Dr. Christy Larson, OD

Dr. Christy Larson, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at EyeCare Specialties of Florida in Lake Mary, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Optometric care extends to all ages, from infants to seniors. 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. To confirm Dr. Christy OD's availability for new patients, please call (407) 333-7333.

Dr. Christy OD's practice is deeply rooted in a patient-centered approach, reflecting her extensive experience and qualifications. She received her Doctor of Optometry from the Indiana University School of Optometry and is a board-certified Optometric Physician certified by the National Board of Optometry (all parts) and the state of Florida. Dr. Larson's commitment to community health and her commitment to her patients is evident in her memberships in professional organizations such as the American Optometric Association, the Florida Optometric Association, and the Central Florida Optometric Association. She is passionate about improving the health of her community, helping individuals look and feel their best through high-quality eyewear and personalized care. Dr. Christy OD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Christy 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. Christy 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. Christy 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:

• Mucocutaneous and Ocular Herpes, Neonatal: Managing mucocutaneous and ocular herpes in newborns involves early diagnosis and antiviral treatment to avoid irreversible vision damage and other health issues.
• Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Protecting your eyes from Acanthamoeba keratitis involves careful contact lens care to prevent this potentially blinding infection, emphasizing early detection for better treatment outcomes.
• Blepharoptosis: Managing blepharoptosis effectively involves regular eye check-ups for early detection of any associated conditions and to ensure your vision remains optimal.
• Eye Injuries: Many eye injuries can be avoided with proper safety precautions, but if one does occur, immediate medical attention is key to preventing further complications.
• Macular Dystrophy, Retinal, 3: Macular dystrophy is a hereditary eye condition that gradually impairs central vision. Regular eye exams help identify it early, enabling doctors to provide the best possible management and support to maintain your vision.
• Retinal Degeneration: Retinal degeneration, a deterioration of the retina, can be managed with early detection through routine eye exams, leading to proactive treatment and preventing vision impairment.
• Eye Pain: Eye pain can be a sign of a serious underlying eye condition, so seeking prompt professional care is crucial for preventing vision loss.

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. Christy OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Eye Examination: A comprehensive eye examination is a proactive step to detect potential vision problems and eye diseases early, allowing for timely treatment and preventing vision loss.
• Laser Cataract Surgery (Co-management): Take a proactive step towards clear vision by co-managing your laser cataract surgery for optimal outcomes and reduced risks.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses can be a part of managing certain eye conditions, allowing for clearer vision and contributing to the early detection of potential problems.
• Cornea Transplant (Co-management): As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, cornea co-management provides specialized support and monitoring before and after your corneal transplant to achieve optimal results.
• Eye Exams for Glasses: Schedule regular eye exams to ensure your glasses prescription is accurate and up-to-date, helping you maintain clear vision and prevent eye strain.
• ICD Monitoring: Protecting your sight starts with proactive care: ICD monitoring allows for early detection of eye pressure changes, potentially preventing vision loss from glaucoma.
• Glaucoma Treatment: Don't let glaucoma steal your sight; treatment options help reduce eye pressure and preserve your vision for years to come.

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. Christy 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:

• A family was reassured by the early detection plan, which significantly reduced the risk of vision damage and other potential health issues in their newborn. Proactive management allowed the family to focus on their baby's overall well-being and future.
• By meticulously following the optometrist's guidance on contact lens hygiene, a patient successfully minimized their risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis, gaining peace of mind about their eye health.

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. Christy OD:

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

An optometrist, like Dr. Christy OD, is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and manages many eye conditions. An ophthalmologist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who can also perform eye surgery.

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

Even if you see well, a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for early detection of silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. These exams are more than just vision checks; they help safeguard your eye health.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam can detect early signs of systemic diseases. The eye is the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing our doctors to identify potential issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can be a valuable tool in identifying these conditions.

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. Christy to detect changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Christy OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months old. This early exam is crucial for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Christy OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and adaptive devices to help patients maintain independence.

What is the role of an optometrist in managing cataract surgery?

Dr. Christy OD will diagnose cataracts, determine if surgery is necessary, and refer you to a trusted ophthalmologist. She will then provide all essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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. Christy OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to ensure appropriate care.

EyeCare Specialties of Florida
560 Rinehart Rd Ste 100
Lake Mary FL 32746
Phone: (407) 333-7333

Dr. Christy Larson, 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): 1821160201

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. Christy 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.