Dr. Lauren Hansen, OD

Dr. Lauren Hansen, OD is a board-certified Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Merritt Island, Florida. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing in accordance with Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated 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's committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Lauren OD serves all ages, from infants to seniors, and is dedicated to promoting the importance of preventive eye care. She understands that early detection and proactive management are crucial for maintaining optimal vision and overall health. Her practice emphasizes a holistic approach, considering the individual needs of each patient to develop personalized care plans. To confirm if Dr. Lauren OD is currently accepting new patients, please call (321) 453-5700. Dr. Lauren Hansen, OD is an optometrist in Merritt Island, FL, and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Hyphema: Managing potential hyphema risk factors and attending regular comprehensive eye exams enables early diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding your eyesight.
• Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Managing health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes is crucial to preventing ischemic optic neuropathy, a serious condition affecting blood flow to your optic nerve and potentially causing blindness.
• Myopia, Type 6: Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for individuals with myopia type 6 to detect and address any associated issues promptly, minimizing the risk of vision loss.
• Cataract Surgery Complications: Regular comprehensive eye exams help detect cataracts early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing the risk of complications during surgery.
• Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a gradual eye disease, often without early symptoms, highlighting the importance of preventative eye exams to detect and manage it before irreversible damage occurs.
• Optic Nerve Disorder: Protecting your optic nerve through regular eye exams is crucial for early detection of disorders that can lead to vision loss or blindness.
• Scleritis: Protecting your eye health means being aware of scleritis, a painful inflammation of the sclera, which, if caught early, can be managed effectively to avoid permanent damage.

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

• Extraocular Muscle Surgery (Co-management): By co-managing your extraocular muscle surgery, we help ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible long-term eye health.
• Glaucoma Surgery (Co-management): Taking charge of your eye health: Co-managing your glaucoma surgery helps your eye doctor monitor your progress and intervene quickly if any issues arise, protecting your sight.
• Argon Laser Treatment (Co-management/some states): Argon laser treatment, sometimes managed in collaboration with other specialists, helps prevent vision loss by precisely targeting and treating specific eye conditions.
• YAG Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): For certain conditions, a YAG Iridotomy might be recommended to lower the risk of angle-closure glaucoma, ensuring the health and well-being of your eyes.
• Intraocular Lens Implant Surgery (Co-management): Ensure a smooth and successful intraocular lens implant surgery by utilizing our co-management services, which provide comprehensive pre- and post-operative care to maximize your vision outcome.
• Strabismus Examination: A strabismus examination checks for misalignment of your eyes, helping detect and address this condition early to prevent vision problems later in life.
• Retinal Laser Photocoagulation (Co-management): Take proactive steps to safeguard your eyesight; this procedure uses laser to seal leaking blood vessels in the retina, preventing further vision impairment.

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. Lauren 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 diligently attending regular eye exams and addressing potential risk factors, a patient proactively managed their eye health, ensuring peace of mind and the best possible outcome for their vision.
• By closely managing their blood sugar and blood pressure, a patient significantly reduced their risk of ischemic optic neuropathy, enjoying a renewed sense of confidence and 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. Lauren 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 conditions. They differ from an Ophthalmologist (MD), who is a medical doctor and eye surgeon.

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 have good vision. These exams look beyond simple sight, detecting silent diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy which can threaten your vision. Early detection is key to preventing vision loss.

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 problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal these early warning signs.

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 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 something in your eye, 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.

My eyes often feel dry and gritty. What can I do?

Dry eye is very common. Dr. Lauren OD can diagnose the cause and recommend a personalized treatment plan, which may include prescription eye drops or in-office procedures, beyond just artificial tears, to improve comfort and prevent damage.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound but using light, to create incredibly detailed cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Lauren OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

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. Lauren OD to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

250 N Courtenay Pkwy
Merritt Island FL 32953
Phone: (321) 453-5700

Dr. Lauren Hansen, 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): 1386052801

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. Lauren 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.