Eye Surgery in Fort Myers
There is no reason to leave the Fort Myers area when you need eye surgery. Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist, founder of Elmquist Eye Group, is an experienced eye surgeon and has been named as one of America’s Top Doctors in ophthalmology by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., which places him among the top 1% of ophthalmologists in the nation.
Dr. Elmquist is a board certified ophthalmologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He earned his medical degree from the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, MO. He served as an ophthalmology resident at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and as Chief of the Homestead Air Force Base eye clinic.
His partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and associate, Nina Burt, OD, are board certified optometrists who provide complete eye care services in Fort Myers and Cape Coral, Florida for everyone in the family, from children to seniors.
Individuals undergo eye surgery for a variety of reasons, from laser surgery for refractive errors to the removal of cataracts and other vision-saving procedures. Each procedure has its own benefits and risks, but today’s advancements in surgical methods and technology can tackle almost any condition and provide a successful solution.
Preparing for Common Eye Surgeries
No matter what type of eye surgery you are contemplating, there are some preparations you can make to help you get through it smoothly.
- Get Answers to Your Questions– If you have questions about what to expect before, during or after your eye surgery, make sure to ask them ahead of time. Make a list and take it with you to a pre-op appointment. At Elmquist Eye Group, we want to avoid worry and misunderstanding and are happy to answer any questions you may have.
- Arrange for a Transportation Buddy – For most eye surgeries, you will be asked to have a friend or family member available to drive you home after surgery. (You will also need a “transportation buddy” to drive you home after a dilated eye exam.) In some cases, your eye doctor may also recommend that you not be alone at home for the first 24 to 48 hours after surgery in case of a complication.
- Be Prepared – With some eye surgeries, healing may take longer than you expected. It may also take time for your vision to stabilize. Don’t plan to do any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks. If you usually cook the meals, walk the dog, or drive the kids to and from their activities, you may need to arrange for someone else to do it while you recover. Keep handy the names and numbers of family and friends who can help in a pinch.
- Create a Clean Environment – After eye surgery, it will be important to come home to a clean area, so prepare in advance. Exposing your eye to irritants such as dust particles and grime can wreak havoc on your healing process.
- Follow Medication Instructions – Carefully follow your ophthalmologist’s instructions before and after surgery. Some surgical procedures will require you to start – or stop – taking certain medications in advance of your surgery. And sometimes you will have to apply eye drops several times daily to prevent infection. It may also be wise to have an over-the-counter pain reliever on hand to ease any post-surgery pain.
Each person heals differently, and you may need as long as a week or two to recover. For answers to other questions about eye surgery at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers, get in touch with us today at (239) 936-2020 and schedule an appointment. The Elmquist team will be delighted to help.