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Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Oscar Cruz, MD)

(70 Ratings)

Specializes in: Pediatric Ophthalmology

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (1987)

Professional interests include: strabismus, tear duct repair, eye surgery, and more.

1225 S. Grand Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63104

(314) 617-2600

Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD is a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO specializing in pediatric ophthalmology. He graduated from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1987 and has 39 years of experience. Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD is affiliated with SSM Health and SLUCare Physician Group.

Office Locations

1225 S Grand Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63104

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1225 S. Grand Boulevard
Saint Louis, MO 63104

(314) 617-2600

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13000 Butler Crest Drive
Saint Louis, MO 63128

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Some issues Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD can help you with:

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

Thyroid Surgery

Thyroid surgery is a procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the lower neck that regulates the hormones that manage metabolism. Thyroid surgery, also known as thyroidectomy, treats thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), goiters (noncancerous thyroid inflammation), and thyroid cancer. It may also be used to remove thyroid nodules or cysts that have a risk of becoming cancerous.

Both hypothyroidism and goiters are caused by an autoimmune reaction where the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The thyroid reacts by releasing too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, impairing thyroid function and causing irregular metabolism. Goiters develop from the autoimmune reaction causing continued antibody damage to the thyroid over time. Thyroid goiters are large, swollen lumps that can be felt near the base of the neck. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. Hypothyroidism may also be caused by iodine deficiency, as iodine is needed to produce thyroid hormones.

The exact cause of thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts is unknown. While thyroid cancer and thyroid nodules or cysts can occur in individuals with thyroid disorders, they are not associated with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Physicians may prescribe thyroid surgery if blood tests reveal patients' thyroid stimulating hormones (TSA) are outside of the acceptable range, indicating a malfunctioning thyroid. Thyroid biopsies (tissue samples) and tests for thyroid-attacking antibodies are also criteria for surgery.

An ENT or general surgeon performs thyroid surgery. While a patient is placed under anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision at the center of the neck and removes the thyroid gland. Two alternative methods of thyroid surgery are transoral (incision through the mouth) and endoscopic, where a surgeon operates a video camera for live footage to help guide the removal process.

Thyroid surgery requires minimal aftercare. Most patients recover quickly and resume normal activities within a few days of surgery. However, thyroid surgery patients must take daily synthetic thyroid medication (levothyroxine) for life to replace their removed thyroid.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2012 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	74

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2013 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	72

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	44

**Age**
From 65 to 74	24
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2013

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	47
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	35
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2014 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	24

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	27

**Age**
From 65 to 74	17
From 75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2014

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	28
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2015 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	36

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	40
Female	54

**Age**
From 65 to 74	30
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2015

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	57
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	40
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2016 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	41

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	29
Female	35

**Age**
From 65 to 74	24
From 75 to 84	24
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2016

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	30
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	23
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2017 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	41

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	23
Female	33

**Age**
From 65 to 74	21
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	17

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2017

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	43
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	21
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	27
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO during 2018 were eye procedures.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

eye procedures	15

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	26
Female	31

**Age**
From 65 to 74	18
From 75 to 84	19
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2018

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	37
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	32
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	22
Female	33

**Age**
From 65 to 74	20
From 75 to 84	21
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2019

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	44
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	29
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	30

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	17
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2020

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	41
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	27
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	21
Female	26

**Age**
From 65 to 74	18
From 75 to 84	14
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2021

Hypertension	55
High Cholesterol	55
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	40
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	30
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	12
Female	17

**Age**
From 65 to 74	14
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	48
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2023 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	11
Female	16

**Age**
From 65 to 74	12
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2023

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2024 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	14
Female	12

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	11
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD in 2024

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	50
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	0
Chronic Kidney Disease	0
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2024

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated as a pediatric ophthalmologist in Saint Louis, MO were eye procedures.

eye procedures	43

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2024

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD.

**Gender**
Male	20
Female	27

**Age**
75 to 84	13
85 and over	0
Less than 65	1
65 to 74	15

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD From 2012 - 2024

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and depression.

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	1
Osteoporosis	0
Heart Failure	4
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	4
Diabetes	17
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Education & Training

Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD graduated from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in 1987. He completed residency at Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology Missouri State Board of Registration and has a state license in Missouri.

Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (1987)

Residency: Baylor College of Medicine Affiliated Hospitals (1991)

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology Missouri State Board of Registration

Licensed In: Missouri

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.54 out of 5 stars based on 70 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Louis, MO.

4.54

Overall Rating

(70 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Allergan Inc.	$414 BOTOX $393	$21
Alcon Vision LLC	$187 ARGOS $137	Centurion $50
ARGENX US, INC.	$125 $125
Abbott Laboratories	$124 Healon Viscoelastics $124
Reliance Medical Products, Inc.	$100 $100
Other	$253 CataractEquipment $96	AmnioGuard $69	BOTOX $30	TEPEZZA $21	VYZULTA $21	Other $16

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$1,202

Research Payments

Dr. Oscar A. Cruz, MD has received 100 research payments totaling $40,924.

Biography

Dr. Oscar Cruz treats pediatric and adult patients for conditions and diseases related to the eyes. He offers surgery for adults with moderate to severe strabismus (crossed eyes, diplopia), and cares for children with moderate to severe amblyopia (poor sight) by occlusion therapy and/or pharmacologic therapy. Dr. Cruz is a professor of ophthalmology, Anwar Shah Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, and professor of pediatrics in the Department of Ophthalmology at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He is a member of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.