding, fluid buildup, and vision problems. Early stages may not produce noticeable changes in sight.

As a general guide, a complete dilated eye examination is recommended at least once a year. Your schedule may differ depending on your type of diabetes, when it was diagnosed, pregnancy, and what the examination shows.

Eye drops widen your pupils so the specialist can examine your retina and optic nerve. Near vision may be blurry for a few hours. Before your appointment, ask whether someone should accompany you for the trip home.

Keep up with your diabetes care and work with your physician to manage blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Attend your recommended retinal examinations even when you have not noticed a change in your sight.

Yes. Depending on the examination findings, care may involve closer follow-up, injections into the eye, laser treatment, or surgery. Treatment can help reduce the likelihood of vision loss, though outcomes depend on the stage of the condition.

No. Diabetes can affect the retina before you notice a change. If your vision changes suddenly, seek an eye examination promptly instead of waiting for your next scheduled appointment.