Dr. Guillermo Falla

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Dr. Guillermo Falla (say FA-yah) is the founder and medical director if the Panavision Ophthalmology Center in Guatemala City, with over 25 years of experience in providing successful eye surgeries and regular checkups to be sure your vision is reliably clear and vibrant every day.

He is a well-respected specialist who has performed over 10,000 cataract surgeries, 2000 corneal transplants, and countless refractive surgery procedures for precise vision correction. With the latest technology, up-to-date operating rooms, and strict safety protocols, Dr. Falla can assure his patients of the best possible outcome with minimal risk.

The doctor tells us, “It’s most important to me to give the patient good advice based on the latest technology, my own experience, and up to date information of recent advances in the field of ophthalmology.”

Dr. Falla is dedicated to the continuous advancement of ophthalmological practices, ensuring that Panavision remains equipped with the latest diagnostic and treatment technology. His commitment to professional growth and innovation is evident in the state-of-the-art procedures available at the clinic. Panavision provides patients with unparalleled care, from accurate diagnostics to minimally invasive surgeries.

Patient care at Panavision is underscored by a comprehensive approach to eye health, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and the use of sophisticated technology. For instance, biometric scans are employed to uncover potential issues and monitor the efficacy of treatments. This rigorous approach ensures that every patient receives a tailored treatment plan, addressing their unique vision needs.

Specular microscopy is a non-invasive procedure that uses a microscope to image the corneal endothelium, the transparent layer of cells that covers the eye. It’s used to diagnose and monitor diseases, and to assess the health of the cornea before and after surgery.

An OCT scan (macular optical coherence tomography) is a non-invasive eye exam that uses light waves to create detailed images of the retina and macula. It’s a standard test for diagnosing and treating eye conditions that can cause vision loss from swelling or detachment, like age-related macular degeneration. The early stages of serious diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy are visible on these scans.

Cataract surgery is the most common eye surgery in the world and Dr. Falla is a pioneer in using the LenSx femtosecond laser technology in Guatemala. When the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, interfering with visibility, then it’s time to remove that lens and replace it with a manufactured intraocular lens.

The computer-controlled laser maps the eye with high-resolution images to break up the cataract and prepare for the new lens. Laser cataract surgery has several benefits:

• More precise incisions reduce complications.
• Corrects astigmatism and supports multi-focal implants for vision at all distances.
• Ensures precise surgeries and smooth recovery so that patients typically resume normal activities within a day or two.

Pterygium surgery removes a growth from the cornea and sclera, while chalazion surgery removes a cyst from the eyelid. These are common procedures performed at Panavision that involve removal of abnormal tissue or a cyst growing on the eye.

PRK – Photoreactive Keratectomy is an advanced laser eye surgery procedure that corrects nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. It removes the cornea’s surface without touching the eye, using advanced laser technology and surgical techniques for enhanced safety. The cornea is reshaped to correct the vision defect, then a special lens is worn for a few days for protection while it heals for fast recovery. PRK is preferable to Lasik since it does not leave a flap on your cornea, therefore it is much safer and more effective with less discomfort.

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve when a patient suffers from increased intraocular pressure and could ultimately result in loss of vision. There are many types of glaucoma surgery and treatment methods that Dr. Falla will discuss with you, to prepare for the best possible surgical outcome.

PRP or Pan-retinal photocoagulation uses high-intensity laser to create hundreds of tiny retinal burns outside of the vascular arcades. This treatment has been shown to produce regression of abnormal blood vessels in patients with proliferative retinopathy from diabetes or retinal vein occlusion.

Dr. Falla says, “In my experience, it’s best to inform the patient of exactly what is happening with their vision, clearly and respectfully. I use diagrams and imaging results to demonstrate how things deteriorate. Then, I explain what we propose to do to give them the best outcome and then be honest about the prognosis of what they can expect in the future.”

Patients trust a doctor they know is honest, positive, collaborative, and always provides the best care for his patients. They know that Dr. Falla stays on the cutting edge of diagnosis and treatment by using the latest instrumentation and methods, transforming the way we treat eye diseases and conditions.