Dr. Maria Casas, OD

Dr. Maria Casas, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Doral, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she's committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Registered with the Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Maria OD is deeply invested in the long-term well-being of her patients, from infants to seniors. She earned her medical degree from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1988 and is currently accepting new patients.

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. Dr. Maria OD understands the importance of a collaborative approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to evidence-based medicine and provides consultations in Spanish. To schedule your appointment and begin your proactive health journey, please call (786) 465-4836.

Dr. Maria Casas, OD is an optometrist in Doral, FL, dedicated to comprehensive eye care. She graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1988 and is passionate about preventative health strategies. She believes in empowering patients to actively participate in their well-being and values a collaborative approach to care. As a trusted partner in your eye health, Dr. Maria OD is eager to welcome new patients.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Maria 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. Maria 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. Maria 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: Regular eye exams help detect and manage allergic conjunctivitis, reducing the risk of long-term eye problems like corneal damage.
• Astigmatism: Astigmatism, a refractive error causing blurry vision, can be effectively managed with corrective lenses or surgery, but early detection and treatment through proactive eye care are key to optimizing visual health.
• Cataract: Protecting your vision from cataracts involves regular eye check-ups, allowing for early detection and treatment options that can help maintain clear sight.
• Diabetic Eye Disease: Early detection of diabetic eye disease through routine eye exams is crucial for preserving your sight and preventing severe vision impairment associated with diabetes.
• Dry Eyes: Managing dry eyes effectively minimizes irritation and protects your eyes from potential infections and vision impairment associated with chronic dryness.
• Eyelid Inflammation: Managing eyelid inflammation is crucial for preventing potential vision loss and chronic eye problems; schedule an eye exam if you experience symptoms.
• Foreign Body in Eye: Even small foreign bodies in your eye can cause significant discomfort and potential long-term damage if not addressed promptly, emphasizing the value of proactive eye health management.
• Glaucoma: Early detection of glaucoma through regular comprehensive eye exams is key to preventing vision impairment and preserving your eyesight.
• Presbyopia: Don't let blurry near vision sneak up on you – presbyopia, a natural aging process, often requires reading glasses; schedule yearly eye exams to manage its impact and avoid unnecessary eye strain.

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

• Contact Lens Exams: Take a proactive step towards healthy eyes with contact lens exams – they assess your vision and eye health while wearing contacts.
• Diabetes Eye Care: Take proactive steps to safeguard your eyesight – diabetic eye care helps identify and treat potential eye complications from diabetes.
• Diabetic Eye Exam: Protecting your sight is key, and a diabetic eye exam proactively screens for eye damage related to diabetes, enabling early intervention and preserving your vision.
• Eye Examination: An eye exam is more than just checking your vision; it's a vital health assessment that can detect underlying medical issues impacting your eyes.
• Eyeglasses: Regular eye exams and appropriate eyeglasses help protect your vision by detecting problems like astigmatism or nearsightedness early, facilitating timely intervention and preventing potential complications.
• Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal helps safeguard your eye health by promptly addressing irritants and minimizing the chance of infection or vision loss.
• Soft Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses offer a comfortable and convenient way to correct your vision, improving your daily life and reducing eye strain.
• Vision Screening: Protecting your vision starts with a vision screening. This simple test can identify refractive errors, eye diseases, and other conditions that may require treatment.

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. Maria 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 patient proactively managed their allergic conjunctivitis, significantly reducing the risk of future eye complications and enjoying clearer vision.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively identified and managed early signs of astigmatism, ensuring clear vision and preventing potential future complications. This proactive approach provided the patient with peace of mind and a clear path for optimal visual 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. Maria 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 manages 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, even if you see well. These exams are not just about vision; they 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 in offering direct visualization of blood vessels, allowing early detection of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. A dilated eye exam can reveal early signs of these conditions.

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

Low vision is vision impairment not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Maria OD focuses on maximizing remaining vision through tools like magnifiers and adaptive devices to help maintain independence.

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

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. Maria OD can diagnose and monitor cataracts to determine the best course of treatment.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Maria OD is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable fit, preventing potential eye damage and serious infections.

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 it early and prevent blindness.

10676 NW 19th St
Doral FL 33172
Phone: (786) 465-4836

Dr. Maria Casas, 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): 1851438519

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. Maria 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.