Best Optometrists in Fort Myers

Elmquist Eye Group is home to some of the best optometrists and ophthalmologists in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. Many common vision problems can be solved with the help of one of our eye care professionals following a comprehensive eye exam.

We have served Lee County and Southwest Florida since 1992. E. Trevor Elmquist, DO, his partner, Kate Wagner, OD, and his associates, Nina Burt, OD and Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD, can examine your eyes and diagnose and treat cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, dry eyes, glaucoma, presbyopia, myopia, hyperopia and a wide range of other eye conditions.

At Elmquist Eye Group, you can rest assured that you will receive state-of-the-art treatment in a comfortable, friendly and high tech environment.

Optometrists

Optometrists, such as Dr. Kate Wagner and Dr. Nina Burt, are highly trained eye care professionals whose specialized training covers eye exams and testing, correcting vision problems, and diagnosing and treating certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration.

Optometrists prescribe corrective lenses, prescribe medications and other appropriate therapies, and refer patients who have been diagnosed with an eye condition requiring surgery to an ophthalmologist, such as Dr. Elmquist or Dr. Eccles-Brown.

Your Eyes and Your Health

More than 30 medical conditions show their symptoms through the eyes, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. Because eyes are windows to our overall health, optometrists are often among the first to spot problems.

Here are some conditions that can be detected in your eyes:

• High cholesterol: Tiny yellowish bumps on the eyelid, which are actually fatty deposits, don’t cause pain or vision problems but are a sign that you may have high cholesterol.

• Hypertension: Hypertension is known as the “silent killer” because it can lead to heart disease or a stroke if untreated, has no visible symptoms, except in the eyes. Your optometrist can detect evidence of high blood pressure by looking at the blood vessels in the retina.

• Cataract: When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, a cataract is developing. Cataracts are most common in older people and can be corrected with surgery.

• Glaucoma: Glaucoma occurs when fluid builds up in the eye, causing harmful pressure. When your optometrist shoots a puff of air into your eye, he or she can measure eye pressure via light reflections.

• Diabetes: The most common threat to vision is diabetic retinopathy. It’s the leading cause of blindness in American adults. The optometrist may see damage to tiny blood vessels in the retina, such as bleeding, due to chronic high blood sugar levels.

• Liver disease: Both hepatitis and cirrhosis can turn the whites of the eyes yellow.

These conditions can potentially be treated before they cause further health problems, which makes regular eye exams even more important.

In general, comprehensive eye exams are recommended once every 2 to 4 years for people between the ages of 40 and 64 and every 1 or 2 years for people 65 and older. They are especially important if you have a family history or an underlying condition that could increase your risk of an eye disease.

Maintain your optimum eye health and overall wellness with an eye examination by some of the best optometrists in Fort Myers and Cape Coral at Elmquist Eye Group. Call us at (239) 936-2020 to find out more about our services.