Regional guide

Eye health in Latin America

Clinically reviewed · Last reviewed 2026-06-13

Common conditions in daily practice

Urban and rural clinics alike see refractive errors, dry eye, conjunctivitis, cataracts and pterygium from sun exposure.

Short-sightedness and presbyopia — reading and driving difficulties
Cataracts — leading surgical cause of blindness in older adults
Glaucoma — often undetected without screening
Diabetic retinopathy where diabetes care is improving but screening gaps remain

Regional neglected tropical diseases

Some eye-threatening infections persist in focal areas and are targets of WHO elimination or control programmes.

Onchocerciasis (river blindness) near fast-flowing rivers in the Amazon and other endemic foci
Trachoma in remote communities — SAFE strategy with antibiotics and surgery
Cysticercosis from Taenia solium — can affect the eye and brain; linked to pork hygiene
Vitamin A deficiency in isolated malnutrition settings

Children and premature babies

Retinopathy of prematurity screening matters in neonatal units. Amblyopia and squint should be checked in early childhood — not left until school fails.

Urgent symptoms — same worldwide

Sudden vision loss, chemical injury, penetrating trauma, acute glaucoma (pain, halos, nausea), or retinal detachment symptoms need emergency eye or hospital care.

Related topics for this region

Cysticercosis and the eye Tapeworm 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. Trachoma A leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide, spread by contact and flies; preventable with hygiene and WHO programmes. Vitamin A deficiency and the eye Lack of vitamin A dries the eye surface and is a leading preventable cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetes-related damage to retinal blood vessels; screening finds silent disease, and macular swelling (DME) needs targeted treatment. Glaucoma Optic nerve damage often linked to eye pressure; the common type is silent until side vision is lost — regular tests are essential. Pterygium A fleshy growth on the surface of the eye linked to sun exposure; usually harmless but can affect vision if large. Retinopathy of prematurity Abnormal blood vessel growth in premature babies' retinas; screened and treated to prevent vision loss. Mass drug administration How WHO community treatment programmes distribute medicines to prevent trachoma and river blindness — public health, not self-treatment. Sun and eye protection UV damage, choosing sunglasses, hats and WHO-aligned habits to protect eyes across a lifetime.

Frequently asked questions

Is cysticercosis an eye problem in Latin America?

Yes. Ocular cysticercosis occurs when tapeworm larvae reach the eye. It is uncommon but serious, and more frequently reported in parts of Mexico, Peru, Ecuador and other endemic areas.

Is river blindness still found in Latin America?

Onchocerciasis persists in some Amazonian and other foci, though WHO-led mass treatment has reduced new blindness in many areas.

Do I need sunglasses in Latin America?

Strong UV near the equator and high altitude increases cataract and pterygium risk. UV-blocking sunglasses and hats help long-term eye health.