Dr. Richard Hairston, MD is an Ophthalmologist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive ophthalmologic care for older adults at his clinic in Largo, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Hairston understands the unique needs of individuals 65 years and older. 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. He is currently welcoming new patients and they should call (727) 581-8706 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Richard Hairston, a vitreous and retina specialist with over 35 years of experience, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1989 and completed his ophthalmology residency at Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at Johns Hopkins University. Further specializing in the care of older adults, he pursued fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Dr. Hairston is Board Certified in Ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is a valued member of The Eye Institute of West Florida, where he embodies their commitment to clinical excellence and a warm, friendly environment. Dr. Hairston offers consultations in Spanish.
Dr. Hairston's extensive background includes serving as Assistant Chief of Service in Ophthalmology and Director of the Ocular Trauma Service at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He brings this wealth of experience to his practice at The Eye Institute in Largo, FL. He joined The Eye Institute in June 2001, following a successful career in a busy retina practice in Washington, D.C. This comprehensive approach and his commitment to his patientsparticularly those 65 and oldermake him a trusted partner on your health journey.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Richard Hairston is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Richard Hairston is a dedicated partner in your senior health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive ophthalmologic care. He expertly manages complex eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure the best possible vision and overall well-being. His approach prioritizes understanding your individual needs and goals, fostering a trusting relationship to maximize your comfort and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Richard Hairston can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
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Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Richard Hairston 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:
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma involves a slow build-up of pressure within the eye that can harm the optic nerve, potentially causing vision loss, however, managing glaucoma with medication or surgery can help prevent further damage and preserve your sight for years to come.
- Retina Diseases: Retinal diseases can blur your vision or cause blind spots, but with the right care, including medication or surgery, many people can continue enjoying their hobbies and daily activities.
- Hypopyon: If you experience pain, redness, and cloudy vision along with a noticeable layer of pus in your eye (hypopyon), it's vital to seek immediate medical attention; timely treatment can help prevent permanent eye damage and maintain your independence.
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition affecting older adults, causing gradual loss of central vision, but treatments can help slow progression and maintain your independence.
- Serous Detachment Retina: In a serous retinal detachment, a layer of fluid separates the retina from its supportive layer; this can lead to blurry or distorted vision, but prompt treatment can often prevent more serious vision problems.
- Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Wet AMD involves abnormal blood vessel growth in the macula, causing blurry or distorted vision; however, timely injections can often prevent further vision loss.
- Drooping Eyelids (Ptosis): Ptosis, or a heavy, drooping eyelid, is a common condition, particularly among seniors, but thankfully it can often be corrected through surgical procedures, improving your vision and overall quality of life.
- Chorioretinitis: This condition, chorioretinitis, involves inflammation in the back of your eye and can impact your ability to see clearly. Treatment aims to decrease inflammation and help you avoid further vision loss.
- Temporal Arteritis: While temporal arteritis can be concerning, early detection and treatment with medication can effectively manage symptoms, protect your vision, and help you stay active and involved in life.
- Brain Disorders: Changes in vision, such as blurry vision or visual field loss, might signal an underlying brain problem, and prompt medical attention can lead to appropriate treatment and improved eyesight.
- Paralytic Strabismus: Paralytic strabismus is a condition where one or both eyes can't move properly, often causing double vision, and can be treated with exercises, prisms in eyeglasses, or surgery to improve eye alignment and reduce discomfort.
- Juvenile Macular Degeneration: While uncommon in older adults, juvenile macular degeneration is a type of macular degeneration that starts at a young age and can be managed with therapies aimed at preserving vision.
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. Richard Hairston offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- 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.
- Vision Screening: Vision screening helps ensure your glasses prescription is accurate, improving your comfort and quality of life, and catching potential problems early.
- 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.
- B-Scan Ultrasound: This painless test uses sound waves to produce detailed images of the eye, assisting in the management of eye conditions and guiding treatment decisions for better vision health.
- Vitreous Surgery: This procedure helps diagnose and treat retinal problems that affect vision by directly accessing and repairing the eye's interior gel.
- Contact Lens Fitting Services: Contact lens fitting helps determine the best lens type and prescription for clear vision, improving a senior's quality of life and independence.
- Eye Examination: An eye exam provides a detailed overview of your overall eye health, helping to identify any issues that may impact your quality of life and enabling proactive measures to maintain your independence.
- 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.
- Destruction of Lesion of Retina and Choroid: This procedure helps manage serious eye conditions by specifically destroying problematic areas within the retina and choroid, improving vision and overall eye health.
- Eye Surgery: As part of your comprehensive eye care plan, surgery might be recommended to manage glaucoma and lower your risk of vision loss.
- Vitrectomy: This specialized surgical procedure helps diagnose and treat eye conditions that affect the vitreous gel and retina, supporting overall eye health in later life.
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. Richard Hairston 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 glaucoma carefully managed through medication, a senior was able to enjoy a vibrant social life again, attending weekly book clubs and engaging in stimulating conversations with friends.
- With careful treatment for retinal diseases, a senior woman regained the ability to read her favorite novels, a cherished activity that had become increasingly difficult. Her family felt a sense of relief knowing she could continue enjoying this pastime.
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
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- 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. Richard Hairston:
- What is an Ophthalmologist, and how are they different from an Optometrist?
- Dr. Hairston's practice is staffed by ophthalmologists, who are medical doctors (MDs) or doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs) specializing in all aspects of eye care, including surgery. Optometrists (ODs) provide primary vision care, such as eye exams and prescribing glasses, but are not medical doctors and do not perform surgery. Dr. Hairston and his colleagues often work collaboratively with optometrists to ensure comprehensive eye care for our patients.
- 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. Hairston 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. A gradual increase in floaters is common as we age. However, a sudden increase, especially with flashes of light, could signal a serious problem and requires immediate contact with Dr. Hairston's office.
- What is dry eye, and how is it treated in seniors?
- Dry eye is a very common and often uncomfortable condition for seniors, frequently caused by the eyes not producing enough quality tears. Treatment typically begins with over-the-counter artificial tears, but Dr. Hairston can offer prescription eye drops, punctal plugs, or other therapies for more persistent cases.
- 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. Hairston, usually starts with daily eye drops to lower pressure, but laser procedures and surgery are also effective options to prevent further vision loss.
- My eyelids are drooping and making it hard to see. What can be done?
- Drooping eyelids, or ptosis, is common in older adults. If the drooping interferes with your vision, it's a medical issue that can be addressed. Dr. Hairston, our oculoplastic specialist, can perform a functional blepharoplasty to lift the eyelid and improve vision and appearance. This procedure is often covered by insurance.
- 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 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 slow its progression, and for wet AMD, injections in the eye are highly effective treatments to preserve vision.
- Is cataract surgery safe?
- Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial one, often as a quick, outpatient procedure that can dramatically improve vision.
148 13th St SW
Largo FL 33770
Phone: (727) 581-8706
Dr. Richard Hairston, 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): 1871591065
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. Richard Hairston 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.