Dr. Michael Tolentino, MD is an Ophthalmology specializing in the comprehensive care of older adults. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for individuals 65 years and older at his clinic in Lakeland, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458, Dr. Tolentino understands the unique needs of seniors, expertly managing complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure your best possible vision and overall health. He is currently welcoming new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (561) 433-5200.
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. Tolentino, with over 30 years of dedicated experience in ophthalmologic care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University of Massachusetts in 1993, completed an internship at Mount Auburn Hospital, and residency training in ophthalmology at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals 65 years and older. Further specializing in vitreo-retinal surgery, Dr. Tolentino is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is fellowship trained in the treatment of all medical and surgical retinal disease and laser surgery. Dr. Tolentino provides consultations primarily in English.
Dr. Tolentino's experience encompasses a remarkable career marked by innovation and a profound commitment to his patients' well-being. His background includes research and development of groundbreaking treatments, including anti-VEGF medications, and a substantial contribution to clinical trials, leading to the FDA approval of several retinal therapies. He is a highly respected clinician, educator, and researcher, having delivered over 200 international lectures and currently pioneering novel preventative strategies, such as the use of triple carotenoid supplements and blue light protection. He is committed to creating a custom treatment experience for every patient. He currently leads a clinical research center focused on retinal disorders and is actively involved in the development of new concepts in retinal care. He is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Central Florida Medical School and welcomes new patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Michael Tolentino is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Michael Tolentino is a dedicated partner in your senior's eye health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's individual needs and goals, fostering a supportive environment for optimal comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Michael Tolentino can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Michael Tolentino 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:
- Exotropia: If you're dealing with exotropia, where your eyes turn outward, know that you're not alone. Treatment options, including vision therapy and in some cases surgery, aim to improve your eye alignment and reduce the strain on your eyes, allowing you to enjoy clearer vision.
- 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.
- Paralytic Strabismus: This condition, paralytic strabismus, affects eye muscle control leading to misaligned eyes and potential double vision; thankfully, treatments like special glasses or surgery can greatly improve vision and daily life.
- Macular Degeneration: With macular degeneration, the part of your eye responsible for sharp, central vision gradually deteriorates, potentially affecting daily tasks like reading, but regular checkups and available treatments can significantly help.
- Diabetic Eye Disease: If you have diabetes, it's crucial to have regular eye check-ups because high blood sugar can harm your eyes, causing conditions like diabetic retinopathy that may affect your vision; early detection and treatment are key to preserving your eyesight.
- Chalazion: A chalazion is a painless, swollen bump on your eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland, often easily treated with warm compresses to improve comfort and vision.
- Corneal Ulcer: A corneal ulcer is a painful open sore on the surface of your eye that needs prompt medical attention to prevent vision loss and promote healing.
- Retinal Cysts: Depending on their size and location, retinal cysts might not require treatment; your doctor will monitor them and explain any steps needed to keep your vision healthy.
- Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): DME, or diabetic macular edema, is swelling in the retina's central area due to diabetes, leading to blurry vision; thankfully, early detection and treatments such as injections or laser therapy can help slow or prevent further vision loss.
- Retinal Dystrophy: Retinal dystrophy affects the light-sensing part of the eye, causing blurry or distorted vision, night blindness, and eventually significant vision impairment. While there's no cure, managing the condition can slow progression and help you maintain your independence.
- Thyroid Eye Disease: Thyroid eye disease is a condition where your thyroid gland's problems affect the muscles and tissues around your eyes, causing symptoms like bulging eyes or double vision, but treatments like medication or surgery can significantly improve your comfort and vision.
- Non-Magnetic Retained Intraocular Foreign Body: If a non-magnetic particle is stuck in your eye, it will need to be surgically removed by an ophthalmologist to prevent infection and vision impairment; this procedure can restore your sight and improve your overall quality of life.
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 Tolentino offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Vitrectomy: Vitrectomy surgery helps manage various retinal conditions in seniors, such as retinal detachments and macular holes, improving vision and preventing further damage.
- Paracentesis of Anterior Eye: As part of your eye care, a paracentesis may be used to remove fluid from the front of your eye, allowing for better diagnosis and management of conditions impacting your vision.
- Pneumatic Retinopexy: Pneumatic retinopexy is a key treatment strategy for retinal detachment in older adults, helping to prevent severe vision impairment and maintain independence.
- Ocular Surface Reconstruction: Ocular surface reconstruction is a valuable tool in managing and treating various conditions affecting the front of the eye in seniors, ultimately contributing to a more comprehensive eye care plan.
- Vitreous Surgery: For seniors experiencing vision loss from complications like retinal detachment or vitreous hemorrhage, vitreous surgery can be a vital step towards restoring sight.
- Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: This simple procedure helps diagnose the source of eye irritation and prevents further complications that could negatively impact vision.
- Vitreoretinal Surgery: This specialized surgery helps seniors by targeting the intricate structures within the eye, offering a chance to restore sight and improve daily life in cases of retinal problems such as retinal detachment or macular holes.
- Farnsworth Lantern Test: As part of a comprehensive eye exam, the Farnsworth Lantern Test can help identify subtle color vision problems that might affect your daily life.
- Ocular Prosthetics: Ocular prosthetics provide a comfortable and natural-looking alternative to an empty socket, enhancing a senior's quality of life after eye surgery or trauma.
- Foreign Body Removal from Eye: For seniors, prompt foreign body removal facilitates pain relief and helps maintain clear vision, enhancing their independence and daily activities.
- 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.
- Retinal Laser Surgery: As part of a comprehensive eye care plan, retinal laser surgery can help treat conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration, preserving vision and preventing further damage.
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 Tolentino 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, a senior was able to enjoy reading their favorite books again without the frustrating strain and double vision associated with exotropia. The family also felt a significant sense of relief, knowing their loved one could now engage in hobbies with greater comfort and clarity.
- After struggling with constant watery eyes, a senior woman regained her ability to comfortably read her favorite books, a cherished pastime. The ophthalmologist's treatment successfully resolved the tear duct disorders and restored her quality of 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 Tolentino:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- An ophthalmologist is an MD or DO who specializes in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, like exams and glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Ophthalmologists 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. Tolentino 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 appearance of a few floaters is a common part of aging. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, could indicate a serious problem and requires immediate contact with Dr. Tolentino's office.
- What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common condition in seniors 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 can slow its progression. For wet AMD, injections into the eye are a highly effective treatment to preserve vision.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, are common in older adults. If the drooping eyelid affects your vision, it's a medical issue that can be addressed. Dr. Tolentino can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid, restore your vision, and improve your appearance; this is often covered by insurance.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery with Dr. Tolentino is one of the safest and most successful procedures today. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, a quick outpatient procedure that can dramatically improve 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 due to the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Tolentino can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for persistent cases.
- What is a vitrectomy?
- A vitrectomy is a delicate surgical procedure on the back of the eye, involving the removal of the vitreous gel. Dr. Tolentino performs this procedure to treat serious retinal conditions like retinal detachments, macular holes, and severe diabetic retinopathy, aiming to save or improve vision.
401 S Florida Ave
Lakeland FL 33801
Phone: (561) 433-5200
Dr. Michael Tolentino, 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): 1639149313
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 Tolentino 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.