Dr. Laura Cuva, OD

Dr. Laura Cuva, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Valrico, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. 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 recognizes the importance of eye health across the lifespan and serves all ages, from infants to seniors.

Dr. Laura OD is an optometrist in Valrico, FL, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Her approach to care emphasizes evidence-based medicine, ensuring patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments. She believes in empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health, guiding them through personalized plans and encouraging proactive steps toward optimal well-being. This philosophy extends to her commitment to preventive care, recognizing the crucial role of early detection and proactive measures in maintaining excellent vision and overall health.

To confirm Dr. Laura OD's availability for new patients, please call (813) 662-2200. While Dr. Laura OD provides consultations primarily in English, she is committed to providing exceptional care to all her patients.

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

• Allergic Conjunctivitis: Protecting your eyes from allergic conjunctivitis involves early identification of allergens like pollen or pet dander to minimize inflammation and discomfort.
• Chemical Burn - Eyes: Early intervention is vital in managing chemical eye burns, as prompt treatment significantly reduces the risk of blindness and other long-term complications.
• Optic Nerve Disorder: Many optic nerve disorders have no early symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive eye health screenings to prevent irreversible vision damage.
• Refractive Error: Refractive errors, like nearsightedness and farsightedness, are vision problems that can be easily corrected with glasses or contacts, preventing eye strain and headaches.
• Cone Dystrophy: Because cone dystrophy is a hereditary condition that worsens over time, preventative care through consistent eye examinations is crucial for early identification and potential interventions to improve quality of life.
• Myopia, Type 6: While rarer, type 6 myopia requires careful monitoring through routine eye check-ups to ensure appropriate vision correction and prevent potential complications later in life.
• Blurred Vision: Blurred vision is often preventable or treatable, making regular eye exams a key part of your overall preventative health routine.

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

• Implantable Contact Lens (Co-management): Improve your vision and potentially prevent future eye problems by opting for implantable contact lenses, with our co-management services providing continuous monitoring and support.
• Minimally Invasive Valve Surgery: Prioritize your vision health with a minimally invasive valve procedure which can help in early diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions, potentially avoiding more extensive interventions down the line.
• Astigmatism Correction Surgery (Co-management): Take charge of your eye health: co-managed astigmatism correction surgery helps you see clearly and prevents vision-related difficulties.
• Keratoconus Treatment With Contact Lenses: Take proactive steps to manage keratoconus and protect your vision with specially fitted contact lenses designed to correct corneal irregularities.
• BlephEx™ for Blepharitis: Protect your vision by addressing blepharitis with BlephEx™. This innovative procedure helps prevent potential vision-threatening complications associated with chronic eyelid inflammation.
• Refractive Surgery (Co-management): For a safer and more effective refractive surgery experience, our co-management helps you prevent potential issues and monitor your progress for excellent long-term results.
• Laser Eye Surgery (Co-management): Enhance your vision correction journey with co-management of laser eye surgery, receiving comprehensive care to address complications and achieve lasting visual acuity.

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. Laura 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 identifying and managing potential allergens like pollen, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of allergic conjunctivitis, ensuring comfortable vision and daily life.
• By understanding safe handling practices and regular eye exams, a family significantly reduced their risk of a chemical eye burn, ensuring peace of mind and proactive 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. Laura OD:

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

An Optometrist (OD) is a primary eye care provider who performs comprehensive eye exams, prescribes glasses and contact lenses, and diagnoses and manages many eye diseases. An Ophthalmologist (MD) is a medical doctor 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, even if you see well. These exams aren't just about vision; they're about detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy early. Early detection allows for prompt treatment, preserving 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 the only place where blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, and a dilated exam can reveal early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Laura OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is important to detect potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, which can impact a child's vision development.

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

Dr. Laura OD diagnoses cataracts, determines when surgery is needed, and refers patients to trusted ophthalmologists. She then provides essential post-operative care and follow-up vision correction.

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 preserve 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 long and costly visit to the emergency room.

What is glaucoma and why is it called the 'silent thief of sight'?

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It's called the "silent thief" because it typically has no symptoms in its early stages, causing irreversible peripheral vision loss. Regular eye exams are the only way to detect glaucoma early and prevent blindness.

2615 E State Road 60
Valrico FL 33594
Phone: (813) 662-2200

Dr. Laura Cuva, 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): 1245451343

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. Laura 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.