Sight, one of the most important senses in the evolution of humans, receives special care in Cuba's health system, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to treat several eye ailments.

In the field of ophthalmology, Cuba has made great achievements in treating retinitis pigmentosa, a hereditary anomaly that causes the narrowing of the field of vision, leading to blindness.

In that regard, Cuba is the only country that a strong and successful program, implemented for a decade, to treat patients suffering from retinitis pigmentosa. The treatment consists of intraocular and extraocular surgery that improves the patient's capacity to generate new blood vessels.

As a complement, the treatment resorts to ozone therapy, electrical stimuli and magneto-therapy, in addition to drugs that oxygenate the cells.

Cuba's health services offer a wide range of treatments to cure several vision problems, including cataract, glaucoma and cornea transplants.

Corrections of eye anomalies in Cuba exceed the expectations of medical care in Latin America, thanks to the installation of hi-tech equipment in several specialized hospitals.

One of the latest technologies includes a piece of equipment known as laser excimer, which allows curing 80 percent of cases of residual astigmatism as a result of a cornea transplant.

Thus the successful results achieved in all patients, who do not need to wear prescription glasses after surgery, and a considerable drop in complications that may influence the final result.

Cuba's health system carries out general ophthalmologic tests to assess visual sharpness, including tonometric and biomicroscopic tests.

Patients affected by cornea problems or cataract undergo keratometric tests, computerized corneal topography and diagnostic echography, among other tests and treatments.

In the field of ophthalmology, Cuba and Venezuela are promoting a medical initiative known as "Operación Milagro" (Operation Miracle), which is aimed at providing alternative treatments to thousands of Latin Americans suffering from eye problems, using state-of-the-art technology.

As a mechanism to exchange experiences and improve the qualification of experts, Cuba has collaborated for many years with the international project ORBIS, a program that consists of performing eye surgery with the participation of Cuban professionals.