Eye Care & Surgery Center NJ Bladeless LASIK Laser Cataract Surgeon Blog

Monday, December 20, 2010

Which is brighter...

Rudolph's nose or winter morning sun glare? Have you been blinded by the sun on morning outing to work or errands? The sun is lower and therefore more intensive to view. A few tips to help you enjoy the beauty of this season without the pain. Anti-reflective coatings on your glasses work wonders as do tinted glasses and Transition lenses. Don't stay inside just go out the right way.

Today's Chuckle:
Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
A: Frostbite.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

ECSC Holiday Party

"The weather outside is frightful...." but spending time with friends always warms the soul.
Last night we all enjoyed our 2010 holiday party hosted by the "Fab Four" docs. Lots of laughter, dancing and fun was had by all. Our MC for the evening was our fearless leader, Philip Borker who added the perfect mix of celebration and introspection. Happy Holidays to all.
Today's Chuckle:

If athletes get athletes foot, what do astronauts get?

Missletoe

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Today's Chuckle:

Three doctors were driving together to the hospital when they had an accident and all three died. They found themselves in front of the Pearly Gates, with St. Peter there shaking his head.

"Gentlemen, I'm afraid Heaven is full - we just don't have room for you here," said St. Peter. "But, St. Peter, surely you recognise me!" the first doctor exclaimed. "I developed the DNA theory, and have helped improve millions of lives through my work." St. Peter shook his head, thinking, and finally said, "You're right, we just have to let you in. Come on -- we'll make room somehow."

"And I know you recognise me, St. Peter," the second doctor said. "I developed the MRI, and because of my machine, millions of people with medical problems are helped." Again St. Peter is moved. "Yes, come on in. Surely you deserve to be here, too," he replies.

Finally, the last doctor pipes in, "St. Peter, You must also know me -- I'm the doctor who developed HMOs." To this St. Peter only hesitates a moment, and then replies, "Yes, you, too, have a place in Heaven -- but you can only stay 3 days."

Monday, November 22, 2010

Traveling and Dry Eyes

Holiday Travel:
If you are flying somewhere this holiday season don't forget your rewetting drops. Air travel tends to dehydrate your skin AND your eyes. Keep a bottle of artificial tears with you and put a drop in beforeyou take off, during flight and when you land. Your eyes will thank you. Safe traveling.

Today's Chuckle:

The pro football team had just finished their daily practice session when a large turkey came strutting onto the field. While the players gazed in amazement, the turkey walked up to the head coach and demanded a tryout. Everyone stared in silence as the turkey caught pass after pass and ran right through the defensive line. When the turkey returned to the sidelines, the coach shouted, "You're terrific!!! Sign up for the season, and I'll see to it that you get a huge bonus." "Forget the bonus," the turkey said, "All I want to know is, does the season go past Thanksgiving Day?"

Friday, November 19, 2010

Protecting Your Eyes While Cooking

With the holidays upon us, we prepare to gather with family and friends to celebrate and enjoy. Some of the delicious offerings will be made with onions. To protect your eyes from the tearing and burning during the preparation of this vegetable, peel, slice and chop your onion next to an open flame on your stovetop. The gases are absorbed and will not irritate your eyes. Be careful not to allow your clothing, hair or cookware near the open flame. Pleae keep children away from stove as well.
Happy Cooking!

Today's Chuckle:

An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing, forty-five years of misery is enough."

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says.

"We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her," and he hangs up.

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this." She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own fares Now what do we tell them for Christmas?

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Chuckle Today

One Sunday morning, the priest saw little Davey staring up at the large plaque that hung in the church's foyer. The plaque was covered with names and small American flags were mounted on either side of it.

"Father Donovan," the boy asked, "what is this?

"Well, son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service," the priest explained. They stood together quietly, staring at the memorial plaque.

Little Davey softly asked, "Which service? The 9:00 or the 10:30?"

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Baggy, Saggy Eyelids

Your eyes are one of the most important aspects of your appearance, and one of the first areas to show signs of aging. For some, this can occur as early as your twenties to early thirties. If the eyes project a lack of energy due to overhanging skin and puffiness, you may appear tired or older. Conversely, if the eyes are more open and relatively free of creases and folds, you will probably seem more rested and youthful.

Cosmetic Facial Plastic Surgery is a popular way to help you look your best. Eyelid Surgery or Eyelift is known medically as blepharoplasty (blef-er-o-plasty) is actually one of the most frequently performed cosmetic plastic surgery procedures for the face. There are two types of blepharoplasty, upper eyelid blepharoplasty and lower eyelid blepharoplasty where each procedure corresponds to the area of the face where it is performed.

You might benefit from eyelid surgery or blepharoplasty if:

•Your upper eyelids appear hooded
•It's become increasingly difficult to put on eye makeup
•Even after you've had a good night's sleep people ask you if you're tired
•You have puffiness under your eyes that never goes away
•You are developing bulges in the corners of your upper eyelids
•You have trouble keeping your eyes open
•Your upper eyelids always feel heavy
•Your eyes appear to have become smaller
•Your eye makeup smudges very easily
•You've lost the fold of your upper eyelid
•Your peripheral vision is decreased
•You have excess skin and crepe like wrinkles beneath your eyes
•Ever since you can remember you've had baggy eyes

A Chuckle-A-Day:


There were two old guys, Abe and Sol, sitting on a bench in a park feeding pigeons and talking about baseball, just like they did every day. Abe turns to Sol and says, "Do you think there's baseball in heaven?"

Soloman thinks about it for a minute and replies, "I dunno, Abe. But let's make a deal: If I die first, I will come back and tell you, and if you die first, you come back and tell me, if there is basebal l in heaven."

They shake on it and, sadly, a few months later poor Abe passes on. One day soon afterward, Sol is sitting there feeding the pigeons by himself when he hears a voice whisper, "Sol... Sol...."

Sol responds, "Abe! Is that you?"

"Yes it is Sol," whispers the spirit of Abe.

Sol, still amazed, asks, "So, is there baseball in heaven?"

"Well," says Abe says, "I got good news and I got bad news."

"Gimme the good news first," says Sol.

Abe says, "Well... there is baseball in heaven."

Sol says, "That's great! What news could be bad enough to ruin that!?"

Abe sighs and whispers, "You're pitching on Friday."

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

The Liquid Facelift

As we get older, it is not uncommon for many people to experience some loss of facial fat, muscle tone and even bone loss that can result in developing a haggard or hollowed out appearance. When this occurs, the youthful, taut facial skin often begins to look saggy.

In our youth, typically the cheekbones represent the widest facial area whereas the narrowest is the chin area, forming a “triangle of youth”. With aging, volume is lost under the eyes, around the cheekbones and sometimes the temples, causing sagging and widening of the jawline and jowls. Often this changes the “triangle of youth” into the “pyramid of age”.

Some patients elect to have a surgical facelift, which addresses the sagging skin-but not the loss of volume supporting the fullness of the facial features. Improving the sagging but not addressing the volume loss can result in a “tight” appearance and even a gaunt look. By using the non-surgical technique of volume replacement with Sculptra® Aesthetic injections it is often possible to help minimize or eliminate the problems of loose skin and volume loss.

Sculptra® Aesthetic helps to restore the “triangle of youth” by replacing the loss of fullness in the mid face. It actually “lifts” by lessening the redundant skin that sags to the jowels by filling the tissue space thus smoothing wrinkles and providing a firm and youthful appearance.

Depending on their individual situation and expectations, some patients may require a surgical facelift or they may actually achieve their desired results with volume replacement alone. Occasionally, it may be necessary to use a combination of a surgical facelift and volume replacement.

Volume replacement treatment, such as Sculptra®, is relatively easy to inject and is biodegradable thus not permanent. Depending on the areas of concern and personal goals, The Eye Care & Surgery Center’s Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon, Christopher Thiagarajah, M.D., may suggest just using Sculptra® Aesthetic alone or combining it with other non-surgical or surgical options to achieve optimal results.

Chris Thiagarajah, M.D. is an Ophthalmologist & Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon at The Eye Care & Surgery Center in New Jersey. As a Fellowship trained Oculofacial Surgeon Dr. Thiagarajah is a specialist in the full range of facial cosmetic procedures to help patients look their best and minimize the effects of aging. These include Eyelifts, or Blepharoplasty, Brow Lifts and Midfacial Lifts as well as non-surgical treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, JuvĂ©derm®, Sculptra® Aesthetic and Dysport® to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Chuckle of the Day:
A photographer from a well know national magazine was assigned to cover the fires at Yellowstone National Park. The magazine wanted to show some of the heroic work of the fire fighters as they battled the blaze.

When the photographer arrived, he realized that the smoke was so thick that it would seriously impede or make it impossible for him to photograph anything from ground level. He requested permission to rent a plane and take photos from the air. His request was approved and arrangements were made. He was told to report to a nearby airport where a plane would be waiting for him.

He arrived at the airport and saw a plane warming up near the gate. He jumped in with his bag and shouted, "Let's go!" The pilot swung the little plane into the wind, and within minutes they were in the air.

The photographer said, "Fly over the park and make two or three low passes so I can take some pictures."

"Why?" asked the pilot. "Because I am a photographer," he responded, "and photographers take photographs."

The pilot was silent for a moment; finally he stammered, "You mean you're not the flight instructor?"

Thursday, October 28, 2010

A Chuckle a Day

A lady is having a bad day at the tables in Vegas. Down to her last $100, completely exasperated, she cries, "What rotten luck! What in the world should I do now?"

A gent next to her, trying to calm her down a bit, calmly suggests, "I don't know... Why don't you play your age?"

He walks away. Moments later, his he is intrigued to hear a great commotion at the roulette table. Maybe, she won!

Rushing back to the table and pushing his way through the crowd, he is stunned to see the lady lying limp on the floor, with the table operator kneeling over her.

He asks, "What happened? Is she all right?"

The operator replies, "I don't know, buddy.... She put all her money on 29. When 36 came up she fainted!"

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Winner of our Pie Baking Contest

Congratulations to one of our technicians Brittany who was named the 2010 ECSC Pie Baking Champion for her Blackberry Pie Cobbler with leaf-shaped crust. Absolutely delicious. Our Runner-up was our Clinical Manager Elisa with her creative Key lime and Coconut Cream pie combo. The homemade crust was sinfully good. Honorable mention went to another of our outstanding technicians, Kimmy for her Coconut cream pie with toasted coconut on top and creamy as could be.

Chuckle-a-Day:
A mechanic was removing a cylinder head from the motor of a Harley motorcycle when he spotted a well-known heart surgeon in his shop. The surgeon was there waiting for the service manager to come take a look at his bike.

The mechanic shouted across the garage, "Hey Doc can I ask you a question?"

The surgeon, a bit surprised, walked over to the mechanic working on the motorcycle.

The mechanic straightened up, wiped his hands on a rag and asked, "So Doc, look at this engine. I open its heart, take valves out, fix'em, put 'em back in, and when I finish, it works just like new. So how come I get such a small salary and you get the really big bucks, when you and I are doing basically the same work?

The surgeon paused, smiled and leaned over, whispering to the mechanic....."Try doing it with the engine running!"

Friday, October 22, 2010

Allergy Eyes

With leaves decomposing, there are plenty of allergens in the air making your eyes feel itchy. Couple that with forced hot air and you have DRY, itchy eyes. Some people take lubricating drops to address both issues, others take allergy drops. the truth is, neither will take care of both issues. For itchy eyes you most likely will need an over-the-counter, allergy drop. However, a lot of those drops can actually dry out the eyes. So, you need the combination of allergy drops AND lubricating drops or artificial tears to take care of both situations.

Today's Humor:
During a visit to the mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director how do you determine whether or not a patient should be institutionalised.

Well, said the Director, we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.

Oh, I understand, said the visitor.

A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup.

No said the Director, A normal person would pull the plug out.

Do you want a bed near the window?

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Today's Humor

Actual Notes on Hospital Charts (not ours).

1. The patient refused autopsy.

2. The patient has no previous history of suicides.

3. Patient has left white blood cells at another hospital.

4. Patient's medical history has been remarkably insignificant with only a 40 pound weight gain in the past three days.

5. Patient has chest pain if she lies on her left side for over a year.

6. On the second day the knee was better and on the third day it disappeared.

7. The patient is tearful and crying constantly. She also appears to be depressed.

8.The patient has been depressed since she began seeing me in 1993.

9. Discharge status: Alive, but without my permission.

10. Healthy appearing decrepit 69-year old male, mentally alert, but forgetful.

11. Patient had waffles for breakfast and anorexia for lunch.

12. She is numb from her toes down.

13. While in ER, she was examined, x-rated and sent home.

14. The skin was moist and dry.

15. Occasional, constant infrequent headaches.

16. Patient was alert and unresponsive.

17. I saw your patient today, who is still under our car for physical therapy.

18. Skin: somewhat pale. but present.

19. Patient has two teenage children, but no other abnormalities

20. When she fainted, her eyes rolled around the room

21. The patient was in his usual state of good health until his airplane ran out of gas and crashed.

22. Between you and me, we ought to be able to get this lady pregnant.

23. Patient was seen in consultation by Dr. Smith, who felt we should sit on the abdomen and I agree.

24. By the time he was admitted, his rapid heart had stopped, and he was feeling better.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Joke of the Day

Start your day off with a chuckle. Check out the ECSC Blog each morning for our good humored "joke of the day". Here is today's giggle:

A bullied husband was advised by a psychiatrist to assert himself. "You don't have to let your wife bully you," she said. "Go home and show her you're the boss."

The husband decided to take the doctor's advice.

He went home, slammed the door, shook his fist in his wife's face, and growled, "From now on you're taking orders from me. I want my supper right now, and when you get it on the table, go upstairs and lay out my clothes. Tonight I am going out with the boys. You are going to stay at home where you belong. Another thing, you know who is going to tie my bow tie?"

"I certainly do," said his wife calmly, "the undertaker."

Thursday, October 14, 2010

LASIK SAVES You Money

The average contact lens wearer will spend between $9000 - $15,000.00 over a 20 year period of lens wear. The research was based on standard contact lenses, not specialty lenses, solutions, replacements, exams and fittings associated with contact lenses.
LASIK puts money back in your pocket. Even with the cost related to the procedure, the net result for most contact lens patients is a HUGE cost savings, not to mention the enjoyment factor of not being limited to certain activities because of your lenses.
Times are tough, why not save precious dollars where you can?

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Pie Baking Contest

ECSC holding it's 2nd Annual Pie Baking contest. All of our employees, management and docs are welcome to enter their most delectible dessert. Stay tuned to find out the winner on October 28th!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Flexible Spending Pays for LASIK

It's FSA time.Before you fund your Flexible Spending Account, find out if you are a candidate. If you prefund and are do not qualify for LASIK, you may lose the money. Use it or lose it in FSA Land. Call for a consultation before your enrollment period closes to find out if it makes sense to fund for 2011.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Firefighter Appreciation Month

September is Firefighter Apprieciation Month at ECSC. If you are or know a firefighter who has been considering Laser Vision Correction, now is the time to act! For the month of September, we have preferred pricing for the men and woman that put their lives on the line daily for our safety. Call for a free consultation.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Don't trust the school with your child's vision

It's back to school time, supplies to buy, medical exams to complete. The schools typically give our children a brief vision test which they feel determines if your child is having a problem or not. Unfortunately, there are many issues that a child may be experiencing visually that a school's program is not equipped to detect. We strongly advise your child have a comprehensive exam performed by a pediatric ophthalmologist to ensure the health of their vision.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Visit our You/tube video

You want to chuckle while you learn about contact lenses? Check out the new video we posted on Youtube! Laugh, learn and enjoy. www.YouTube/EyeCareSurgeryCenter.com

Monday, August 9, 2010

Contact Lenses on YouTube

Look for us on YouTube in September. Instructions and top 5 questions answered on Contact Lens wear. It's a fun way for contact lens wearers or existing lens wearers, to learn more.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Dr. Thiagarajah's trip to Indonesia

Click on this link to read about Dr. T's ORBIS trip to Jakarta, Indonesia.
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/detailed/Health/Eye_Surgeon_from_The_Eye_Care_Surgery_Center_Westfield_New_Jersey_Participates_in_ORBIS_Internat_511689.html

Thursday, July 8, 2010

The Eye Care & Surgery Center and The Flying Eye Hospital

We are pleased to announce that Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon Chris Thiagarajah, M.D. has returned from Jakarta, Indonesia after participating in the ORBIS International Flying Eye Hospital Project. The mission brings subspecialty training to Indonesian eye care professionals to help address the country’s dire eye health needs.

The ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital program works to provide subspecialty Ophthalmology training for local Indonesian eye physicians, surgeons, nurses and other eye care professionals. As an eye surgeon specializing in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Thiagarajah was selected to provide skills transfer to more than 200 eye care professionals from local hospitals, using hands-on surgical training, live surgical demonstrations, lectures and workshops in Ocular Oncology and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery.

“While I find it rewarding using my expertise in cosmetic eye plastic surgery to help patients achieve the aesthetic results they desire, having the opportunity to utilize those skills to address and prevent blindness, in a part of the world in such desperate need, has been both fulfilling and gratifying ”, relayed Dr. Thiagarajah upon his return from Jakarta.

Blindness in Indonesia
According to the World Health Organization, South-East Asia has a disproportionately high prevalence of blindness. Of the twelve people going blind in the world every minute, four are from South- East Asia. The Indonesian Ministry of Health calculates that blindness in Indonesia affects approximately 1.3 million people – the highest among Asian countries – and studies have suggested that 3-8% of the population have some form of impaired vision.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Love Your Long Lashes

With summer comes beaches and pools and very little make-up. Ladies are loving the effects of Latisse. Lashes are longer and stand out even without make-up. when the sunglasses come off be proud. It REALLY works.

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Nike Eyewear

Nikevision is available at ECSC. We now carry the Nike line. If you love Nike, you'll love these frames.

Monday, June 7, 2010

NON-Surgical Facelift

Welcome to the New Age of Anti-Aging!The Non-surgical facelift. Join us July 15, 2010at 6:30pm for a discussion with Cosmetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr. Chris Thiagarajah on Facial Rejuvenation with Sculptra Aesthetic. Recently featured on the Today Show, this state-of-the-art treatment gradually replaces lost collagen and leaves you with a natural looking result that can last up to two years.
Call to reserve your spot and learn more about this amazing anti-aging technique.
908-789-8999 ext. 2028.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Doctor on Charity Mission

DR. Chris Thiagarajah travels to Indonesia in June on a Medical Mission for two weeks. Dr. T is our Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon and we are very proud of his participation in this life-altering mission.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

ADVANCES IN THE CORRECTION OF ASTIGMATISM

JOIN US Wednesday July 14, 2010 at 6:00PM at our Westfield facility for an informal talk by Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. about The Advances in the Correction of Astigmatism. Learn what an Astigmatism is, the choices available to correct astigmatism and a free screening to check if you have an astigmatism. Adults of all ages may benefit from the information provided as there are several methods of correction for people diaganosed with astigmatism such as specialty contact lenses, glasses, laser correction and unique lens options for patients with cataracts.
Call us at 800-504-1083 to reserve your spot as space is limited!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Spectacular Summer Sunglass Sale!

Summer in Style. 25% off Sunglasses, prescription and non-prescription, designer brands such as Maui Jim, Ray-Ban, Versace, Coach, Tagheuer, Fendi, and many others. Sale begins May 17, 2010 through July 30, 2010. Protect your eyes and look great doing it. Visit us in Westfield NJ, Iselin NJ, and Warren NJ.

Monday, April 26, 2010

WELCOME TO THE EYE CARE & SURGERY CENTER INFORMATION UPDATE

We welcome you to learn about the latest trends, procedures, innovations in eye surgery, cataract and lens implant techniques and technology, LASIK, Cosmetic Eye Surgery such as eye lifts or blepharoplasty and treatments such as Botox, and of course updates about eyeglass lenses and fashion eyewear for the you and your family. Please visit us often and we will share our news and updates.