Senior Eye Care Fort Myers

The highly qualified eye doctors at Elmquist Eye Group specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of all major eye conditions. We also provide senior eye care to patients in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and throughout Southwest Florida.

Dr. E. Trevor Elmquist is board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has been selected as one of America’s Top Doctors in ophthalmology by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. Dr. Kate Wagner, his partner, and Dr. Nina Burt, his associate, are board certified optometrists who provide complete eye care services. The latest addition to our team is board certified ophthalmologist Sarah Eccles-Brown, MD.

Age-related vision impairment affects tens of millions of Americans, and the risk increases with each decade of life, starting around the age of 40. What are common problems in the aging eye and how are they treated?

Presbyopia

When we are young, the lenses in our eyes are flexible and soft. Tiny muscles reshape them as needed to focus light on the retina, allowing us to see objects near and far. As we age, however, the lenses become harder and do not change shape as easily as they once did. This causes light to focus behind the retina and results in our inability to focus on objects that are up close. This is called presbyopia. It is a common age-related condition which typically starts around the age of 40 or 45. Treatment options include eye glasses, contact lenses and surgery.

Cataracts

Cataracts are cloudy areas in the normally clear lens of the eye.  The most common cause of cataracts is aging, but there are other causes. A traumatic cataract can result from an injury to the eye. Cataracts may also be caused by some medications, such as prednisone and corticosteroids, and by certain diseases, such as diabetes.  The good news about cataracts is that they are curable by means of cataract surgery.

Dry Eyes

Research has shown that, for most people, dry eye is caused by the evaporation of tears, which naturally contain water and oil. When our tears don’t have enough oil, they evaporate faster than they should.  Another cause of dry eye is water deficiency, which means the eye does not produce enough tears. The condition can occur at any age, but is more common in adults over the age of 50. Dry eye syndrome commonly causes blurring of vision. Artificial tears and lubricating eye drops and gels (available without a prescription) help provide moisture and lubrication to the surface of the eye.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma causes vision loss and eventual blindness by damaging the optic nerve, which carries visual information to your brain for processing. There is no cure for it yet, and lost vision cannot be regained.  Although you are more likely to have or develop glaucoma if your eye pressures are high, many people with high eye pressures never develop the disease. And some people with glaucoma have normal eye pressures.  The only way to know if you have glaucoma is through regular eye exams at Elmquist Eye Group.

The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye examinations for everyone over age 60. If, however, you have a family history of eye disease or diabetes, or are taking medications that could affect your eyesight, you may need more frequent exams.

Senior eye care has become increasingly important as millions of baby-boomers reach retirement age. We are always happy to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about your eyes. Get in touch with Elmquist Eye Group today at (239) 936-2020 to make an appointment.