Here at EyeCare 20/20, we are constantly informing our patients about the many vision changes that can begin to appear throughout their senior years―cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, the need for bifocals, or any number of other vision problems that are just a natural part of growing older. While many of these changes can be uncomfortable and scary, especially for people who have always had 20/20 vision, there are many treatments and procedures available to aid those people who are undergoing significant vision changes as they reach their senior years.

However, vision loss is not the only thing that people need to worry about as they enter their 60s and 70s. Many of our other senses also undergo significant changes as we grow older, and perhaps none more so than our hearing.

Hearing loss in older adults, often diagnosed as presbycusis, is the sudden or gradual decrease in how well you can hear. Depending on the cause, the amount of hearing loss one experiences as they grow older can be mild or severe, and temporary or permanent. In fact, many people who experience hearing loss may not even be fully aware of it, especially if it has happened gradually over time.

Unfortunately, hearing loss can not only affect how well we participate in conversation or listen to the radio. Many physiological studies are now reporting that hearing impairment may also affect our physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral functions.

To help you learn a little bit more about hearing loss, including its causes and symptoms, we have put together some basic information that will help you get a better idea of what your senior years may mean for you hearing:

Causes of Hearing Loss

When it comes to hearing loss in seniors, the most common causes are noise and age. Being exposed to everyday noises such as going to a concert or using a lawn mower can begin to damage the internal structures of the year over time. This can eventually lead to hearing loss when it occurs frequently. The other major culprit of hearing loss is the aging process. Changes in our inner ear begin to take place as we get older, and this can cause a slow by steady loss in hearing.

Other causes of hearing loss could include injury to the ear or head, an ear infection, a ruptured eardrum, viral infections, ototoxic drugs such as aspirin, and even smoking.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

The most common symptoms of hearing loss in older adults include muffled hearing, difficulty hearing what others are saying, having to listen to the television or radio at a higher than normal volume, and avoiding conversation and social interaction.

If you experience any of these symptoms as you begin to enter your senior years, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and past health. If your doctor thinks that you have hearing loss, they can do a number of different hearing test to check how severe your hearing loss may be. They can also recommend hearing devices, such as hearing aids, that can help significantly with noise-induced or age-related hearing loss.

For more information about hearing loss that commonly occurs with the aging process, be sure to view our EyeHear 20/20 page. You can also fill out our complementary Hearing Self Evaluation Test to find out if you exhibit the signs and symptoms of hearing loss. We also offer free hearing evaluations by our hearing specialists for those patients in need of further testing.  Just call our office to schedule at 973-664-7794.  Don’t let your senior years be tainted by vision or hearing loss. Instead, contact us today to find out how we can help make growing older something to look forward to.

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Within the last decade, the advances made in vision technology have helped millions of people all over the world overcome frustrating and sometimes inhabilitating vision problems, from correcting poor vision to improving age-related eye diseases. Each year these procedures become more accurate and better than ever as the technology surrounding them continues to grow, and it is exciting to think about the procedures that are store for the future in the world of vision correction technology.

However, advanced technological procedures that help to correct vision problems are not something that we simply have to dream about for our future. Each year, new advancements are made to improve the already beneficial procedures that many people undergo each and every day, such as LASIK or cataract surgery. In fact, just this year there have been new ads floating around the optical world promoting “bladeless” or “laser-assisted” cataract surgery―something that was otherwise unused until now.

While there is still much research to be done surrounding the procedure, and we here at EyeCare 20/20 are still learning about the many pros and cons of this technology, it is still an exciting prospect to think about and consider for future use. To help you get a better idea of the benefits that laser-assisted cataract surgery could bring to the optical world, we have put together some basic information on traditional cataract surgery vs. “bladeless” cataract surgery:

Traditional Cataract Surgery

To understand how laser-assisted cataract surgery could be very beneficial in the future, it is first important to understand how traditional cataract surgery works. For us, traditional cataract surgery is a 5 to 10 minute operation that involves making a small incision into the cornea, usually using a microscopic blade, to open the thin capsule surrounding the cataract and break open the cataract into small fragments using ultrasound waves. Once the fragments are removed using a tiny vacuum, an intraocular lens implant is inserted to replace the focusing power that is lost when the natural lens is removed.

Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery

“Bladeless” cataract surgery is almost identical to traditional cataract surgery, except that instead of making the primary incision through which the cataract fragments will be removed with a blade, a fully-approved femtosecond laser is used. This laser can also be used to make any extra incisions that may be needed in the cornea in order to help decrease symptoms of astigmatism. The femtosecond laser can also be used to cut the capsule and break the dense central “nucleus” of a cataract into fragments before it is removed using the ultrasound instrument.  Certainly more time and expense is currently associated with this emerging technology.  The questions that we need to answer is will the results be better than the already great results we now achieve with cataract surgery?  This is what we are currently evaluating in our decision concerning the implementation of this technology.

As with all new types of technology that emerge, the full range of benefits and complications of laser-assisted cataract surgery is not yet known and many studies still need to be completed to realize the full outcome potential. Until then, if you are considering undergoing surgery for the removal of cataracts, be sure to contact EyeCare 20/20 and schedule your free vision consultation today.

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We are please to announce that EyeCare 20/20 has become the on site provider for eye care services on the Novartis campus in East Hanover.  Novartis has recently completed a complete eye clinic as part of their Employee Wellness Center located in Building 405 on the Novartis Campus.  Drs. Nicholas Xanthos and Ramy Seyam of EyeCare 20/20: West Orange will be manning the new EyeCare 20/20 @ Novartis.

EyeCare 20/20 @ Novartis represents an innovative new approach to employee health care.  Novartis employees will be able to receive eye care on site.  The office will include a full optical shop and contact lens dispensing.  Executive eye exams, occupational eye exams, emergency eye exams, and routine eye exams will be performed at this site.  LASIK services will be offered at the East Hanover location.  During off hours, Novartis employees may be seen at either EyeCare 20/20′s West Orange or East Hanover locations.

EyeCare 20/20 @ Novartis will be available only to Novartis employees or contractors who have access to the campus.  Our “soft opening” is slated for Monday, May 14.  Current patients of our other two offices may continue to be seen at any of the locations they chose.  To schedule an appointment at EyeCare 20/20 @ Novartis, please call 973-731-8050.

Summer is a favorite season for many people all across the country. Not only does it mean summer vacation for children and long holiday weekends spent with family and friends, but it also brings us long days filled with sunshine and warm weather. Whether your favorite summer activity is lounging around the pool, road trips to your family cabin or beach house, or simply relaxing outside with a good book, the long summer days leave plenty of time for basking up the sun.

However, longer days of sunlight do not only mean more time for fun, outdoor activities (although this certainly is a bonus). The longer the days means the longer the sunlight, which can be very dangerous for both your skin and your vision.

While many people are aware of the dangers that UV light can have on your skin―exposure to sun burn, increased risk of skin cancer, etc.―not many people realize that the summer sunshine can be just as dangerous, if not more so, to our fragile eyes.

Intense exposure to UV light can cause a “burn” to the eye surface, not unlike skin sunburn. In fact, results from dozens of studies suggest that spending long hours in the sun without eye protection not only increases the chances of developing eye diseases, including cataracts, but even low amounts of sunlight can increase your risk of developing eye disorders.

Another potential effect of UV radiation is the “burning” of the eye’s surface, called “snow blindness” or Photokeratitis from sunlight. Photokeratitis is an inflammation of the cornea caused by a brief exposure to UV radiation, usually when combined with cold wind and snow. Like a “sunburn of the eye”, it may be painful and may create symptoms including red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing. The effects of this dangerous occurrence typically disappear within a few days. However, it could lead to further complications later in life if it occurs more than once.

There are also long-term effects that come with our eyes being over exposed to UV radiation, which are significantly more serious. Radiation over a period of many years may increase the chance of developing a cataract, and may cause damage to the retina, the nerve-rich lining of the eye that is used for seeing. This damage to the retina is usually not reversible.

So, if we protect our skin from the dangers of summer sunshine by using sunscreen, how do we protect our eyes? The best thing that you can do for your eyes is to wear quality sunglasses that offer a good amount of protection. You should also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat when you are outdoors for a prolonged amount of time.

Your eyes are one of the most important aspects of your body, and your vision is not something that should be taken for granted. Be sure to protect your eyes this summer by wearing the proper protective gear that is necessary for shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays.

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When it comes to the most important people in our lives, there are few people who come close to the love, the encouragement and the selflessness that is embodied in our own mothers. The woman who not only gave you life and brought you into the world (and man, oh man… that alone is deserving of praise), but this is also the woman who drove you to and from every doctor appointment and sports practice, made sure there was food in your stomach and clothes on your back, and most of all, was there for you whenever the going got tough.

While we may never be able to fully express our gratitude and thanks for all that our mothers have done, there is one day a year dedicated to showing them just how special and loved they truly are―Mother’s Day.

Whether your mom is constantly on-the-go running errands and fixing dinner, or she is the type of mom who loves to sit down and relax with a great book, there are a number of things that you can do for your mom on Mother’s Day to show her how much you care. However, if you are still searching around for the perfect gift, why not consider getting her something that will improve her vision and will be a gift to her, not just on Mother’s Day, but every day?

LASIK eye surgery is one of the most popular and efficient alternatives to corrective lenses available today. Through the use of a computer-controlled laser that reshapes the cornea, LASIK can help to correct refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. In addition, the increased precision of new wavefront technology makes it possible to not only improve how much you see, but also how well you see.

Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons why you should consider getting your mom the gift of LASIK this Mother’s Day:

Improves Quality Of Life

A USAEyes CORE patient survey asked LASIK Eye Surgery patients questions about the quality of their vision post-surgery and whether or not their results were “as expected,” “better than expected,” or “worse than expected”:

• 99% reported that their quality of life was as expected, better or much better
• 98% reported their day vision was as expected, better or much better
• 98% would recommend surgery to family and friends
• 97% would have surgery again, knowing what they know now
• 96% wear corrective lenses as often as expected, less, or much less than expected
• 96% reported that their overall quality of vision was as expected, better or much better than expected

When most people calculate the cost of LASIK surgery, they often don’t account just how much money contact lenses and glasses actually cost them over time. If you combine the cost of lenses, contact solutions and office visits, these costs can add up to as much as $500 per year. Add that up over 20 or 30 years of wearing contacts and, soon enough, your corrective lenses are costing you thousands of dollars. Having LASIK Eye Surgery can actually save you money in the long run.

Show your mom how much you care this Mother’s Day with the gift of LASIK Eye Surgery―the gift that keeps on giving long after the day is over.

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Growing older can be a wonderful experience that many seniors often look forward to. Being able to watch your children grow up, get married and have children of their own, being able to retire from many years of faithful work and take a long-awaited vacation you have always dreamt about, enjoying a relaxing time in your life filled with hobbies, travelling and new adventures.

Because of all of the wonderful things that await you throughout your senior years, it is important that you take extra special care of certain aspects of your life now so that you can live life to the fullest in your future. For instance, planning ahead for your retirement, eating healthy and being active, and, of course, taking proper care of your vision.

There are many different vision problems that affect people over the age of 60―declining eyesight, age-related macular degeneration, and most significantly, cataracts.

According to Prevent Blindness America, there are more cases of cataracts globally than there are of glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined. Today, cataracts affects more than 22 million Americans aged 40 and older. As the U.S. population ages, more than 30.1 million Americans are projected to have cataracts by the year 2020.

To help you get a better idea of you can prevent this dangerous vision problem from affecting your senior years, we have put together some basic information on cataracts and how they impact your vision.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, which blocks or changes the passage of light into the eye. The lens is held inside a capsule, and is made of mostly protein fibers and water arranged precisely so as to permit light to pass through without interference. Over time, these fibers begin to break down and cluster together, clouding the lens. For many, the formation of cataracts is a natural part of the aging process, causing the eye’s natural lens to cloud and distort vision.

What Causes Cataracts?

Unfortunately, no one knows for sure what causes cataracts. However, it is theorized that excessive sunlight, smoking ad unhealthy eating habits can be a contributing factor to their cause. In some situations, certain people are able to decrease their risk of developing the disease. For instance, people with diabetes may decrease their risk of developing cataracts by tightly controlling their blood sugar levels. However, no matter what your situation, as you age, you are at a greater risk of developing cataracts.

How Do You Treat Cataracts?

Cataracts are easily treatable through today’s advanced technology. During a cataract surgery procedure, a surgeon will remove the clouded lens of the affect eye, then replace it with a new intraocular lens (IOL).  Doing this requires a small incision at the edge of the cornea. The surgeon inserts a small ultrasonic probe that breaks up the clouded lens into a bunch of tiny parts, which are then suctioned out of the eye. From there, an intraocular lens is inserted to replace the cataract. This is then perfectly aligned by the surgeon resulting in the return of vision. Stitches are usually not needed for this surgery.

The goal of cataract surgery is to improve one’s best corrected vision.  Many patients still need to wear glasses for both distance and close following cataract surgery.  Refractive cataract surgery now allows patients to see well without glasses following surgery.  Premium IOLs, often combined with LASIK, can treat preexisting astigmatism and allow patients to see both near and far without glasses following cataract surgery.

For more information about the onset of cataracts, or to learn more about the many benefits that cataract surgery can have for seniors with this vision problem, be sure to contact EyeCare 20/20 today to see how we can help improve your senior years.

As I previously announced in this blog, EyeCare 20/20 is currently assessing the effectiveness of the first diagnostic and treatment system for evaporative dry eye from Tear Science.  The LipiView diagnostic system and LipiFlow treatment system have been in our office this week.  We have done over 20 treatments and our patients are reporting that it feels “weird” or “soothing”.  We have treated mild to moderate dry eye patients, several of whom have had LASIK in the past.  Nobody has experienced any pain.  It is too soon to tell what kind of relief our patients will be achieving.  Personally I do notice subtle improvements each day since my treatment last week.  One of our patients e-mailed me yesterday to report:

Def noticeable but incremental improvement – you were right!

In all, I am quite encouraged with the possible benefits of the LipiFlow system and will keep you informed.

The system was supposed to be in our office through today.  However, we have just learned that we will have access to it through Monday.  Anyone interested in having their dry eyes assessed and/or treated are encouraged to call our office at 973-560-1500 and ask for Barbara.  She may also be reached by e-mail at BKociuba@eyecare2020.com.  Please mention your interest in the LipiFlow  system.

It is no secret that the spring season is a welcome change from the cold, wintery weather that we have grown accustomed to over these last few months. The melting of the snow and ice outside not only means longer days filled with warmer temperatures and fun afternoons spent relaxing outside, but also the growth of the gorgeous green scenery and imagery that we have come to associate with this time of the year.

One of the reasons why many people claim that spring is their favorite of all of the seasons is because of this green growth that is talking place all around us throughout the month of April. Trees are beginning to sprout buds on their branches, flowers are peaking their way through the ground and searching for sunlight, and the muted colors of winter begin to disappear once and for all.

However, the onset of the spring  season doesn’t always produce extraordinary feelings of excitement for some individuals. If you are someone who falls victim to regular seasonal allergies and all of the frustrating symptoms that go with it―itchy eyes, runny nose, puffy eyelids, etc.―than the last thing you probably want to do in the middle of spring is venture outside and explore the tempting freshly sprouted, green world outside.

Luckily, there are many different things that you can do as an allergy sufferer to limit your symptoms and prevent your allergies from getting worse day after day. However, one of the most sure fire ways to get rid of these frustrating allergy symptoms once and for all is through LASIK eye surgery.

Taking the necessary precautions for staying away from allergies, such as checking the pollen count before heading outside or washing your clothing more than normal, can do a large part in preventing the dry, itchy eyes that come with springtime allergies. However, if you are a regular glasses or contact wearer, the constant running and itching of your eyes can cause serious problems , especially if you have a contact lens in your eye while you are trying to rub the allergies away.

Unfortunately, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) found that 54.6% of all Americans test positive for one or more allergens.  90% of these people report allergy symptoms that affect their eyes.  Medical doctors typically prescribe antihistamines to help manage allergy symptoms.  Unfortunately, antihistamines reduce the quality and quantity of tears.  So, instead of wet, itchy eyes, you are left with dry eyes.  Both conditions make contact lenses wear uncomfortable, not to mention you are not seeing so well through those poor irritated eyes!

Adding these pains on to an already frustrating routine filled with glasses and LASIK is never fun, but is even less fun when you are trying to lay by the pool or beach with your friends to catch up the summer rays. This is why it is important to meet with a certified LASIK surgeon before your procedure to make sure it is something that is right for you. For more questions, contact EyeCare 20/20 today.

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EyeCare 20/20 is pleased to announce that we have been chosen to be the first practice in New Jersey to evaluate a new and revolutionary diagnostic and treatment system from Tear Science, The LipiView and LipiFlow systems.  This equipment will be in our office for the next week, and based upon its effectiveness, we hope to have it permanently in our facility in the near future.  This system is the first FDA approved diagnostic and treatment system on the market for those patients suffering from dry eye.

Dry Eye is a long-term chronic disease that takes years to develop.  Dry Eye may be suspected with the presence of the following dry eye symptoms:

• dryness
• discomfort and irritation
• grittiness or feeling of a foreign body in the eye
• burning or stinging sensation
• tearing
• redness
• discharge
• tiredness
• itching
• vision disturbance
• sensitivity to light

Dry eye syndrome impacts 100 million people worldwide, of which greater than 70 per cent suffer from evaporative dry eye.  The costs of dry eye can be astronomical.   Treatments for dry eye present a global market of over $2 billion in sales with an annual growth exceeding 10 per cent (due to ageing population).   The average annual direct cost per patient ranges from $678 for patients with mild dry eye to $1,267 for severe cases. If pharmaceuticals and punctual plugs are used the costs rise to $2,959+ per year.  Mild and moderate dry eye sufferers incurred a productivity loss valued at more than $12,000 annually, while severe dry eye patients lost about $18,000 in workplace productivity.     Dry eye experts believe that an effective treatment needs to address deficiencies of the protective oily lipid layer of the natural tears.  We will talk more in depth about dry eye in a future posting, but for now let’s discuss what we hope to achieve with this exciting new technology.

Diagnosis of dry eye can now be more accurately made with the LipiView Ocular Surface Interferometer, a new tool to help us evaluate the tear film in patients with dry eye disease. The LipiView images the tear film via a non-invasive in-office exam that takes less than 5 minutes.  After the installation of the Lipiview unit on Thursday, I had my own eyes evaluated.  The results were quite surprising to me.  About 5 years ago I had a case of Bell’s Palsy.  Fortunately, it completely resolved after a few months.  However, I have always been aware of my right eye ever since.  The LipiView was able to diagnose my problem. As shown in the video below,  I do not completely close my right eye (left side of screen), and I have a reduced tear film in both eyes.

So , now that we have a diagnostic tool for dry eye, what can we do with it? Most treatments for dry eye involve the replacement of natural tears with artificial ones, providing temporary symptomatic relief. There are two main forms of dry eye, evaporative and aqueous deficient. It’s only recently that researchers have been able to pinpoint the differences and the causes. At least 65% of dry eye patients have Evaporative Dry Eye.   This occurs when the water (or aqueous) in tears evaporates at a faster rate than normal, due to an insufficient lipid (oil) layer on the surface of the tear film.   It’s a result of blockage in the oil-producing meibomian glands located within the eyelids (referred to as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction). Very few patients suffer exclusively from Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye, which occurs when aqueous generation from the lacrimal gland is insufficient to keep the eyes moist. If you’ve been unable to receive long-lasting relief from the remedies you’ve tried, it may be because they haven’t been targeting the primary cause of your condition.

The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System is a leading-edge technology that is designed to unblock these meibomian glands by applying a combination of precise localized heat and recurrent pressure to the eyelid while protecting the eyeball. The goal of unblocking the glands is to allow the body to resume its natural course of oil secretion necessary for a healthy tear film.

After reviewing my LipiView findings, I decided to be one of the first patients treated with it in New Jersey.  The LipiFlow treatment begins with the administration of anesthetic eye drops for maximum patient comfort. A LipiFlow eyepiece was then carefully placed on my eye, and I closed my eye around the piece. Next, the device was activated to deliver gentle pressure and warmth to my eyelids, thereby melting away the blockages within the glands. During the next 10 minutes, the LipiFlow device delivered precise amounts of pressure and pre-programmed degrees of temperature to facilitate an optimal treatment outcome. The procedure was surprisingly well-tolerated by me, I only felt gentle pressure and no pain. Total treatment time was 12 minutes.

Its been 3 days since the treatment, and I can honestly say that I am much less aware of my eye!  I am very encouraged that this may be the first effective treatment for my many dry eye patients, who are only achieving temporary relief with current treatment regimens.

Unfortunately, Insurance does not cover the costs of this exciting new diagnosis and treatment tool.  as I mentioned previously, we will have the equipment in the office for the next week to further evaluate its effectiveness on our patients.  Anyone interested in giving it a try should call the office  at 973-560-1500 or e-mail us at BKociuba@eyecare2020.com to set up a LipiFlow appointment.  Anyone evaluated or treated this week will be able to try this treatment for a discounted “trial/evaluation” rate.

There has never been a better time to get LASIK eye surgery than during the bright, beautiful spring season. Not only do the amazing, beneficial results that come with LASIK offer you clear views of the budding flowers outside and a fresh start to another spring season, but LASIK eye surgery can also free you of the many inconveniences that come with being tied to contact lenses or glasses during the spring and summer months.

If you have ever had to go through spring or summer while wearing corrective lenses, then you understand what a pain in the butt they can be. Not only do glasses and contacts prevent you from carrying out your day-to-day activities without having to look through an altered lens, but they can put a damper on fun seasonal events such as biking, kayaking, swimming, jet-skiing, playing on the beach, scuba diving, etc.

Luckily, LASIK has become one of the most popular corrective vision procedures in the world. Everyone from celebrities to doctors to athletes are having their vision permanently corrected through the use of LASIK surgery and are raving about the many beneficial results that this procedure can have on a person’s vision. Plus, given the many advances in LASIK technology over the years, this surgery helps to make vision correction possible for people who were once told they would never qualify for LASIK or similar procedures.

To help you get a better idea of what you can expect from LASIK eye surgery, as well to help you fully understand the many benefits that comes with this common procedure, we are dispelling even more common myths regarding vision and LASIK eye surgery.

MYTH: Very Few People Are Eligible For LASIK

While LASIK eye surgery used to be a very strict and limited procedure when it was first invented a few decades ago, the technology has developed in such a way that millions of people all over the world are finding that they are a perfect match for surgery. LASIK can benefit a great number of people with myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Candidates should have a strong desire to be less dependent on corrective lenses, have established realistic expectations, and understand the risks associated with the surgery.

MYTH: After LASIK, Summer Water Sports Are Off Limits

One of the things patients look forward to the most after LASIK surgery is getting in the water. However, after you have your LASIK surgery, your eyes are very vulnerable to infection so it’s advisable to avoid swimming for at least a week post-surgery. After one week, it is fine to begin swimming in a pool. The key to jumping back into serious water activities is proper eye protection. You can resume water activities such as snorkeling, sailing, water surfing, waterslides and kayaking two weeks after your LASIK procedure as long as you wear goggles or other appropriate eye protection.

MYTH: It’s Cheaper To Wear Contacts/Lenses

When most people calculate the cost of LASIK surgery, they often don’t account just how much money contact lenses and glasses actually cost them over time. If you combine the cost of lenses, contact solutions and office visits, these costs can add up to as much as $500 per year. Add that up over 20 or 30 years of wearing contacts and, soon enough, your corrective lenses are costing you thousands of dollars. Therefore, in the end, LASIK is actually the more cost-efficient option.

LASIK eye surgery is a wonderful procedure for any person who is looking to reduce their dependence glasses or contact lenses and live life with better sight. Contact EyeCare 20/20 today for more information about how you can improve your vision and quality of life through the use of LASIK surgery.

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