Eye diseases

Over the years, we begin to notice the first signs of ageing, especially on the face and the areas around the eyes: bags, age spots, wrinkles and loss of hydration or volume, among others.

There is no magic formula to solve them all, which is why our experts at the Aesthetics and Oculofacial Rejuvenation Department assess each case individually to treat and conceal these signs, which often make us look older or stressed.

Their aim is as follows: To provide the best version of yourself.

Cataracts are related to the crystalline lens in our eyes, which allows us to focus on objects at different distances. Over the years and as part of the natural ageing process, it loses elasticity and transparency, causing visual alterations, such as blurred vision and changes in graduation or near vision.

This process is known as dysfunctional lens syndrome, which appears from the age of 40-45, whereas its main consequences are eyestrain (presbyopia) and cataracts.

The cornea is the external part of the eye. It is the “window” through which light penetrates the eyeball to the retina, so the brain can process the images and allow us to see correctly.

There are many diseases of the cornea that reduce vision, including inflammation, infection and deformation.

Some eye diseases have a genetic or hereditary cause (i.e. passed on through the family). Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for many of these.

At IMO Grupo Miranza, we boast a ground-breaking Genetics Department, which offers a complete diagnosis and genetic counselling service, involving monitoring, advice and analysis of the alterations that cause the disease for each patient or family.

Furthermore, the Barcelona headquarters of IMO Grupo Miranza features its own molecular biology laboratory, where we also carry out basic research projects, led by the IMO Foundation. Some of these projects involve genes or stem cells and are aimed at establishing the basis for future treatment for currently incurable diseases.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves the optic nerve, can lead to blindness and for which there is currently no treatment.

There are many risk factors: the most common and the only one that ophthalmologists can treat is ocular hypertension (high eye pressure). Other factors are hereditary, age (over 60) and refractive defects, such as myopia or hyperopia.

Early detection is key to keep eye pressure at bay and prevent damage to the optic nerve leading to blindness. Ophthalmologists use a variety of tools to tackle it: medication with eye drops and ointments, laser treatment and surgery.

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Department at IMO Grupo Miranza treats neurological diseases that affect the eyes.

Some of these are relatively common and are due to different causes, such as strabismus, double vision (diplopia) or ophthalmic migraine. However, they can also be related to tumours, paralysis or pupil diseases.

Oculoplastic surgery provides a solution to diseases or alterations involving the eyelids, orbits and tear ducts, i.e. everything surrounding the eye.

Although it may seem that the benefit is purely aesthetic, in some alterations, such as ptosis (drooping eyelid), it can impair the vision of the person suffering from them. In other cases, oculoplastic surgeons also treat diseases that can jeopardise the eyesight and health of those who suffer from them, such as orbital tumours or certain types of eyelid tumours.

Human eyesight develops from birth to the age of 8. It is therefore very important to take care of it from childhood.
Moreover, some eye diseases arise at this age, such as lazy eye (amblyopia), while treating them at this stage is crucial. If not addressed in time, they inevitably continue into adulthood.

Other refractive defects, such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, have a direct impact on the daily activities of children, as well as on habits, such as reading or school achievement.

The aim of refractive surgery is for the person to lose dependence on glasses or contact lenses, as it corrects refractive defects, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and eyestrain (presbyopia).

At IMO Grupo Miranza, we boast a team of expert ophthalmologists using surgical techniques customised to the needs, age and features of each patient’s eye, among other factors. To this end, we use advanced laser technology, different types of intraocular lenses and other minimally invasive procedures.

This is all done with the aim of helping you achieve the best vision possible.

The retina is an eye structure at the back (called “fundus”) of the eye. There are many diseases that can affect this eye area, whereas most of them can seriously compromise our vision if not treated in time, such as retinal detachment, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy.

Other diseases are hereditary in origin: retinal dystrophies, such as retinitis pigmentosa, unfortunately have no treatment at present. However, it is crucial to monitor affected patients by the retina specialist and, in many cases, by IMO Grupo Miranza’s Genetics Department to determine the genetic alteration that causes the pathology.

In any case, an expert approach to these diseases is key to maintaining or improving the vision of the person who suffers from them.

Strabismus, or a squint, is the deviation of one or both eyes. It is usually appears in childhood, but – if not treated at this stage – can last until adulthood. However, it can also occur in adulthood for a number of different reasons.

In addition to the visual or functional issues it entails, strabismus often causes other problems regarding self-esteem or in relationships with other people.

At IMO Grupo Miranza, our strabologists take a customised approach to this disease, whereas the surgery’s success rate is 90%.