Dr. Michael Imler, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in comprehensive eye care for seniors. He is a dedicated partner in your health journey, practicing at his Winter Garden, FL clinic and committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care for individuals 65 years and older. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Michael Imler, MD is an ophthalmologist in Winter Garden, FL and has over 25 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, he brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of older adults. He earned his medical degree from Creighton University in 1998 and is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Orlando and Orlando Health-Health Central Hospital, and is accepting new patients. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Imler provides consultations primarily in English. If you'd like to schedule an appointment, please call (407) 501-7100.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Imler is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Imler is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to create a personalized plan that prioritizes your best possible vision and overall well-being. His approach emphasizes understanding your individual needs and goals, ensuring a smooth and supportive experience throughout your care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Imler can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- 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 Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) 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
- SimplyBlue HMO
- UnitedHealthCare
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Imler 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:
- Paralytic Strabismus: Paralytic strabismus means a problem with the nerves or muscles controlling eye movement, often resulting in misaligned eyes and double vision. Treatment focuses on improving eye coordination and vision through techniques like surgery or vision therapy.
- Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: As we age, some experience dry AMD, a condition affecting the macula (the central part of the retina) that can cause blurry or distorted vision; while there's no cure, regular eye exams and treatments can help manage it and preserve your sight as much as possible.
- Retinal Cysts: Retinal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the retina, sometimes affecting vision, and are often managed through monitoring or targeted treatment to maintain your independence.
- Conjunctival Hemorrhage: Sometimes a tiny blood vessel in the white of your eye bursts, resulting in a red spot called a conjunctival hemorrhage. It's typically painless and heals naturally, so you can likely continue your normal activities.
- Dry Eyes: Dry eye is more than just a minor inconvenience; it can significantly affect vision clarity and daily activities. Your doctor can recommend appropriate treatments to address the underlying cause, relieve your symptoms, and maintain your independence.
- Eyelid Disorders: Whether it's a simple irritation or a more complex issue, eyelid disorders can impact vision and self-esteem; seeking professional help can lead to effective treatment and improved quality of life.
- Retinoschisis: Retinoschisis, a retinal condition, can cause vision changes like blurry spots or reduced side vision, but with proper monitoring and treatment, it often remains stable.
- Blepharitis: Itchy, red, or crusted eyelids could signal blepharitis, a manageable condition where regular cleaning and sometimes medicated eye drops can greatly reduce discomfort and maintain your independence.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition that gradually damages the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye, and can lead to vision loss if left untreated, but with regular eye exams and treatment, you can protect your sight and maintain your independence.
- Retinal Vascular Occlusion: If a blood vessel in the back of your eye (the retina) becomes blocked, it's called retinal vascular occlusion; treatments like laser therapy or injections can help to prevent vision loss and maintain independence.
- Pterygium: Pterygia are fleshy growths on the eye's surface that might blur your vision; thankfully, simple surgical removal can often restore clearer sight.
- Retinal Detachment and Retinal Tear: Imagine the back of your eye as a delicate wallpaper; a retinal tear or detachment is like that wallpaper peeling away, blurring your vision. Surgery can carefully reattach it, helping you maintain your independence.
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. Michael Imler offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Cataract Removal Surgery: For seniors struggling with cataracts, this surgery is a vital step in their care journey, helping them regain clear vision and avoid potential falls or other accidents related to poor vision.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: This service ensures seniors with vision impairments receive properly fitted contact lenses, supporting their overall eye health and reducing discomfort.
- Contact Lens Treatment: Contact lenses can help determine the best prescription for glasses, offering a clearer vision pathway for seniors.
- Eye Test: A thorough eye examination provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive care planning to address any issues and preserve your vision.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: To ensure optimal vision and safety, your doctor may use the Farnsworth Lantern Test to identify and address any color vision impairments that could impact your activities.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: Foreign body removal prevents potential vision loss and corneal damage in seniors by addressing the problem swiftly and effectively.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: A foreign body in the eye can be very irritating; having it removed quickly aids in preventing infection and promotes healing, maintaining your quality of life.
- Vision Screening: A comprehensive vision screening provides a baseline for your eye health, enabling proactive management and preventing future vision complications.
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. Michael Imler 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:
- With improved eye alignment and reduced double vision, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of attending theater performances together, a treasured family activity.
- With regular eye exams and specialized treatments, a senior was able to resume reading her favorite books, a cherished pastime, without the frustrating blurring and distortion of her vision. Her family felt immense relief knowing she could continue to enjoy this important part of her life.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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. Michael Imler:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, such as exams and glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Often, ophthalmologists and optometrists 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. Imler typically recommends surgery when cataracts begin to affect 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. The gradual onset of a few floaters is a normal part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially if accompanied by flashes of light, could signal a serious issue and requires immediate attention; please call Dr. Imler's office immediately.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition in older adults that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp 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 may help slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections directly into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and often uncomfortable condition in older adults, frequently caused by the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment usually begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Imler can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful surgical procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically restore clear vision.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are common in seniors. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue. Dr. Imler, an oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore vision, and improve appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- 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. Imler to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
1291 Winter Garden Vineland Rd Ste 130
Winter Garden FL 34787
Phone: (407) 501-7100
Dr. Michael Imler, 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): 1760458939
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. Michael Imler 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.