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

Thursday, August 30, 2012

NJ Specialist on Glaucoma & Metabolic Syndrome

NJ Glaucoma Specialist Roslyn Stahl, M.D. commented on glaucoma and metabolic syndrome. “Recent publications in Ophthalmology, the official journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, suggest that the risk of developing Open Angle Glaucoma (OAG) may be increased if you suffer from Metabolic Syndrome. As glaucoma specialists we are well aware that patients with diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension or high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol and triglycerides and obesity have elevated risks of developing open angle glaucoma,” explained Dr. Stahl. “Our concern is that since approximately one-fifth of the U.S. population has metabolic syndrome and that both metabolic syndrome and OAG increase in prevalence with age, the research data suggests that as the U.S. population ages, the disease burden of OAG may increase in the coming years,” she noted.

The authors performed statistical analysis to determine patients' risk of developing OAG in conjunction with individual and combined types of metabolic syndrome. Data were adjusted for social and demographic factors, systemic medical conditions and other ocular diseases. The adjusted data showed that subjects with diabetes alone had a 35% increased risk of developing OAG, and those with hypertension alone had a 17% increased risk. Those with diabetes and hypertension combined had a 48% risk. Those with hyperlipidemia alone had a 5% decreased risk. Obese subjects had a 14% increased risk. Patients with diabetes, hyperlipidemia and hypertension combined had a 26% increased risk and the risk of developing OAG were higher in African Americans, Latinos and Asian Americans than in Caucasians, the authors reported.

If you have questions or need an appointment to learn more about protecting your eyes from UV please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services.

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.


Monday, August 20, 2012

NJ Corneal Specialist on Shingles Eye Infections

NJ Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. provided information about shingles eye infections from Herpes Zoster. “Often patients don’t realize that Herpes Zoster “shingles” eye infection or keratitis is actually caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, called Varicella-Zoster virus,” explained Dr. Confino. “If you have had chicken pox as a child, the Varicella-Zoster virus can actually remain in the nerve cells of your body in an inactive state. Then, later in life if there is some type of event-such as stress, infection or other type of immune compromise, the virus can reactivate and actually travel through the nerves in your body causing a painful blistering rash. In the event the virus travels to your head or neck it can affect the eye and thus cause a corneal infection or keratitis which can become a serious eye infection,” he further explained. 

Patients should be aware that it is critical to have Herpes Zoster Keratitis diagnosed quickly as the infection can penetrate deeply into the cornea and it can cause scarring and vision loss. In addition the “shingles eye infection can also result in a decrease or even a loss of corneal sensation, which can be permanent and very undesirable. It may be necessary to prescribe both oral medications and eye drops to try and resolve the infection and prevent serious damage from occurring. While it is possible for anyone who has been exposed to the chicken pox virus to get shingles it seems to mostly affect those of advanced age and those with weakened or suppressed immune systems. “It is important to note that corneal problems from shingles may occur many months after the facial shingles appear to have resolved so it is important to schedule regular follow up appointments for eye examinations as instructed by your doctor,” emphasized Dr. Confino. 

If you or someone you know has had Shingles or Chicken Pox and is experiencing any type of eye problem please call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999 and request an immediate appointment with Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. or visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser eye surgery such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. 

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

NJ Surgeon on Near Vision Cataract Surgery

NJ Cataract Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center helped patients with cataracts learn more about Monovision Cataract Surgery for near vision. “As a cataract & refractive surgeon we have used the monovision technique for many years with contact lens wearers as well as patients with presbyopia and needing some help with near vision,” stated Dr. Confino. “Monovision LASIK is quite common for patients having Laser Eye Surgery such as LASIK as well.” 

The monovision technique is simply adjusting the optical correction in each eye so that the dominant eye is corrected for clear distance vision and the non-dominant eye is corrected for improving near or intermediate range vision. “For patients who have been wearing monovision contact lenses successfully or who have had monovision LASIK and are pleased with the vision, taking the step into monovision cataract surgery can be is a natural progression. For others, they must consider the possible benefits as compared to those provided by near vision presbyopia correcting multifocal lens implants as some 30% of monovision patients fail to adapt adequately to the “blended” vision,” explained Dr. Confino.


Researchers reporting in the May 2011 Journal of Refractive Surgery studied the optimal monovision prescription that should be used in order to get the highest levels of patient acceptance and overall visual acuity and depth perception. They concluded that the prescription range of 1.00 D-2.00 D of monovision correction was the maximum range and that the optimal prescription for monovision cataract surgery was 1.5 D. While this is useful information, patients should understand that a 1.5 D near correction may very well be insufficient for them to perform their daily tasks comfortably without needing readers or bifocals. 

The best way for you or someone you know with a cataract to find out if you are candidates for monovision cataract surgery or near vision presbyopia correcting lens implants after cataract surgery is to schedule a Cataract and Lens Implant evaluation at The Eye Care & Surgery Center by calling 908-789-8999, visiting The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. 

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Eye Health, Contacts & Swimming in NJ

“Understanding how swimming can affect your eyes, eye health and vision is worth learning a little about, as summer typically means lots of water activities for all of us,” said NJ Ophthalmologist Milton Kahn, M.D. of The Eye Care & Surgery Center. 

In general, unless you are wearing goggles it is best not to swim with your eyes open under water and, when possible, to avoid splashes of water into your eyes. This is because the various types of pool chemicals that are used for keeping the water clean and free of contamination may actually be irritating at a minimum and in some instances damaging to the surface of the eye. Maintaining the proper pH levels in swimming pools takes considerable monitoring and effort and as the pH varies so does the possibility of eye irritation. Your natural tears have a pH of 7.0, if the pH of the pool water is below or above that level that level, it will certainly cause your eyes to burn or sting. The proper pH level for swimming pools is in the range of 7.2 to 7.8. If the pH is maintained within this range, burning eyes shouldn't be a problem for swimmers. 

For sure, if you plan on spending any lengthy period of time in the water you should protect your eyes by wearing goggles. “Swimming with contact lenses is very risky,” stated NJ Cornea Specialist Joel Confino, M.D. The eye health risk of swimming with contacts depends on the body of water you are in. “When swimming on lakes and in rivers there is a considerable risk of the microorganism Acanthamoeba to adhering to your contacts. Acanthamoeba Keratitis is a severe and potentially blinding infection and inflammation of the cornea. This same risk is present when wearing contacts in hot tubs or spas. While the risk of sight threatening infection is lesser in properly chlorinated swimming pools and the ocean, other problems may be encountered,” Dr. Confino further explained. 

In the pool--eye irritation is possible when chlorine sticks on the surface of your lens and in the ocean--your contact lenses can be dislodged when you encounter large waves. You need to carefully consider whether to wear contact lenses while swimming. Keeping your head out of the water and wearing goggles will help to greatly reduce risk. “If you worry about not being able to see clearly without glasses or contacts and want to see clearly while in the pool or ocean, you may wish to consider LASIK as a vision correction method so as not to be dependent on eyeglasses or contacts for swimming,” said Dr. Confino. 

If you or someone you know has questions about swimming, swimming pools, eye health, vision and contact lenses please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter 

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. 

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

Monday, August 6, 2012

LASIK Discount for NJ Military, Police & Firefighters

At The Eye Care & Surgery Center we offer a LASIK discount for military personnel, police and firefighters throughout NJ because we recognize the benefits of LASIK for these first responders and patriots. Military personnel are often involved in activities that are simply unsuitable for wearing eyeglasses or contact lenses. The compatibility of eyewear with night vision goggles, gas masks, aiming devices and other systems is a constant source of concern in terms of safety as well as performance of duties. Consider a police officer involved in a pursuit, investigation or search or even a physical altercation and the hassle eyeglasses and contact lenses can potentially expose a police or law enforcement to. With firefighters one can only imagine trying to wear eyeglasses with SCUBA breathing devices or wearing contact lenses in the heat and dusty environment of a fire. 

We are hopeful that by providing the opportunity to have LASIK at a discount, military personnel, police and firefighters will perform better and feel safer if they don't have to worry about breaking eyeglasses, losing contact lenses or glasses, or thinking about lenses fogging up or being uncomfortable at crucial moments. 

The Eye Care & Surgery Center offers a Free LASIK Consultation as well as the military, police and firefighter LASIK discount by calling 800-504-1083. If you or someone you know has a question about LASIK or wish to schedule a Free LASIK consultation please feel free to call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 800-504-1083 or visit facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.

NJ Surgeon on Cataract Surgery & Broken Hips

NJ Cataract Surgeon Roslyn Stahl, M.D of The Eye Care & Surgery Center commented on a recent article about cataract surgery, broken hips and preventing hip fractures. A study recently published in The Journal of the American Medical Association by Dr. Coleman at Jules Stein Eye Institute UCLA looked at the incidence of hip fractures one year after patients had cataract surgery compared to those in the same age group that did not have surgery. “The authors found that there were 16 percent fewer hip fractures in the year after surgery compared to those who did not undergo cataract operation”, said Dr. Stahl. The study found that patients who were ages 80-84 and those with serious chronic conditions fared the best, with 28% percent fewer hip fractures. “This is consistent with my experience as a cataract surgeon in that we know improving vision helps balance and navigation reducing the rate of falls and therefore fractures,” she further explained. In elderly patients, fractures can cause significant morbidity and mortality, as well as place significant burden on those caring for them. A lot of patients and family members refuse undergoing cataract surgery because of their age or medical conditions, but this study should make them think twice. Cataract surgery is a quick outpatient procedure with little risk and high rate of success. We underestimate the profound effect that it can have on improving ones quality of life and regaining patient’s confidence and independence.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

NJ Cataract Awareness at Eye Care & Surgery Center

The Eye Care & Surgery Center in New Jersey wants to make patients aware of the symptoms of a cataract, how common cataracts are today and how effective modern cataract surgery and lens implants can be in restoring vision. “Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In the United States alone, more than about 20 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts and more than half of all Americans will actually develop cataracts by age 80,” commented NJ Cataract Surgeon & Corneal Specialist Joel Confino, M.D., of The Eye Care & Surgery Center with offices in Westfield, Warren and Iselin, NJ.

Many patients do not actually know that a cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye preventing light rays from passing through it easily. This results in a clouding and blurring of vision. Patients should understand that cataracts are not a growth or a film over the eye. For many patients cataracts start out slowly and have little effect on vision at first. But, as the cataract becomes denser, so does the impact on vision. The most common symptoms that bother patients with cataracts can include blurring of vision, sensitivity to light and glare, double vision in one eye, poor night vision, fading or yellowing of colors and frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions. 

“When cataracts do begin to interfere with daily activities or with patient comfort and safety, they can be treated surgically. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States. Today, we have a full range of Intraocular Lens Implants (IOL) available that allow us to correct near vision as well as distance vision without requiring bifocals or reading glasses for the vast majority of patients”, said Dr. Confino. 

If you or someone you know is bothered by the symptoms of cataracts or has questions or concerns about having a cataract, cataract surgery or lens implant call The Eye Care & Surgery Center at 908-789-8999, visit The Eye Care & Surgery Center or facebook.com/eyecareandsurgerycenter to schedule an appointment. 

The Eye Care & Surgery Center is staffed by a team of Board Certified NJ Ophthalmologists who are subspecialty Fellowship trained New Jersey eye surgeons, Opticians, technical and administrative staff who provide eye examinations for adults and children, surgery for cataracts, intraocular lens implants (IOL), laser vision correction such as LASIK, diagnosis and treatment of cornea disease including cornea transplants, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the retina including diabetes and age related macular degeneration (AMD) and diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, reconstructive and cosmetic facial surgery including eyelid surgery and facial and skin rejuvenation as well as contact lenses, eyeglasses, eyewear and optical services. 

With locations in Westfield and Warren and Iselin, The Eye Care & Surgery Center is a leading NJ eye care practice serving the central and northern New Jersey including Old Bridge, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Milltown, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Somerset, Dunellen, Bridgewater, Manville, Bound Brook, Raritan, Edison, Colonia, Woodbridge, Metuchen, Avenel, Carteret, Piscataway, Middlesex, Somerville, South Plainfield, North Plainfield, Roselle Park, Garwood, Clark, Kenilworth, Cranford, Gillette, Berkeley Heights, Stirling, Scotch Plains, Summit, Chatham, Watchung, Pluckemin, Rahway, Plainfield, Mountainside, Springfield, New Providence, Basking Ridge, Bedminster, Bernardsville, Millington, Union, Elizabeth, Linden, Jersey City, Irvington, Orange, West Orange, Livingston, Short Hills, Florham Park, Madison, Bloomfield, Montclair, Clifton, Garfield, Wayne, Parsippany, Troy Hills and Paramus, New Jersey.