At Envision Ophthalmology & Wellness, Dr. E. Shanika Esparaz takes eye health to the next level by adding lifestyle guidance for improved overall health
By Mary Malik
E. Shanika Esparaz, M.D. is a double board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in surgical procedures of the eye for the treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and other issues. At her clinic, Envision Ophthalmology & Wellness, Dr. Esparaz combines her specialty in ophthalmology with her board certification in lifestyle medicine, making her uniquely qualified to educate her patients on the importance of a healthy lifestyle to help prevent and treat disease.
“I particularly enjoy doing eye procedures, often with lasers, that are quick and result in minimal downtime and discomfort,” Dr. Esparaz says. “In many cases, the patient experiences an immediate improvement in their vision.”
Growing up in Cleveland with her mother, a physician, and grandmother, a constant presence in her home, Dr. Esparaz understood at a young age the importance of taking good care of her health, including her eyes. Sparked by her childhood exposure to the medical field, Dr. Esparaz focused on ophthalmology and was hooked by the immediate difference a quick and painless procedure can make. This is why eye exams and early detection are so important.
Dr. Esparaz says the American Association of Ophthalmology recommends a dilated eye exam by age 40 if no other issues exist that may affect eyesight.
“There is a subset of younger patients where dilated exams are recommended earlier and that would be where conditions like diabetes, hypertension or family history exist,” Dr. Esparaz says. “For macular degeneration, retinal disease and cataracts prevention, early detection is key to making an impact with interventions.”
If you haven’t seen an ophthalmologist and are in your 50s or beyond, Dr. Esparaz recommends an eye health evaluation. At Envision Ophthalmology & Wellness, Dr. Esparaz also guides her patients through nutrition, exercise and lifestyle changes that can improve eye and overall health.
“Prevention through education is a large part of my practice,” Dr. Esparaz says. “Things like heart disease, diabetes and hypertension play a big part in eye health. Avoiding those heart-related issues will also improve eye health.”
Dr. Esparaz also points out that things like age, genetics and some environmental factors are inevitable and can’t be avoided, but there are ways to reduce your chances of eye issues and address problems you may already be experiencing.”
As a direct care practice, Dr. Esparaz has the time it takes to get to know her patients and educate them about their overall health and how that relates to their eyes.
“I love getting to know my patients, finding out what’s important to them and how I can help them remain active and engaged in the things they love to do,” Dr. Esparaz says. “My lifestyle medicine training gives me a unique perspective and allows me to work with patient to develop a plan to help keep them healthy in every way.”
Membership packages available at Envision Ophthalmology & Wellness include yearly screenings, exams, counseling and active treatments.
“Staying on top of eye exams is critical for those with a genetic predisposition for diseases of the eye, because early detection and treatment are so important for the best outcome,” Dr. Esparaz says. “At Envision Ophthalmology & Wellness, we will customize a complete care plan specifically for you.”
Envision Ophthalmology and Wellness is located at 6551 Wilson Mills Road, Suite 103 in Mayfield, next to Austin’s Steakhouse. For more information call 440-291-3051, email Dr. Esparaz at info@envisioncleveland.net or check the website EnvisionCle.com.