An even more daunting statistic is that an estimated 61 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, but only half have visited an eye doctor in the past 12 months.
At Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, the physicians on the medical staff offer a wide range of eye care services — from routine eye exams and treatment of a variety of eye conditions, to more complex and delicate eye surgery, including corrective and cataract surgery. Since many eye conditions result from other medical issues, such as diabetes and arthritis, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treatment by working closely with other physicians and specialists to provide you with comprehensive, high-quality care.
Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in older adults in the United States, according to Prevent Blindness America. More than 20 million Americans age 40 years and older have cataracts and more than half of all Americans have cataracts by the age of 80 years.
As defined by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. A cataract alters the eye’s vision, so that it appears as if a person is looking through a frosted window. A cataract is a condition, not a disease, and cannot spread from one eye to the other.
Do You Have a Cataract?
Answer the questions below to help determine if you should seek medical treatment for your eye condition. You can also call 1-877-924-WELL (9355) for information about the ophthalmologists on the medical staff at Tempe St. Luke’s.
Please note: This questionnaire should not substitute a medical checkup or consultation with an eye care professional. Only a physician, surgeon or other qualified eye care provider can accurately diagnose and treat cataracts.
- Is your vision clouded, blurred or dim in one or both eyes?
- Do you have difficulty with eyesight at night?
- Are your eyes sensitive to light or glare?
- Do you see “halos” around lights?
- Do you experience prolonged exposure to sunlight on a regular basis?
- Do you have double vision?
- Are your more than 40 years of age?
- Does anyone in your family have cataracts?
- Have you been diagnosed with diabetes?
- Do you smoke?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you may be at risk for cataracts. Please contact your insurance company to determine if you need a referral from your primary care physician for ophthalmology services. To schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist on the medical staff at Tempe St. Lukes, please call 1-877-351-WELL (9355).
Conditions
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Cataracts
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye, red eye)
- Corneal Diseases, Disorders and Injuries
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma (optic nerve damage)
- Hyphema (bleeding in the eye)
- Iritis (inflammation in iris of eye)
- Macular degeneration (vision loss)
- Nystagmus (repetitive movement)
- Presbyopia (difficult to focus)
- Pingueculum and Pterygium (thickening of conjuctiva)
- Refractive Errors
- Strabismus (lack of coordination between eyes)
- Uveitis (inflammation of uvea)
Treatments
- Eye exams
- Eye drops or ointment
- Eye glasses
- Cataract surgery
- Corrective surgery
- Laser treatment
- Vitrectomy
- Artificial tears
- Plugs
- Medicine to lower eye pressure
- Botulinum shots (injections).
- Eye surgery
- Phakic intraocular lenses (artificial lenses placed inside the eye)
- Photorefractive keratectomy (reshapes corneal tissue)
- LASIK
- Strabismus surgery (align your child’s eyes)
Resources
Protect Your Eyes
Your eyes are an important part of your overall health. The following are a few tips to keep your eyes healthy and to lower your risk of eye injuries.
Steward Health Care