Optometrist Cape Coral

Eyes are complicated. Most of us would love to have perfect vision, but it’s normal to have a vision problem or two at some point in our lives. Many common vision problems can be solved, however, with the help of a skilled Cape Coral or Fort Myers optometrist following a comprehensive eye exam.

Elmquist Eye Group has been serving Lee County and Southwest Florida since 1992. E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, his partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and his associate, Nina Burt, OD, provide a wide variety of eye care services, including eye exams and the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, glaucoma, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and other eye conditions.

Dr. Elmquist has been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. based on nominations from his peers. He is a board certified ophthalmologist who specializes in general ophthalmology and cataract surgery.  Drs. Wagner and Burt are skilled board certified optometrists. We also have a full optometric boutique with a wide range of eyeglass options to fit your lifestyle.

Common Vision Problems

The following vision problems are usually correctible after a comprehensive eye exam and the correct prescription for glasses or contacts.

• Myopia:Also known as “nearsightedness,” people with myopia can things at “near” distances, or up very close to their eyes. They can read fine print, thread a needle, and work with tiny objects but cannot see faraway objects without correction.

• Hyperopia:Also called “farsightedness,” this condition results in being able to see faraway objects clearly and nearby objects poorly. 

• Presbyopia:This is an age-related condition that causes a decrease in the eye’s ability to sharply focus on nearby objects because the eye’s lens has hardened. Its onset typically begins around the age of 40. 

• Astigmatism:An irregular curvature in the cornea or lens of the eye affects the way the eye processes light and causes varying degrees of blurry vision.

The next group of eye conditions is treatable, but may require more than a new eyeglass prescription.

• Cataracts: Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye which, over time, 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.

• Glaucoma: This is a disease of the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss and even blindness. It often occurs when the normal fluid pressure inside the eye slowly rises, however even people with normal eye pressure can develop glaucoma. Because it usually develops slowly and without any symptoms, routine eye exams are extremely important in detecting glaucoma before it damages your vision.

• Diabetic Retinopathy: Everyone who has diabetes is at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, but not all diabetics do develop it. It is caused by changes in the blood vessels of the retina. It may cause blurred vision and occasionally leads to blindness. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 95% of those with significant diabetic retinopathy can avoid substantial vision loss if they are treated in time.

• Macular Degeneration – Often called Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), this disorder affects your central vision and is associated with aging. It is the leading cause of vision impairment in people aged 65 years and older. A comprehensive annual exam can help us detect the early signs of AMD and treat it, if necessary.

If you are experiencing these or any other vision problems, schedule an eye exam with Dr. Elmquist or an optometrist at Elmquist Eye Group in Cape Coral or Fort Myers right away.  Please call us at (239) 936-2020 to experience our state-of-the-art eye care.