Dr. Brittany Degler, OD

Dr. Brittany Degler, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her Fort Myers, FL clinic. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care. As a partner in preventive health, she understands that your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Brittany OD's commitment to preventive eye care extends to the entire community. She emphasizes the importance of routine eye exams for early detection of potential issues, and works with patients to create personalized strategies for maintaining optimal vision. As an optometrist in Fort Myers, FL, Dr. Brittany Degler, OD is a vital resource in the community, committed to the health and well-being of her patients. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (239) 500-2020. While Dr. Brittany OD provides consultations primarily in English, she strives to create a welcoming and informative experience for all her patients.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Brittany OD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Brittany OD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Brittany OD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a serious eye disease affecting premature babies, and early detection through regular eye exams is crucial to prevent vision loss or blindness.
• Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment, a serious condition where the retina separates from the back of your eye, can lead to vision loss if not detected and treated promptly, highlighting the importance of regular comprehensive eye exams.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Eyelid inflammation, or blepharitis, can be a sign of an underlying condition and requires prompt attention to prevent vision problems and further complications.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Early detection of herpes simplex eye infection is crucial; prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of permanent vision damage.
• Red-Green Color Blindness: Preventive eye care includes checking for red-green color blindness, which, though uncurable, allows for better adaptation strategies and assistance in color-sensitive professions.
• Sees Haloes Around Lights: Experiencing halos around lights warrants a visit to your eye doctor, as it can indicate the presence of eye diseases that can be effectively managed with early intervention.
• Acute Posterior Multifocal Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy: Don't underestimate the power of preventative eye care: routine eye exams can detect conditions like APMPPE early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more severe vision issues.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Brittany OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Multifocal Contact Lens Treatment: Multifocal contact lenses provide clear vision at all distances, proactively managing age-related vision changes and potentially delaying the need for reading glasses.
• Monovision: Monovision contact lenses or surgery can proactively improve your vision by correcting near and farsightedness simultaneously, enhancing your independence and quality of life.
• Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery (Co-management): Co-managing cosmetic eyelid surgery helps ensure your eyelids' health and function are optimized after the procedure, promoting long-term eye health.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Improve your eye comfort and overall eye health with BlephEx™, a treatment for blepharitis that helps remove bacteria and debris from your eyelids, reducing irritation and improving your quality of life.
• Tear Duct Probing: Protecting your eyes from infection starts with tear duct probing, a quick check that identifies and resolves blockages affecting tear drainage.
• Ocular Inflammation (Uveitis) Treatment: Uveitis treatment is a crucial step in safeguarding your eyes; early intervention reduces complications from inflammation and promotes healthy vision.
• Epi-LASIK Eye Surgery (Co-management): Protect your vision investment with Epi-LASIK co-management, ensuring the best possible outcome and addressing potential complications early.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Optometry Services in Florida.

Dr. Brittany OD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By scheduling regular eye exams, a family proactively monitored their premature infant's development, reducing the risk of retinopathy of prematurity and ensuring peace of mind regarding potential vision issues.
• By scheduling regular eye exams and proactively managing their eye health, a patient gained valuable peace of mind, knowing they were taking steps to prevent potential retinal detachment.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Optometric care with Dr. Brittany OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An Optometrist (OD) is your primary eye care provider, performing comprehensive exams, prescribing glasses and contacts, and managing many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors specializing in eye surgery.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if your vision is good. These exams aren't just about seeing clearly; they also detect silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely intervention and preserves your vision.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect other health problems. The eye is unique because its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to spot early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases during a dilated eye exam.

What are the signs of a cataract?

Common signs of cataracts include blurry or dim vision, increased glare from lights, fading or yellowing of colors, and frequent changes in glasses prescription. Dr. Brittany OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to help you maintain clear vision.

I have diabetes. Why do I need a special dilated eye exam every year?

Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in your retina, a condition called diabetic retinopathy. This is a leading cause of blindness, but often has no symptoms in its early stages. An annual dilated eye exam allows Dr. Brittany OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Brittany OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is vital to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms, and regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to help preserve your sight.

I have something in my eye. Should I come here first?

Yes, absolutely. For issues like eye infections, corneal scratches, or foreign objects, an optometrist is the ideal first point of contact. We are equipped to diagnose and treat these urgent issues, often preventing a trip to the emergency room.

11841 Palm Beach Blvd Unit 117
Fort Myers FL 33905
Phone: (239) 500-2020

Dr. Brittany Degler, OD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1275088783

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Optometry Services like Dr. Brittany OD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your optometry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.