For fifty-two years, the Espaillat Cabral Institute has left an indelible mark on the health sector, specifically in the field of ophthalmology, by carrying the torch and leading the way in the provision of services in this branch of medicine in the Dominican Republic. Innovation and the latest advances in ophthalmologic medical technology have been an unstoppable constant at the Institute throughout its history.
We have a complete and innovative center for ophthalmologic diagnostic studies and we offer consultation services for all subspecialties:
Fuchs' dystrophy is an eye disease that affects the cornea, a transparent layer that covers the eye. The cornea has the function of focusing light entering the eye and transmitting it to the retina, which allows us to see clear images. Fuchs' dystrophy occurs when fluid accumulates in the cornea, causing swelling and damage to the cells that form the cornea.
Horner's syndrome is a neurological condition that can have a variety of causes and can result in a number of eye and facial symptoms. If symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye disease that primarily affects people over the age of 50 and can cause significant loss of central vision. It occurs when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision, deteriorates over time. AMD is classified into two types: dry AMD and wet AMD. Dry AMD is the more common and progressive form, while wet AMD is rarer but more severe.
Lagophthalmos is a condition that prevents the eyes from closing completely. If the problem only occurs when sleeping, it is called nocturnal lagophthalmos.
Healthy eyes and vision are extremely important for optimal sports performance. There are several important visual skills that can affect the practice of a sport. If you want to perform at your best, it is essential that you make sure you see your best.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune arthritis that affects the joints and other body tissues. In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's cells and tissues, causing inflammation in the joints. This chronic inflammation can damage joint tissue and cause pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility in the affected joints.
Children are too young and inexperienced to realize that something is wrong with their vision. Often, eye problems go undetected until they are older, especially if they don't have eye exams other than those they get at school or from their pediatrician. But, as parents, we can notice things that could be signs that your child has vision problems. And the sooner these problems are treated, the better.
Patients with ocular pathologies often describe a sensation of sand or foreign body in the eye, even though there is nothing there. This symptom, increasingly common in ophthalmology, is aggravated by visual fatigue due to remote work and prolonged use of screens.
Retinoblastoma is a type of pediatric cancer that develops in the retina of the eye. The retina is located at the back of the eye. It has layers of cells that sense light and send information to the brain.
Stargardt's disease is a rare genetic eye disease that occurs when fatty material builds up in the macula, the small part of the retina needed for sharp, detailed vision.
A pinguecula is a benign, or non-cancerous, growth that develops in the eye. It occurs in the conjunctiva, the thin layer of tissue that lines the white part of the eye. It can appear at any age, but occurs mostly in middle-aged and older people. These growths rarely need to be removed and, in most cases, no treatment is necessary.
Trachoma is a bacterial infection that affects the eyes. It is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Trachoma is contagious and is spread through contact with the eyes, eyelids, and nasal or pharyngeal secretions of infected persons. It can also be transmitted by handling infected objects, such as handkerchiefs.
Presbyopia is the normal loss of the ability to focus on objects up close, which occurs with age. Most people begin to notice the effects of presbyopia in their 40s, when they begin to have trouble seeing small print, including phone text messages, clearly.
Eye burning is usually a stinging and irritating sensation in the eyes. It can also cause itching or tearing, as well as eye discharge. It is uncomfortable and can be a health problem.
Symptoms that accompany eye burning may include:
Floaters appear as small spots that move across the visual field. They may stand out when you look at something bright, such as white paper or the sky. They may bother you, but they should not interfere with your vision.
A blocked tear duct is a complete or partial blockage (obstruction) in the nasal (nose) passages that drain tears. If you have a blocked tear duct, your eyes may be itchy, irritated, and watery. Another name for a blocked tear duct is nasolacrimal duct obstruction.
Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a group of rare eye diseases that affect the retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye). Retinitis pigmentosa causes the cells of the retina to slowly break down over time, leading to loss of night vision.
Photophobia is an eye condition that causes sensitivity to light. People who suffer from migraine and/or have other diseases often have photophobia. Controlling photophobia is not easy, after all, it is impossible to avoid bright light and sunlight all the time.
Vision changes occur as you age, but these changes don't have to affect your lifestyle. Knowing what to expect and when to seek professional care can help you safeguard your vision. Starting at age 60, you should know the warning signs of age-related eye health problems that can lead to vision loss.
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes weakness in the voluntary muscles, which are responsible for functions related to breathing and movement of parts of the body, including the arms and legs.
Macular edema is swelling of part of the retina, the light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. People with macular edema may have blurred vision, but treatment can help reduce swelling and prevent vision loss.
Blepharospasm is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable muscle movements that cause the eyelids to close or have difficulty opening. This can affect patients' ability to see.
Corneal crosslinking is a treatment for an eye problem called keratoconus.
Amblyopia, or lazy eye, occurs when one eye becomes weaker than the other during infancy or childhood. The brain favors the better-seeing eye, allowing the weaker eye to worsen over time.
Having red eyes can be worrisome, or even frightening, especially when you don't know why it is happening. The redness is due to swelling and inflammation of the blood vessels on the surface of the eye. Most red eye complaints are not cause for concern, but there are cases that are of greater importance.
Endophthalmitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the eye that affects the fluids or tissues of the eyeball, including the aqueous humor and vitreous humor.
Photokeratitis is a painful, temporary eye condition caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, usually from the sun. Photokeratitis can be compared to a sunburn, except that it affects the cornea of the eye rather than the skin. UV exposure can temporarily damage the cornea (the clear part of the eye that covers the pupil) and the conjunctiva (a clear layer of tissue that covers the inside of the eyelid and the white of the eye).
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when the retina - a layer of tissue at the back of the eye that processes light - separates from the surrounding tissue.
The condition of dilated pupils - or mydriasis - occurs when the black center of the eyes is larger than normal. It can be caused by dilating drops from an eye exam, side effects of medications or traumatic injury.
Ocular hypertension occurs when eye pressure is above levels considered normal without detectable changes in vision or damage to the structure of the eye. The term is used to distinguish people with elevated pressure from those with glaucoma, a serious eye disease that causes optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Cataract is the name given to the crystalline lens (the natural lens inside the eye) when it becomes opaque. It is located behind the pupil and works like the lens of a camera, allowing light to pass through and focusing images on the retina, which in turn sends them to the brain, where vision is produced.
The sclera is the white, protective outer layer of the eye, which is connected to the muscles that help move the eye. Approximately 83% of the surface of the eye is the sclera.
Entropion occurs when the eyelid turns inward toward the eyeball. This causes the eyelid skin and eyelashes to rub against the eye. The friction often causes discomfort and irritation to the cornea, the clear part of the eye.
Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye disease that causes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of cells that lines the back of the eye and helps us see. In some countries it accounts for up to 10% of cases of childhood blindness, with higher prevalence in Southeast Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa.
Pterygium comes from the Greek word pterygion which means "fin". Others relate it to its resemblance to the wing of an insect. The pterygium is a fold of the conjunctiva (layer of transparent tissue that covers the white part of the eye), fleshy and with triangular-shaped penetration that advances over the cornea, which usually forms from the nasal side (side of the eye close to the nose), and may reach the pupil area in both eyes.
Sleep and rest are essential for human health, so getting the right amount of sleep translates into a good quality of life. However, there are many sleep disorders that can interfere with various aspects of our health, including vision.
It is the inflammation of the optic nerve, which is in charge of sending light signals to the brain, thus allowing sight.
Many times, in consultation, bags under the eyes are a cause of concern and insecurity for patients. They appear over time and are due to the accumulation of fat in the lower eyelids.
Each year, most schools ask parents of students for a pediatric ophthalmologic evaluation as part of the enrollment requirements, in order to detect any vision problems typical of childhood.
Coloboma is an eye condition that occurs from birth, when there is an absence of normal eye tissue.
Learning disabilities are difficulties a child has with certain tasks, such as reading, writing, listening, speaking, paying attention, or doing math. These difficulties are not caused by eye problems. Children with learning disabilities are not more visually impaired than children who are not.
Dyschromatopsia is a disorder that prevents the correct perception of colors. Difficulty in recognizing the color chart may result in partial blindness to specific colors. In less common cases, no color may not be perceived at all.
Humans are not born with a fully developed and mature visual system, despite having all ocular structures complete. Visual skills are acquired and perfected when the cerebral cortex receives adequate and more or less symmetrical stimulation of both eyes during the first years of life.
Congenital cataract is the condition that occurs when a child is born with cataracts, which means they are born with an opaque lens, so their vision is compromised. Cataracts can affect vision if they are complete or central, and large enough to cover the pupillary area (the central area of the eye where light enters).
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by inhaling spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, also called "histo". This microscopic fungus is released into the air when digging or tilling soil.
Botulinum toxin is a substance produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which is used for medicinal purposes as a powerful blocker of the signals that the nerves send to the muscles. It is administered by subcutaneous injection and its application should only be advised and performed by a medical professional. It should be used in small doses to prevent a very delicate intoxication called botulism.
Dry eye is a complex and multifactorial chronic disease that affects the ocular surface and causes discomfort, vision problems and, in some cases, damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.
Many people protect their skin from the sun, but not everyone knows how important it is to protect their eyes from excessive solar radiation. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that every year more than 3 million people are blinded by excessive solar radiation.
Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the white blood cells and can occur in the eyes. This type of eye cancer is called primary intraocular lymphoma (PIL). LIOP can develop in the retina and vitreous humor inside the eye. It also affects the optic nerve at the back of the eye.
Avastin is a medicine used to treat wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). It is also used to treat diabetic retinopathy and other retinal problems. It is injected into the eye to help slow vision loss from these diseases.
It is an eye disease caused by increased intraocular pressure. The optic nerve is in charge of transmitting to the brain the information captured by the eyes, and the brain's interpretation of these images results in the visual phenomenon.
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is critical for good vision. This damage is usually caused by higher than normal pressure in the eye.
Keratoconus is a progressive disease of the cornea, which is the front, transparent part of the eye. It is a degeneration that causes thinning and deformity in the cornea, which takes on the shape of a cone, and causes gradual loss of vision.
Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids. These may become red, swollen, burn, or sore. Your eyelids may also have oily particles (crusts) around the base of your lashes. Blepharitis is a common condition, especially in people with oily skin, dandruff, or rosacea.
Leukocoria means "white pupil" and appears due to light reflections produced by certain intraocular lesions that usually manifest in childhood, when there is direct lighting.
Air pollution is often associated with respiratory illnesses, but the eyes can also be affected, as the ocular surface is often exposed, making it vulnerable to airborne contaminants.
Some daily habits can affect our eyesight and cause gradual damage, if we are not paying attention. They could also cause discomfort, which can be resolved by practices that help combat and improve their effects. Next, we explain some of them.
The macular fold is a wrinkle, crease, or bulge in the macula, which is responsible for sharp, detailed central vision, known as visual acuity. The macula must be smooth at the back of the eye in order to function properly.
Retinitis pigmentosa is an eye disease that affects the retina, causing early and progressive degeneration of its cells. This pathology alters the way the retina responds to light, thus making vision difficult.
When we talk about chalazion we refer to a bulge on the eyelid, which arises when a fat gland is blocked. You may not notice it at first, but as the chalazion grows, the eyelids may become red, swollen, and sometimes tender to the touch.
Diplopia is an alteration in vision based on the perception of two images of the same object. Diplopia can occur horizontally (the images are side by side); vertical (images are on top of each other) or oblique (images are both vertical and horizontal).
People with diabetes can develop an eye disease known as diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. When these blood vessels are damaged, they can swell and leak blood, which could cause permanent blindness.
Contact lenses that are worn for a long time, or that do not fit well, can scratch your eyes. They can also cause blood vessels to grow in the cornea, a dangerous condition that could threaten your vision.
Accidents and eye injuries could in some cases cause permanent loss of vision. For this reason, it is important to treat them on time and with the appropriate specialist. When an unforeseen situation happens while traveling, outside of our known environment, we usually do not know how to proceed or where to turn.
Astigmatism is a common - and generally treatable - flaw in the curvature of the eye, causing blurred near and far vision.
As we age our vision is affected, this is why it is important to have our eye exams. Here are 10 common vision changes during this stage of life.
When we expose our eyes to a task for too long, we can experience what is called eye fatigue or asthenopia. This does not cause permanent damage to our eyes, but it can cause us a lot of discomfort.
During childhood it is important to pay attention to the visual health of our children, since at this stage they can be more vulnerable to eye diseases that, when detected and treated in time, help them to develop good visual health and avoid damage.
Many times we postpone the ophthalmological exam, but having an appointment with this health professional is important. Not only because it helps us detect and prevent eye diseases, but also to recognize general health diseases through our eyes.
It is the presence of blood under the conjunctiva, generally in a single sector of the eye.
To take care of our visual health, in addition to visiting the ophthalmologist regularly, we need to develop good habits.
With the advent of the excessive and abusive use of all electronic devices, and as a consequence of the confinement to which we have been subjected in this very atypical year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are currently facing the tremendous impact on the visual health of children. .
Increasingly, the pace of life is accelerating, and FemtoLasik allows us to worry less about things, facilitating daily activities.
FemtoLasik technology allows ophthalmologists who specialize in refractive surgery to work with greater precision and accuracy, providing our patients with better vision recovery, lower risk, lower complication rate and a faster and easier postoperative period.
FemtoLasik surgery is the most innovative procedure to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism (refractive errors), making it possible to stop wearing glasses.
In today's article, we answer some of the concerns patients have prior to undergoing FemtoLasik surgery.
Pediatric Ophthalmologists are surgeons who specialize in the eye problems of children, as well as pediatric and adult strabismus.
Myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia are very common eye problems in our society, which are usually diagnosed in childhood. The American Academy of Ophthalmology insists that early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent the progression of vision loss and prevent disease.
Did you know that a medicine injected into the eye can save your sight?
More specifically, having an ophthalmologist injecting medication directly into the eyeball (known as giving an intravitreal injection) to manage some conditions can preserve vision.
It is important to protect your eyes when using makeup, for this we share some steps to guarantee the care of your eyes.
Glasses and contact lenses can limit those seeking visual freedom. If you're ready to break free from the visual limitations of glasses and contact lenses, check out the EVO VisianICL - Evolution in Visual Freedom.
That glasses are no longer a limitation for you!
This Easter, take into consideration these tips to take care of your eyes
Eye allergy, also called allergic conjunctivitis, is very common. It occurs when the eyes react to something that irritates them. People with an eye allergy also tend to have a nasal allergy, with itching, congestion, and sneezing.
Glaucoma, commonly known as "the silent thief of vision", is an eye disease caused by increased intraocular pressure, which causes progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve.
Have you ever wondered, what is the difference in ophthalmic crystals? 🤓
Tired eyesight or presbyopia is a refractive defect that is due to the loss of elasticity of the lens, the natural lens of the eye that allows images to be focused at different distances. This decrease in their ability to accommodate causes difficulties in seeing clearly up close.
This question can be answered during an ophthalmic evaluation, as the refraction of your eyes can change.
When a patient with glaucoma develops a cataract, they notice that their vision becomes blurred and progressively reduced, however, the diminished vision caused by the cataract can recover after surgery.
Myopia (poor distance vision) can be hereditary or caused. Currently, excessive use of devices in children could be a cause of myopia. Visual effort, time of use and the distance at which electronic devices are used influence the effect on vision.
Did you know that you can free yourself from glasses quickly and painlessly with #FemtoLasik?
Palpebral Ptosis is a malposition of the eyelids that causes one or both of the upper eyelids to fall, which partially or totally cover the pupil, thus blocking vision.
We have the most advanced technology in the world for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, the LenSx® femtosecond laser and the WaveLight® EX500 excimer laser. This revolutionary technology is 100% scalpel-free, painless, and provides never-before-seen precision in visual corrective procedures.
Botulinum toxin injection, commonly known by its trade name Botox, is a protein that is injected in small doses.
It is used for aesthetic purposes, as a non-surgical alternative for wrinkles in the upper third of the face: the "crow's feet", between the eyebrows and forehead. We apply botulinum toxin to paralyze the muscles that accentuate wrinkles.
Detecting an inappropriate relationship between vision and learning requires a comprehensive visual assessment by an eye specialist. This is especially important if the child is struggling with his schoolwork, which could be a sign of a visual problem.
Diabetes can lead to so-called diabetic retinopathy. This disease occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina.
Entre las medidas de seguridad contra COVID-19 está la toma de temperatura con un rayo infrarrojo, ¿este rayo afecta la visión?
It is the impossibility of achieving complete closure of the eyelids, exposing the cornea to the outside environment. This causes severe eye dryness, which can have serious consequences for vision.
The eyes need tears to stay healthy and uncomfortable. When we do not produce tears in sufficient quantity or quality, the condition called dry eye syndrome occurs.
The presence of dust from the Sahara is a phenomenon that brings with it a decrease in rainfall. This climatic event carries millions of tiny particles that can be easily breathed. Sahara dust can cause health complications like allergies and heat.
Uveitis is an inflammation and swelling in the layer of the eye called the uvea. It can cause damage to the eye tissue, leading to permanent loss of vision.
Following the guidelines of the WHO and MISPAS, to better protect our patients and medical service providers, if upon arrival at the Institute you wear a cloth mask, we will provide you with a disposable one. Also, you must attend without gloves. Upon arrival, you will be offered 70% alcohol gel for your hands. Thanks for your understanding.
It is important to consult your pediatrician or ophthalmologist if your child blinks more than normal, in rare cases excessive blinking can be a sign of a neurological problem or could lead to loss of vision.
If you experience loss of vision or red eye pain, even if not caused by injury, seek immediate medical attention.
COVID-19 can manifest itself with symptoms of conjunctivitis and be transmitted via the conjunctival, so it is essential that, as a preventive measure, we do not touch our face or eyes without first washing our hands.
Signs include watery eyes and sensitivity to light. The child may rub his eyes, squint them, or have his eyes closed much of the time.
Glaucoma, commonly known as "the silent thief of vision," is an eye disease caused by increased intraocular pressure, which causes progressive and irreversible damage to the optic nerve. There are many types of glaucoma, and the eye doctor is the trained professional to diagnose it.
The cornea is a transparent tissue located in the anterior part of the eyeball, which allows light to pass into the eye.
Before a cataract diagnosis, do not allow it to limit your life, since they have treatment. Traditional and laser cataract surgery (Femtosecond) is one of the most common in the world. It is recognized as safe and effective.
Coronavirus can cause conjunctivitis and be transmitted conjunctivally.
The presence of the virus should be suspected in cases of conjunctivitis associated with respiratory symptoms, and in people who have recently traveled to China.
Strabismus is a visual problem that causes misalignment in the eyes. It is a common condition in children.
During pregnancy, there is an increase in various hormones that aim to guarantee the normal development of this period. The mother's body undergoes many changes and the organs of the body are affected, including the eyes.
Eye allergies are a common condition. They occur when the eyes react to something that irritates them (allergen). The eyes produce a substance called histamine to fight allergens. As a result, the eyelids and conjunctiva become reddish and swollen, causing itching, tearing, and burning.
It is a biostimulation therapy for the prevention of aging and / or for the improvement of spots or scars in the periocular (around the eyes) or facial area. It offers greater luminosity to the skin, an increase in smoothness and a decrease in fine wrinkles, expression lines, blemishes and scars. It is minimally invasive.
A healthy sight is a fundamental element of development. Many vision problems and many eye diseases can be detected and treated promptly, so it is very important that children go for regular check-ups with a pediatric ophthalmologist.
Falls are a cause of morbidity and mortality in older people. According to WHO data, around 646,000 fatal falls occur annually worldwide, making falls the second leading cause of death from unintentional injury.
It is an eye disease that occurs in premature babies, which causes the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive layer of cells that lines the back of the eye that helps us see.
Botulinum toxin injection is a non-surgical alternative for raising eyebrows as well as for improving wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes.
It is the subspecialty of ophthalmology that deals with the alterations that can appear around the eyes, eye socket, tear ducts and eyelids, both functional (diseases) and the aesthetic part of the eyelids.
If you have a refractive defect, such as nearsightedness (poor far vision), farsightedness (near near vision), astigmatism, or presbyopia, refractive surgery is a method of correcting or improving your vision.
Thinking of having cataract surgery?
If so, you may be offered two surgical options to choose from: traditional cataract surgery or laser-assisted cataract surgery.
Encouraging exercise and eating healthy foods from childhood will result in the formation of good habits that will accompany you for the rest of your life. The use of these nutrients is associated with a lower risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts and dry eye in middle age. Eating healthy food produces benefits at any age.
Cataract is the total or partial opacification of the lens (natural lens of the eye), which progressively reduces vision.
It is normally associated with age, although it can be congenital or caused by trauma. This may be the reason why a sharp image becomes blurred, bright colors fade or night vision decreases.
If you have a refractive defect, such as nearsightedness (poor far vision), farsightedness (near near vision), astigmatism, or presbyopia, refractive surgery is a method of correcting or improving your vision.
In addition to vision loss, stress can affect our eyes in other ways, the most common being eye tics or eye inflammation.
It is the irritation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane that covers the back of the eyelids and the front of the eyeball. It is caused by infection or allergies. The eyes become red and swollen, and sometimes produce a sticky discharge.
“My experience as a patient at the Espaillat Cabral Center is excellent. I feel very confident with the treatment, diagnosis and care of your specialists. The high quality, technology, professionalism, honesty and humanity of the entire team and, especially, of Dr. Arnaldo Espaillat make me feel very safe and calm.”
President, AFP strategic communication
I was referred to “The Instituto Espaillat Cabral “in Santo Domingo in 2018,to do an operation on my right eye. The operation was very successful. Dr. Arnaldo Espaillat did a fantastic job on my right eye. Before my operation, I could not read a book. Now I can read a book without reading glasses. I returned a second time for a check -up, which went very well also.
My experience at the clinic was very positive. I was well received and all the workers were very pleasant and welcoming.
Lives in St. Maarten.
"I simply feel free and more cheerful after the operation. I will be eternally grateful to Dr. Espaillat"
Real Estate. Regional Director of RE/MAX Dominican Republic.
“I came to the Espaillat Institute on the recommendation of a friend. And although I was surprised by how technologically advanced this medical space is, what filled me the most was the way in which each person on the team treats their patients. From the person who greets you at the door, to Dr. Espaillat himself, they make you feel important.
Journalist and Influencer
Innovative. The Espaillat Cabral Institute was the first ophthalmology clinic in the country and is the first national medical center dedicated to a single specialty in the area of medicine.
It was the first health center in the Dominican Republic where eye surgery was performed for the first time with the use of a microscope, laser surgery for eye problems and, in addition, it had specialized operating rooms exclusively for ophthalmological interventions.
Los equipos más modernos de la época, como fotocoaguladores, tomógrafos, aplicadores de radiación, crioaplicadores para cirugía de catarata eran novedades en un centro moderno e innovador. Además el doctor Espaillat formó un grupo de oftalmólogos que han hecho importantes aportes a la medicina dominicana
The Espaillat Cabral Institute is the first Dominican health center, and first outside the United States, to receive the HFAP international health quality accreditation.
Doctor of Medicine Cum Laude, Universidad Nacional Pedro Henríquez Ureña (UNPHU). February 1988.
Av. Independencia 853, Zona Universitaria
Santo Domingo, República Dominicana