Dr. Maricarmen Perez Blanco, OD

Dr. Maricarmen Perez Blanco, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Coral Gables, 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. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, 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.

Dr. Maricarmen OD is an optometrist in Coral Gables, FL, affiliated with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is Board Certified in Optometry by the American Board of Optometry and welcomes new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Maricarmen OD is 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. She offers consultations in Spanish. Please call (305) 689-5555 to schedule an appointment.

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

• Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: Preventative eye care is key to managing central serous chorioretinopathy; by catching it early, we can often prevent lasting damage to your central vision.
• Presbyopia: Presbyopia is a common age-related change that makes it harder to focus on nearby objects, and regular eye exams help detect it early so you can get glasses or other vision correction to maintain your quality of life.
• Vitreous Hemorrhage: Preventing serious vision problems from a vitreous hemorrhage starts with routine eye exams, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment.
• Supranuclear Ocular Palsy: Supranuclear ocular palsy is a condition affecting eye movement, and regular eye exams can help detect it early, preventing further vision loss and allowing for timely intervention.
• Retinal Artery Occlusion: Regular comprehensive eye exams are vital for preventing the complications of retinal artery occlusion, a condition that can lead to significant vision loss if left untreated.
• Exudative Retinal Detachment: Regular eye checkups are key to preventing vision loss from exudative retinal detachment; this condition involves fluid accumulation under the retina, emphasizing the value of proactive eye health management.
• Strabismus-Like Double Vision: Don't ignore double vision that looks like strabismus; scheduling a comprehensive eye exam ensures early diagnosis and timely treatment, helping prevent more severe vision complications.

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

• Eye Print Prosthetic Contact Lens Treatment: Enhance your vision and prevent future complications by utilizing an eye print prosthetic contact lens, a method that enables precise evaluation and customized care.
• Doppler Test: Protecting your vision starts with a Doppler test, which helps identify potential problems with blood vessels in your eyes that could impact your sight.
• 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.
• Iridotomy (Co-management/some states): To proactively safeguard your vision, an iridotomy may be recommended, particularly if you have conditions like narrow-angle glaucoma, to lower intraocular pressure and prevent vision loss.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Contact Lens Treatment: Take proactive steps towards lifelong eye health with rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, a treatment option that may improve vision clarity and reduce the risk of certain eye conditions.
• Macular Degeneration Treatment: Early detection is crucial for managing macular degeneration. Treatment options aim to identify and address potential vision-threatening problems associated with AMD.
• 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.

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. Maricarmen 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 attending regular eye exams and following a proactive care plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing central serous chorioretinopathy, maintaining clear vision and peace of mind.
• By scheduling regular eye exams, a patient proactively managed the onset of presbyopia, ensuring continued comfort and clarity in daily activities. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and confidence in their vision for the future.

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. Maricarmen 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. They differ from ophthalmologists (MDs), who are medical doctors and eye surgeons.

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

Dr. Maricarmen OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, even if you see well. These exams are crucial for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, allowing for timely intervention. Early detection is key to preserving your vision.

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

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, can detect early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique in that its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for important health insights.

What is an OCT scan?

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

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

Low vision is vision impairment not fully correctable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Dr. Maricarmen OD performs a low vision evaluation, focusing 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. Maricarmen to detect any changes early and arrange treatment to prevent vision loss.

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 vision.

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 vision loss.

5555 Ponce de Leon Blvd
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 689-5555

Dr. Maricarmen Perez Blanco, 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): 1396760591

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. Maricarmen 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.