NJ Lasik Surgeon Blog | Dr. Almallah

Nearly two and a half million Americans have open angle glaucoma with the majority of them unaware of this problem because this condition usually presents no symptoms. It is very difficult to define clear-cut risk factors for glaucoma, however some include being African American, increasing age, nearsightedness, males greater than females and family history of glaucoma. Elevated intraocular pressure in the eye occurs in five to ten million Americans, but only about 10% of such people develop glaucoma due to this pressure. In some cases, elevated intraocular pressure can be normal.

What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is defined as a disease of the optic nerve, in which the nerve fibers are injured, usually, but not always, by abnormally increased intraocular pressure (IOP). Open angle and closed angle glaucoma are the two primary forms of glaucoma. In rare circumstances, a person may have a combination of the two. Another common form of glaucoma is known as normotensive glaucoma, in which damage occurs to the optic nerve but the IOP is normal or even low. There are many more forms of glaucoma, ranging from congenital glaucoma (babies born with the disease) to pigmentary glaucoma. To further complicate the disease, approximately 10% of Americans have high intraocular pressure but do not have glaucoma…a condition called ocular hypertension. These individuals, however, are considered to be at risk for glaucoma.

To understand how this disrupts the normal processes of a person’s sight, it must first be explained how we see. Light passes through the cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye. Directly behind the cornea is the iris…the colored tissue of the eye, which opens and closes like a camera shutter to regulate the passage of light. The lens is located behind the iris, it focuses the light which then hits the retina…a fragile electrical membrane of nerve cells that receives light. The retina translates light into signals that are sent to the optic nerve. This nerve is a cable of about 1.2 million nerve fibers that transmit signals from the eye to the brain, which then interpret these signals into images. The eye is also composed of two fluid filled chambers. These chambers are responsible for nourishing the area around the colored iris and behind the cornea, and exert pressure to help maintain the eye’s shape. Aqueous fluid is continuously produced within the front of the eye itself causing pressure within the eye, known as intraocular pressure (IOP). Normal pressure is usually maintained at measurements of 10 to 20 mm Hg. To offset the inflowing fluid and to maintain normal IOP, the fluid drains out between the iris and the cornea.

Glaucoma treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure. If the fluid system stays balanced, the pressure in the eye stays normal. If the drain becomes blocked, the fluid cannot leave the eye, and the IOP increases. Prescription medications, usually in the form of eye drops, and can lower IOP are used as treatments. Lowering the IOP is the main goal in the treatment of glaucoma.

Glaucoma, which can cause blindness, usually has no warning signs. Not knowing you have glaucoma is the greatest risk. Simple tests done by your eye doctor can diagnose glaucoma early and help slow or stop further loss of vision. Early treatment with medications, laser treatment, surgery, or combination of these can nearly always maintain safe pressure preventing optic nerve damage and blindness.

The most important part of glaucoma treatment is you, the patient. Become aware and learn about glaucoma and how it is treated. The more information you know the more successful the treatment. It is not always necessary to see a glaucoma specialist for diagnosis, many ophthalmologists are also very well educated and trained to handle glaucoma treatments as well. If you think you may have glaucoma or even suspect that your eye pressures are high, simply call your eye physician’s office and schedule an appointment.

Written by:

Ed Brooks
Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, PA
20 Mule Rd.
Toms River, NJ 08755
(732) 349-5622 Ext. 37
www.oceancountyeye.com

Labels: Susskind and Almallah On Open Angel Glaucoma

Potential LASIK candidates just aren’t getting the right information. Many patients are being told that they aren’t good candidates because they wear reading glasses are farsighted or have astigmatism. In most cases, this is not so. Regardless if you are wearing readers, nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, chances are, you may be a candidate for corrective surgery. With today’s improved and expanded technology; we are able to provide patients a wider range of treatment possibilities.

Dr. Omar Almallah (Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates) implements CustomVue™ LASIK, a unique approach for each individual, which employs the VISX WaveScan, a diagnostic system that captures a “fingerprint” of the eye 25 times more accurate than what was previously measurable by standard methods. WaveScan data identifies more specific imperfections in an individual’s vision, which in turn generates an individualized treatment. In essence, your vision is compared to a “fingerprint”, as it is specific only to you. WaveScan technology provides your eye surgeon with an individualized map of your vision. The surgeon than has the ability to “customize” this mapping and calculate the correction that most suits your needs. Once calculated, the treatment is downloaded into the laser and used specifically for your correction.

The VISX Star 4 Excimer laser combines Variable Spot Scanning (VSS), ActiveTrak 3-D eye tracking and Iris Registration to provide the most advanced laser technology platform available today. (Not all LASIK centers offer this technology) Iris Registration via the WaveScan, captures specific points of recognition on a patients Iris for reasons of detection when the patient is set for surgery. This is especially valuable for patients with astigmatism, as this identifies individual characteristics of the patient’s iris so that when preparing for treatment, the same characteristics can be recognized and acknowledged for an amazingly accurate result.

The promise of improved results and clearer vision come with technological developments in refractive surgery, but it is also true that the physicians using this technology also be sophisticated in their knowledge of its use. Dr. Almallah is a premier cataract and refractive surgeon who has not only been trained and credentialed on these advanced procedures, but has been performing them on his patients with great success. He has performed over 20,000 refractive procedures and only advocates surgery for those patients that are good candidates.

The biggest advantage of having LASIK with Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates is that we perform this procedure in our Toms River office. We have a fully equipped LASIK suite specifically designed for only the best outcomes. Outfitted with state of the art equipment and technology that include; climate controls, humidity regulation and HEPA filtration, this laser suite is unmatched in Ocean County.

In addition to LASIK, Dr. Almallah is also a world-renowned intraocular surgeon recognized internationally for his results using the Crystalens® cataract replacement lens. Crystalens® “deluxe” cataract implant gives patients seemless vision. The crystalens is the result of more than 14 years of research and development by J. Stuart Cumming, M.D., F.A.C.S., and was approved by the FDA in November 2003. More than 50,000 lenses have been implanted worldwide. During clinical trials, all of the patients who received the crystalens greatly reduced their need for corrective lenses or eyeglasses. The patented crystalens technology is designed to allow the lens to move in the eye in a manner similar to the natural lens. By using the eye's muscle to move the lens
back and forwards naturally, patients can focus through a continuous range of vision
including near, far and everywhere in between. All other intraocular lenses are designed
to remain fixed in the eye. Dr. Almallah is the areas market leader having performed hundreds of crystalens procedures here at the Jersey Shore. He recently attended the ASCRS (American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery) meeting in San Diego, an international educational and scientific organization with 9000 member ophthalmologists, where he was an invited speaker on the techniques he uses to make crystalens so successful in his own practice. At the crystalens® users symposium, his lecture focused on the mechanics of this lens and the subtle nuances in surgical technique needed to achieve optimum results. Dr. Almallah shared the podium with a select group of internationally renowned ophthalmologists, including Dr. Richard Lindstrom from Minneapolis and Dr Stephen Slade from Houston. After the symposium, many surgeons already using this lens as well as those just getting started, asked Dr. Almallah to further share his techniques so that they too could achieve the kind of successful results Dr. Almallah has achieved in his practice in New Jersey.
Dr. Almallah is a Board Certified ophthalmologist both by the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Eye Surgeons. His primary practice is devoted to eye surgery and he has been practicing in Toms River and the surrounding communities for the last sixteen years. He is internationally recognized as a refractive ocular surgeon and is acknowledged by his peers as one of the finest and most skilled eye surgeons in the world. In fact, patients have traveled from England, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Korea, India and across the United States to have their eye surgery performed by Dr. Almallah.

"He has also performed both Lasik and Cataract Surgery on not only several
ophthalmologist, but also many physicians and surgeons." Dr. Almallah graduated Magna Cum Luade with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and received his Doctorate of Medicine from Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. His training to be an eye specialist was at Temple University Hospital where he was ranked number 1 out of 500 applicants for one of 3 very coveted training positions. He completed his residency and was Chief Resident his senior year at the Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, PA have five convenient locations in Ocean and Monmouth counties for routine eye exams, contact lens fits, glaucoma treatment, cataract evaluations, LASIK evaluations and consultations for crystalens® and verisyse™ lenses.

To schedule an evaluation with Dr. Almallah, please contact Ed Brooks at the Toms River location at 732-349-5622 ext. 37.

Labels: NJ, Wave Scan Technology in Toms River

The importance of a routine eye exam can mean the difference between seeing the street sign you are looking for or making a wrong turn onto a busy interstate. Very often people let the fact that they are seeing poorly go too long before scheduling an appointment with their eye doctor. Of course the opposite is also true, when things look clear, chances are they could be seen even clearer with new eyeglasses, contact lenses, cataract surgery or laser vision correction.

Although an eye exam may not be at the top of the priority list, many practices offer additional convenience to their patients by providing evening and weekend hours. A meticulous doctor will provide a thorough examination and can inform a patient of any issues that need to be addressed or simply to let them know that their eyes are doing well. A regular eye exam is recommended at least once a year.

A complete eye exam should include a number of reassuring tests and measures including a glaucoma test, dilation (to determine the health of the inner eye including the lens), refraction, (commonly performed to establish the patient’s current prescription) and a patient history, to enable the doctor to evaluate the patient’s chief complaint, previous conditions and/or complications. These test results will give the doctor the information needed to let the patient know if additional care is needed. Most often it is the reassurance of having these tests that will give the patient sound piece of mind.

Although fairly common after the age of sixty, cataracts and glaucoma should be taken seriously if detected during an examination. A consultation with the eye doctor can determine if a patient has cataracts or glaucoma or if the patient may be at risk in the future. In the hands of a skillfully trained and experienced surgeon, these issues may be remedied with routine surgery and/or prescribed eye drops and can have remarkable results.

In the unfortunate case of an emergency involving the eye(s), call the eye doctor’s office. If the situation is serious, the patient will be seen immediately. If the emergency occurs after regular office hours, the doctor on call will be notified and will return the patient’s call to determine the nature and severity of their situation. If necessary, the doctor will advise the patient to meet him at the office. Of course if the patient should go to the hospital first, the doctor on call will meet the patient there. No matter what the situation, the patient comes first. Choose the practice that will provide premiere service and professional care. Take the time to ask friends and family whom they recommend. A good practice will be easy to find.

Labels: The Importance of a Routine Eye Exam

Allergy season is upon us and of course it comes with the inconvenience of runny noses and itchy watery eyes. A sniffle here and there isn’t too bad compared to the annoying and sometimes troublesome allergic reactions of the eyes. Most of us know the common causes for these symptoms and may even have taken steps such as monthly allergy shots or eye drops to remedy them. However, you may be missing the boat if your eyes develop more serious symptoms. Allergies are the body’s defenses against substances it feels will do it harm. For example, the body’s strategy against dust, normally harmless to most people, is to flood the eyes with tears and mucus.

Most allergens are airborne, such as pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander. Of course these are the allergens that come into contact with your nose and eyes and are difficult to avoid. The obvious “treatment” would be to stay indoors with the air conditioner on and
to lock your pet away in the closet, but of course, these options are not very realistic.

Allergies cause other, more serious problems as well, like conjunctivitis or “pink eye.” More than 20 million Americans suffer from allergies, with most being affected with conjunctivitis caused by a variety of allergens, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Conjunctivitis due to allergens is defined as irritation of the covering of the eyeball (conjunctiva) as a reaction to a substance which one may feel sensitivity. Although not contagious, conjunctivitis causes the eye to become itchy, watery, red and swollen and is often painful. Whether caused by seasonal allergies or those experienced throughout the year, discomfort is typically followed by frequent “rubbing” of the eye, which could lead to permanent eye damage.
Identifying the specific allergens causing the problem is the first step to preventing these symptoms. In some cases, it may be necessary to consider medical treatments as a method of relief.

Speaking with your eye physician regarding treatment options is always recommended to identify the specifics of each allergic symptom and the alternatives, including their unique side effects and benefits. Together with your eye physician you will be able to select the treatment that best alleviates your symptoms.




August and September are the months that many of us dread due to the on-set of runny noses and itchy watery eyes caused by seasonal allergies. A sniffle here and a cough there aren’t too bad when compared to the inconvenience allergies cause our eyes.

Most of us know the primary causes of these symptoms and may have even taken the steps to temporarily relieve them. However, when it comes to our eyes, extra care should be taken to prevent more serious reactions. Allergies are the bodies defenses against substances it feels will do it harm. For example, the body’s strategy against dust, normally harmless to most people, is to flood the eyes with tears and mucus.

Most allergens are airborne, such as pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander. It is these types of allergens that frequently come into contact with the nose and eyes and are difficult to avoid. The most obvious “treatment” would be to stay in an air conditioned home, have no real plants and have a goldfish as the family pet. Of course these remedies are not very realistic or favorable.

Allergies can also cause more serious problems, like allergy related conjunctivitis of the eye, a form of “pink eye.” More than 20 million Americans suffer from allergies, most affected by conjunctivitis caused by a variety of allergens, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Conjunctivitis due to allergens is defined as an irritation of the conjunctiva (the covering of the eyeball) as a reaction to a substance which one may be sensitive to. Although not contagious, conjunctivitis of the eye can be very itchy, watery, red, swollen and is often painful. Whether caused by seasonal allergies or those experienced throughout the year, discomfort is typically followed by frequent “rubbing,” which can lead to permanent eye damage.

Identifying irritable allergens is the first step toward preventing and treating symptoms. It is always recommended to schedule an appointment with an eye physician. In many cases, medical management can help single out the allergy or allergies causing discomfort.

Labels: Allergy and the Eyes

Skin cancer, freckles, and premature aging, are just a few detrimental outcomes of Ultraviolet exposure. Now consider the impact the sun has on our eyes. Ultraviolet light is the high-energy rays projected from the sun just beyond the violet/blue end of the visible spectrum.

Although 99% of UV light is absorbed by the eye’s anterior structures, some of it does make it to the light sensitive retina. UV absorption by the eye may be connected to a number of serious eye diseases. These diseases are not unfamiliar to most, however, are not commonly connected to UV rays. Such ocular diseases include age-related cataract, cancer of the skin around the eye, photokeratitis/keratitis and corneal degenerative changes, and may contribute to age-related macula degeneration, to mention a few.

Worldwide, cataract is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness. A cataract can be defined as cloudiness of the lens developing over a period of many years. According to laboratory studies, UV exposure can be considered a casual factor for cataract. Additionally, studies have shown certain types of cataract are associated with higher exposure to UV and especially UV-B radiation.

A major cause of reduced vision in the United States for people over 55 is age-related macula degeneration. UV exposure in laboratory experiments has shown retinal tissue damage and scientists have speculated that chronic UV exposure may contribute to aging processes in the retina.

The importance of good glasses and sunglasses cannot be argued in light of this information. Now glasses and sunglasses with UV protection and Polarization are used more often as a method of protection rather than just for appearance. Polarization in addition to UV protection helps eliminate annoying glare and distortion associated with bright sunlight and night driving.

Understanding the potential risks associated with sun damage to your eyes can be helpful when deciding on the right pair of glasses that fit your lifestyle. A yearly eye exam is recommended regardless, why not take advantage of this time with your eye doctor and ask about the effects of the sun and the type of glasses or sunglasses that would best suite your needs.

Labels: Polorized Sunglasses