Should I see an ophthalmologist? Do I really need another doctor? Maybe you’ve been asking yourself these questions lately. What are your reasons? Maybe your friends have started seeing one, and you feel like you should as well. Naturally, you want the best for your health, so why not see the top-rated ophthalmologists in Cape Coral at Elmquist Eye Group.
Why do I need an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmology care is particularly important for people over age 60 or for those with a family history of eye diseases. This specialty eye care is also important for people with diseases like diabetes than can complicate eye health. Our doctors often work with patients’ primary care physicians on care coordination to manage conditions that complicate eye health, like heart disease or high blood pressure.
Prior to age 40, people maintain generally good eye health. Nevertheless, annual eye exams are still important for vision checks. If you have symptoms like eye pain or sudden vision changes, this may indicate an eye problem. Have you experienced light flashes or halos? Floaters? Double vision? If you have any of these symptoms, definitely give us a call.
Eye disease is age-related
Most age-related eye diseases occur in the 40 to 65 age range, so we recommend that people in this age range see a local ophthalmologist. It is a smart idea because early detection is key. So many eye diseases don’t have symptoms. Therefore, we recommend an eye exam at least every two years.
We recommend more frequent eye exams for individuals genetically predisposed to eye problems. For example, African Americans are more likely to have certain eye diseases, so we recommend yearly comprehensive eye exams. We also recommend annual exams for patients over age 65, because this is when conditions like glaucoma, cataracts or age-related macular degeneration can become an issue.
We get it. You are questioning going to yet another medical specialist, but, as you get older, it is particularly important to have comprehensive eye care. As a medical doctor, an ophthalmologist is perfectly positioned to diagnose and treat all age-related eye conditions, as well as eye health complications that stem from high blood pressure or diabetes. Additionally, ophthalmologists are surgeons who perform cataract surgery, LASIK vision correction, and blepharoplasty eyelid repair.
It may be time to add an ophthalmologist to your health care team. Hopefully you already see one of our excellent Elmquist optometrists for your annual eye exam, so talk to us. We can help you choose one of our highly qualified ophthalmologists. Ideally, you need both doctors for different reasons, and we are here to provide comprehensive eye care.
Remember Elmquist Eye Group, the top-rated ophthalmologists in Cape Coral. Come see one of our local ophthalmologists today. Who better to provide the care you need? Give us a call.