Diabetic Eye Care Fort Myers
The skilled eye doctors at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers provide state-of-the-art diabetic eye care for all members of your family, from children to seniors, in a comfortable, friendly and high tech environment.
Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist and his associates, including Dr. Kate Wagner, partner, Dr. Nina Burt, and Dr. Sarah Eccles-Brown provide comprehensive eye exams and diagnosis and treatment of a complete range of eye conditions. We also have a full optometric boutique that features a wide range of eyeglass options.
Dr. Elmquist has been selected year after year as one of America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a list that’s reserved for the top 1% of doctors in each medical field, both nationally and regionally, based on the nominations of other physicians.
Elmquist Eye Group is also proud to be listed at Angie’s List since 2008 with a consistent “A” rating. We are one of few Southwest Florida ophthalmology and optometry practices to perform well enough to earn this respected review site’s coveted Super Service Award.
Diabetic Eye Disease
Individuals with diabetes are 25 times more likely to lose vision than those who are not diabetic, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. It’s important to detect complications early, before they cause vision loss or blindness.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels in the retina and cause vision loss. It is more likely to affect individuals who have had diabetes for a long time or whose diabetes is poorly controlled. There are typically no symptoms or pain, and you may not notice any change in your vision in the early stages.
- Macular Edema – The macula is responsible for seeing fine detail. Macular edema is caused by damaged retinal blood vessels that leak fluid into the macula. It is often a complication of diabetic retinopathy, and is the most common reason for vision loss in people with diabetes. Elmquist Eye Group can detect macular edema with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
- Cataract – According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes are 60% more likely to develop a cataract, often at younger ages, than individuals without diabetes. If cataracts interfere with your vision they can be removed and an artificial intraocular lens can be implanted to restore clear vision.
- Glaucoma – Glaucoma occurs when pressure builds up inside the eye, leading to optic nerve and retinal damage and vision loss. Individuals with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than individuals without diabetes. Loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.
Why Diabetic Eye Exams Matter
Studies show that one out of three people with diabetes is not aware they have the disease. Your eye doctor may be the first to detect the symptoms by looking at the blood vessels in the retina of your eyes.
A comprehensive dilated eye exam is often the only way to detect conditions that may have no symptoms in their early stages. With early detection, these conditions can be treated, reducing your risk of vision loss.
The highly trained eye doctors at Elmquist Eye Group in Fort Myers and Cape Coral will provide you with the latest diabetic eye care treatments to help you maintain good eye health. Give us a call today at (239) 936-2020 to schedule an appointment.