Ophthalmology

There are two main types of eye doctors that people see if they are having trouble with their vision or just want to monitor their eye health. Optometrists and ophthalmologists, and which one you see will depend largely on whatever is going on with your eyes.

What is an Ophthalmologist?

An ophthalmologist is the type of eye doctor with the most advanced training in vision care. The first step to becoming an ophthalmologist is to obtain either a medical doctor (M.D.) degree or a doctor of Osteopathy (D.O) degree, both which requires four years of medical school plus four year residency that delves further into eye care.

An ophthalmologist is able to take a full look at your eye health and vision needs from prescribing prescription lenses to diagnosing and treating various eye diseases, to performing eye surgeries. They also carry with them the background medical knowledge that may put them more in tune with how various eye diseases and vision issues could be a sign of more widespread medical issues, such as picking up on medical issues like diabetes or high blood pressure. Because the risk of these and other health problems increases with age, it is recommended that people get an ophthalmologist eye exam by the time they are forty years old.

Do You Need an Ophthalmologist in Phoenix, AZ?

Our team of eye care specialist ophthalmologists in Phoenix to make sure your vision and overall health is being protected in the best way possible. Not all eye problems bring symptoms, but here are some of the symptoms you might notice that are signs that you should make an appointment with your ophthalmologist in Phoenix as soon as possible.

• Bulging Eye(s)
• Distorted or Double Vision
• Excess Tearing
• Loss of Peripheral Vision
• Seeing Halos or Floaters
• Excessive Red Eye or Tearing
• Eye Injuries or Pain in the Eye
• Eyelid Problems
• Medical Conditions including
  • HIV/AIDS,
  • Thyroid disease,
  • Diabetes,
  • or High Blood Pressure

Optometrist Care Also Available

A Doctor of Optometry, (O.D), or optometrist earns an undergraduate college degree and goes on to an additional four years of optometric school. Our optometrist can perform most eye exams and detect common vision related problems. In some cases, our optometrist can treat eye diseases, but they do not perform any type of eye surgery. For many situations, an eye exam from our staff optometrist, will provide you with the information you need to correct your vision. An optometrist can make note of any potential red flags as pass your care on to one of our ophthalmologists as needed.

Make an Appointment

At Eye Doctors of Arizona, we offer eye care services from both ophthalmologists as well as an optometrists in order to fully cover your eye health needs. Whether you are having trouble with your vision, or your eyes just don't feel right, contact us at (602) 257-8280 to reach any of our three Phoenix area locations and request an appointment.