Dr. Christine Kay, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for older adults. She is a dedicated partner in senior health at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, committed to providing compassionate and thorough ophthalmologic care for those 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Kay understands the unique needs of this demographic. General ophthalmologists provide comprehensive eye care for seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health.
Dr. Christine Kay, MD is an ophthalmologist in Gainesville, FL. She is affiliated with HCA Florida Lake City Hospital and has a deep understanding of the aging eye. Dr. Kay earned her medical degree from the University of Florida and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. She is committed to a patient-centered approach, prioritizing collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (352) 371-2800 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kay provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Christine Kay is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Christine Kay is a compassionate ophthalmologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and person-centered care for seniors. She expertly manages a wide range of eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, while prioritizing collaboration with primary care physicians and other specialists. Dr. Kay understands that senior eye health is intertwined with overall well-being, and she works diligently to create individualized treatment plans that support optimal vision and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Christine Kay can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- Empower POS
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- National POS
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Options PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Christine Kay provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Anisocoria: Anisocoria, or a difference in pupil size, may not always require treatment, but it's essential to have it examined by a healthcare provider to ensure there's no underlying condition affecting your eye health and vision.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eye disease is a common condition among seniors, causing discomfort and blurry vision due to insufficient lubrication of the eyes, but thankfully, there are effective treatments like artificial tears and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms and improve vision.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Blurry vision and difficulty with close-up tasks could be signs of diabetic macular edema (DME), a complication of diabetes affecting the retina; don't worry, medical treatments, like injections, are available to help improve your vision and prevent further damage.
- Chronic Conjunctivitis: Chronic conjunctivitis is a persistent inflammation of the eye's conjunctiva (the membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white of the eye), often causing redness, itching, and discharge, but treatable with eye drops or ointments to improve comfort and vision.
- Retinal Hemorrhage: A retinal hemorrhage is a bleed in the retina that can affect your vision. With proper diagnosis and treatment, like managing underlying conditions, it can often be managed and improve your visual well-being.
- Anterior Scleritis: Anterior scleritis is an inflammatory eye condition that can cause significant discomfort and vision changes; early diagnosis and appropriate management by your eye doctor, which may involve medication or other treatments, are crucial to protect your sight and improve your quality of life.
- Herpetic Keratitis: Herpetic keratitis is an eye infection caused by the herpes simplex virus, which can lead to blurry vision and eye pain, but with proper treatment, like antiviral medications and eye drops, you can manage symptoms and protect your eyesight.
- Focal Chorioretinitis and Focal Retinochoroiditis: Inflammation of the retina and choroid (focal chorioretinitis and focal retinochoroiditis) can affect your vision, but early diagnosis and treatment, possibly including medication, can help manage the inflammation and protect your sight, enabling you to maintain your independence.
- Lacrimal Gland Disorder: Tear gland issues can make your eyes feel dry, irritated, or overly watery. Thankfully, many effective treatments are available to manage these problems and ensure your comfort and vision remain as good as possible.
- Juvenile Macular Degeneration: Treatment for juvenile macular degeneration aims to slow disease progression and prevent further vision loss, helping maintain independence and quality of life for those affected (though usually not those of senior age).
- Tear Duct Disorders: Tear duct disorders occur when the tubes that drain tears from your eyes become blocked, leading to watery eyes and discomfort, but treatment options like probing or surgery can often restore proper drainage and improve your comfort.
- Visual Field Defects: Visual field defects mean you can't see everything in your normal range of vision, like having a blind spot, and we can work together to understand what's causing it and find ways to manage it.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Christine Kay offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: For seniors experiencing eye pressure or fluid-related problems, a paracentesis, a minimally invasive procedure, assists doctors in reaching a correct diagnosis and determining the most effective treatment strategy.
- Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy surgery helps manage various retinal conditions in seniors, such as retinal detachments and macular holes, improving vision and preventing further damage.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: This surgery is a key treatment option for seniors experiencing vision impairment due to cataracts, significantly improving their ability to perform daily activities.
- Vitreous Surgery: Vitreous surgery helps remove cloudy or damaged vitreous gel from the eye, improving vision and managing conditions like retinal tears or detachments.
- Extraocular Muscle Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, this surgery addresses double vision or eye muscle weakness, restoring proper eye alignment for seniors.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: To ensure the best possible outcome for your eye surgery or treatment, a B-scan ultrasound may be used to thoroughly evaluate the structures inside your eye.
- Vision Screening: A comprehensive vision screening provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive management and preventing future vision complications.
- Repair of Retinal Detachment or Retinal Tear: This procedure is part of a comprehensive eye care plan to address vision loss caused by retinal problems and maintain your independence.
- Vitreoretinal Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, vitreoreticular surgery can help remove scar tissue, repair retinal tears or detachments, and restore clearer vision for seniors experiencing vision loss.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: This test is a valuable tool for detecting color vision deficiencies, helping your ophthalmologist create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
- Destruction of Lesion of Retina and Choroid: Destruction of a retinal or choroidal lesion is a procedure that helps remove abnormal tissue in the back of the eye, improving vision and preventing further damage.
- Strabismus Surgery: Strabismus surgery helps correct misaligned eyes, improving vision and appearance for seniors.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Ophthalmologies in Florida.
Dr. Christine Kay is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After careful monitoring and guidance, a senior felt more confident navigating familiar surroundings, enjoying their daily walks without the unsettling visual fluctuation.
- With the help of a knowledgeable eye care professional, a senior woman was able to resume reading her favorite novels without the stinging and blurring vision caused by dry eye disease. Her family was relieved to see her enjoying her hobbies again.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Ophthalmology (Ophthalmology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Ophthalmologic care with Dr. Christine Kay:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Kay is an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists, on the other hand, provide primary vision care, such as eye exams and prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Dr. Kay and optometrists often work together to provide comprehensive eye care.
- What are cataracts, and when should I have surgery?
- Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's natural lens, a common part of aging. They can cause blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. Dr. Kay typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to interfere with daily activities like driving, reading, or watching TV.
- What are 'floaters,' and are they dangerous?
- Floaters are small specks or clouds that move in your field of vision. A gradual increase in floaters is a common part of aging. However, sudden new floaters, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and require immediate attention; please call Dr. Christine Kay's office right away.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in seniors affecting the macula, the part of the retina responsible for clear central vision. There are two types: dry AMD, which is more common and progresses slowly, and wet AMD, which is less common but can cause rapid vision loss. While there's no cure for dry AMD, vitamins can potentially slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections into the eye are highly effective treatments to preserve vision.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure performed on the back of the eye to remove the vitreous gel. This allows Dr. Kay to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
- What is glaucoma, and how is it treated?
- Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve, often due to high pressure inside the eye. It can cause gradual peripheral vision loss without early symptoms, making regular eye exams critical. Treatment, managed by Dr. Christine Kay, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, and laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, making it a quick, outpatient procedure that can dramatically improve vision.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Eyelid drooping, or ptosis, is common in seniors. If the drooping eyelid affects your vision, it's a medical concern. Dr. Christine Kay, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore your vision, and improve your appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
4340 Newberry Rd Ste 202
Gainesville FL 32607
Phone: (352) 371-2800
Dr. Christine Kay, MD 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): 1881898419
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Ophthalmologies like Dr. Christine Kay are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.