Regional guide

Eye health in Latin America

Medical reviewer Mr Mohamed Mohyudin· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

How review works · Official biography & credentials

Where to start

Referral routes differ between countries and public, social-security and private services. Ask your usual health centre or insurer how to see an ophthalmologist. For sudden sight loss or serious injury, use your local emergency service.

Referrals, eligibility and costs

Confirm referral rules, waiting lists and charges with your own health service. The official Mexican cataract programme below applies to Mexico; it is not a scheme for the whole region.

Keep your eye-care appointments

Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy can develop before vision changes are noticeable. Ask your eye-care team which examinations you need and when to return. Your age, medical history, family history and previous results affect this plan.

When to seek immediate help

Sudden loss of sight, a dark curtain over vision, a serious eye injury or severe eye pain needs immediate assessment. New flashes or suddenly increasing floaters need urgent eye care. Do not wait for a routine screening appointment.

Related topics for this region

Cysticercosis and the eyeTapeworm larvae can lodge in the eye in endemic areas; causes vision loss if untreated — a WHO neglected tropical disease.Onchocerciasis (river blindness)A parasitic eye disease spread by black flies; a WHO-targeted cause of preventable blindness in affected regions.TrachomaA leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, spread by contact and flies; preventable with hygiene and WHO programmes.Vitamin A deficiency and the eyeLack of vitamin A dries the eye surface and is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide.Diabetic retinopathyDiabetes damages retinal vessels, often before you notice; screening finds treatable change — sudden floaters or vision loss are emergencies.GlaucomaOptic nerve damage often linked to eye pressure; the common type is silent until side vision is lost — regular tests are essential.PterygiumA fleshy growth on the surface of the eye linked to sun exposure; usually harmless but can affect vision if large.Retinopathy of prematurityAbnormal blood vessel growth in premature babies' retinas; screened and treated to prevent vision loss.Mass drug administrationHow WHO community treatment programmes distribute medicines to prevent trachoma and river blindness — public health, not self-treatment.Sun and eye protectionUV damage, choosing sunglasses, hats and WHO-aligned habits to protect eyes across a lifetime.

Find care where you live

Choose a regional guide for local services and practical information.

Your language does not determine where you receive care. Choose the country or region where you live; every guide is available in English, Spanish and Indonesian.

Latin America

Confirm referral rules, waiting lists and charges with your own health service. The official Mexican cataract programme below applies to Mexico; it is not a scheme for the whole region.

México: estrategia Ver por México ↗

Frequently asked questions

Does choosing a language change the healthcare system?

No. Language and country are separate choices. Read in the language you understand best, and use the guide for the country or region where you receive care.