Fort Myers Eye Care
When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye examination lately, now would be a great time to schedule one! Many eye and vision problems have no symptoms in the early stages, so periodic exams are an important part of maintaining eye health.
A comprehensive eye exam includes screening for signs of eye and medical problems such as:
- Cataracts – Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye that can lead to blurred vision. They can occur at any age, but are a very common part of the natural aging process. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S., and an estimated 20.5 million Americans aged 40 years and older have a cataract in one or both eyes. Cataracts can be treated with surgery.
- Diabetes – Diabetic retinopathy (DR) damages the retina. It is a common complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working-aged American adults aged 20–74 years. There may be no symptoms until the damage is severe. Finding diabetic retinopathy early is the best way to prevent vision loss. Annual eye exams can also detect early signs of diabetes.
- Glaucoma – Glaucoma is a disease of the optic nerve, often related to elevated intra-ocular pressure. If not treated, it can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness. More than 4 million Americans have glaucoma, but only half of them know they have it because there are usually no symptoms. Early detection is the key to protecting your eyes against serious vision loss.
- Macular Degeneration – Often called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), this disorder affects central vision and is associated with aging. AMD affects about 2 million people and is the leading cause of close-up vision impairment in people aged 65 years and older. A comprehensive exam can help us detect the early signs of AMD and treat it, if necessary.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends annual comprehensive dilated eye exams starting at age 60. African-Americans are at higher risk for developing glaucoma, however, and annual dilated eye exams should start at age 40. And all individuals with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam at least once a year.
Even if you think you have healthy eyes, a comprehensive eye examination is the only way to know for sure.
Contact Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers, Florida at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an eye care appointment with one of our skilled doctors. We will provide you with the highest quality care, advice, options and follow-up.