Where to Get an Eye Exam in Fort Myers
Knowing where to get a thorough eye exam in Fort Myers may seem challenging, especially since getting periodic eye tests are important to maintaining healthy vision. Schedule an appointment with Elmquist Eye Group for expert care.
Elmquist Eye Group has been serving the residents of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Southwest Florida for more than two decades. Our ophthalmologist, Yasaira Rodriguez, MD, and optometrists, Kate Wagner, OD and Nina Burt, OD, provide comprehensive eye exams and diagnosis and treatment of presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia, cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, dry eyes and other eye conditions.
Why Do You Need an Eye Exam?
It’s important to have your eyes examined regularly even if you have naturally good vision. Many diseases can be detected during an eye exam including diabetes, macular degeneration, and glaucoma, and there are many conditions that have no early warning signs.
For school-aged children, an eye exam should be performed when the child enters the 1st grade. As he or she gets older, another eye exam should be done if you suspect any type of vision problem. Nearsightedness is the most common condition for this age group, and it be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses, based on the child’s age.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended for adults between the ages of 18 and 60 every two years even if there are no symptoms or issues. Those who are 61 or over, or who wear glasses or contact lenses, should schedule an annual eye exam. Dilation is an important part of a comprehensive eye exam because it enables your eye doctor to view the entire inside of your eye.
Common Eye Issues
If you want to prevent vision loss, it is important to take good care of your eyes. Here are some common eye issues and what they could mean for your vision:
- Conjunctivitis– “Pink eye,” or conjunctivitis, is most common in children, although adults can get it too. It is very contagious, so avoid touching the infected eye. Use a warm compress and eye drops that can be purchased over-the-counter and make an appointment with your eye doctor if there is no improvement.
- Flashes of light and floaters– As we get older it is common to experience a few floating specks or spots in our eyes. However, a detached retina can increase those “floaters” and are often accompanied by flashes of bright light. Schedule an appointment for an eye exam immediately if you are experiencing these symptoms.
- Blurry vision– When vision becomes blurry, it may be a sign of allergies, dry eye syndrome, and eye strain, or a more serious problem such as cataracts, Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) or diabetic eye disease. A dilated eye exam is necessary to determine the cause behind your symptoms.
- Loss of peripheral vision– A decrease in your side to side vision may be a sign that you are experiencing the early stages of glaucoma. When detected and treated at an early stage, glaucoma can be controlled, so make an appointment with your Elmquist Eye Group to discuss the treatment options.
The only way to be certain of your eye health is to schedule a comprehensive exam at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers, where our caring and professional doctors will help you protect your good vision and put your mind at ease. Call us at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment today.