Best Glaucoma Doctors Fort Myers

If you are looking for the best glaucoma doctors in Southwest Florida, get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers or Cape Coral for early diagnosis and the latest treatments, including laser and conventional surgery options.

Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, , is an experienced ophthalmologist and surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The Elmquist Eye Group team, which includes partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and associate Nina Burt, OD, has served Lee County communities for more than 25 years.

Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest in diagnostic and laser technology, and our commitment to high-quality care sets us apart.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, the part of the eye that carries the images we see to the brain. When damage to the optic nerve fibers occurs, blind spots develop. These blind spots usually go undetected until the optic nerve is significantly damaged. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness results, but treatment can help slow down the process to prevent this serious complication.

Glaucoma Treatment Options

Each person’s eyes are unique, and the treatment for glaucoma will depend upon the nature and severity of the disease. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, when detected and treated at an early stage, its progress can often be slowed.

Eye Drops & Medications

Medications, most often eye drops, can effectively reduce the intraocular pressure caused by glaucoma. There are different types of eye drops, and combination drugs are available for patients who need more than one type of medication. Glaucoma drops have to be used daily, often multiple times a day, to be effective. Some patients also may develop side effects, such as redness or irritation, dryness, or itching

Glaucoma Laser Surgery

Although eye drops are often the first step in glaucoma treatment, laser surgery may be equally effective. It may be used alone or in addition to medications.

Laser trabeculoplasty is the most common laser surgery for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma. It can be helpful for patients who experience side effects from glaucoma eye drops or whose glaucoma is not adequately controlled with medication alone.

Laser iridotomy is appropriate for closed-angle glaucoma. It is often performed before medication treatment or conventional surgery for people who have narrow drainage angles or have closed-angle glaucoma in only one eye.

Conventional Surgery

If you are not a candidate for glaucoma laser surgery, your ophthalmologist may recommend a conventional type of surgery called a trabeculectomy. This outpatient procedure can be used to treat both open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma, but is often reserved for individuals with more advanced glaucoma.

Early diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma can minimize loss of vision before the disease becomes too advanced. For the best treatment options in Fort Myers, call the doctors at Elmquist Eye Group at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.