Blog of Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates

The area around the eyes can often look puffy, droopy, and wrinkly. We offer a blepharoplasty procedure, also known as eyelift surgery, to rejuvenate the appearance of the upper and lower eyelids.

One important factor to consider when pursuing an eye lift procedure is the cost. There are many elements that determine the final price of this procedure with Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates.

Costs Vary Across Eye Lift Procedures

Your individual goals for your procedure will play a large role in determining the final cost. For example, if your concern is puffy and tired looking upper eyelids, then you will have a slightly different procedure than someone who worries about prominent under-eye bags. Generally speaking, the cost for an eyelid surgery procedure will also vary depending on the surgeon’s experience and the type of procedure. Costs can also be impacted by other factors such as:

• Anesthesia fees
• Surgical facility costs
• Prescriptions for medication
• The geographic location of the office

A consultation with Omar F. Almallah ,M.D., FACS, FABES will help to provide the most comprehensive financial picture. He will listen to your concerns and tailor a specific procedure to fit your unique needs.

Will Insurance Cover Blepharoplasty?

Many people wonder what role insurance will play in their blepharoplasty procedure. This is a good time to distinguish between cosmetic blepharoplasty versus medical or functional.

Cosmetic blepharoplasty is performed to improve the appearance of the eye area. Insurance typically does not cover cosmetic blepharoplasty procedures, though you may consult your provider.

If you are struggling with ptosis, a condition in which loose upper eyelid skin hangs down enough to impair your vision, then there may be an argument for medical necessity. Please contact your insurance provider to see if you may qualify for coverage. Medical blepharoplasty procedures are performed by our other board-certified ophthalmologist, Thomas Pidduck, M.D., FACS.

Blepharoplasty Financing Options

Financing options may be available to you through CareCredit. CareCredit offers monthly payment plans and financing options, allowing you to pay for your eye lift at a comfortable pace. They also offer short-term financing options in which no interest is charged when you make the minimum monthly payments and pay in full by the end of the established period.

Important Factors to Keep in Mind

We know that cost can play a large role in determining where you go for your eye lift procedure. However, ensuring that you will receive treatment at a welcoming facility with experienced ophthalmologists is equally important.

Dr. Almallah is a board-certified ophthalmologist through both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Eye Surgeons. He has extensive experience in helping individuals rejuvenate their appearance through cosmetic blepharoplasty.

Dr. Pidduck is also a board-certified ophthalmologist who has helped many individuals gain an unobstructed field of vision through medical blepharoplasty.

Dr. Anil Birdi, a comprehensive ophthalmologist, also performs eye lift procedures at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates. He has extensive training in the field of eye care and is a member of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. 

Our five offices in Ocean and Monmouth County are professional and inviting. We also have an outpatient surgical facility devoted entirely to eye surgery.

Schedule a Blepharoplasty Consultation Today

A visit with Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates is the best way to fully understand the cost of eyelid surgery. Call 732-349-5622 to schedule your consultation today. We serve patients in Toms River, Brick, Marlboro, and nearby areas in New Jersey.

It’s estimated that over 3 million Americans are affected by glaucoma, according to the Eye Diseases Prevalence Research Group. It’s also the leading cause of blindness in the U.S., causing nine percent to 12 percent of all blindness cases. At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, we offer the XEN® Gel Implant to help relieve the pressure caused by glaucoma. Please watch the video below to learn more about this treatment.

If you believe that you’re suffering from glaucoma and want to learn more about the XEN® Gel Implant, please contact us by filling out the form on this page or by calling us at 732-349-5622 to schedule your consultation. We proudly provide quality eye care to those who live in Toms River, Brick, Marlboro, and other nearby areas in New Jersey.

Verisyse™ is an intraocular lens (IOL) that can help nearsighted patients see clearly without the need for glasses and contacts. If you have been told that your myopia is too severe for LASIK, you may be a good candidate for Verisyse.

LASIK May Not Be Right for Patients with Severe Myopia

Many nearsighted (myopic) patients first consider LASIK for vision correction surgery. However, LASIK is not the right procedure for every patient with refractive errors in their vision. Patients with severe myopia may not be good candidates for LASIK because of the limitations associated with corneal shaping, which is how LASIK corrects refractive errors.

For patients with myopia, the shape of the eye is oblong or the curve of cornea is too steep. Light passing through the eye is bent too sharply to focus clearly on the retina as it should. Instead, light comes to a focal point in front of the retina and results in blurry vision for objects in the distance and is referred to as nearsightedness.

Although high degrees of myopia are not correctable with LASIK, you do have alternatives for vision corrections surgery, such as Verisyse. 

Verisyse May Improve Your Vision

Verisyse is an IOL that is placed in front of your iris to correct the way your eye bends light. Once the Verisyse lens is in place, light should focus on the retina for clear vision at all distances instead of in front of the retina. With Verisyse your eye’s natural lens remains in place (this is referred to as phakic) and your cornea keeps its same shape while the implanted lens does the work of helping you to see more clearly. 

Placing the Verisyse lens is an outpatient procedure performed in our outpatient surgical facility. It generally takes less than 30 minutes and allows the majority of patients to see 20/20 or better without the need for corrective lenses.

Patients who are over 21 and have stable refractive errors can be candidates for Verisyse. To understand more about the procedure and whether it is the right solution for you, you will need to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced doctors at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates Today

Are you disappointed because you may not be a LASIK candidate? Let us help you explore your options for vision correction. Verisyse may be the best choice to help you see clearly. Please call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A. today at 732-349-5622 to schedule your personal consultation.

Our experienced ophthalmologists will thoroughly examine your eye health and vision needs and help you select the right vision correction surgery to fit your unique needs.

We have five offices in Ocean and Monmouth County located in Toms River, Brick, Marlboro, and Barnegat. Our outpatient surgical facility, devoted entirely to eye surgery, operates five days a week. And we also welcome patients who travel from around the world in search of advanced ophthalmic procedures. 

When choosing your LASIK surgeon, it can be difficult to understand the difference between the many LASIK centers in New Jersey. However, taking the time to educate yourself regarding the factors that will lead to the best LASIK outcome for your vision is well worth the effort. Well-informed patients are equipped to make the best decisions about their laser vision surgery.

At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, we are happy to answer your questions about LASIK. Call our office today at 732-349-5622 to schedule your LASIK consultation with an experienced LASIK surgeon and find out if you are a good candidate for LASIK or another laser vision correction surgery to help you see more clearly.

Why a Laser Suite is Important

One factor that is important in making your decision about which LASIK surgeon to choose is whether that surgeon has a dedicated laser suite. At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, we see many patients that come to our office for LASIK revision surgery after choosing a different provider for their initial procedure and failing to achieve the results they could have from a properly performed LASIK procedure.

Choosing a LASIK surgeon with a laser surgery suite ensures that your LASIK surgery is performed in a controlled environment with advanced LASIK technology that your surgeon uses frequently in their LASIK practice. Intimate familiarity and skill with state-of-the-art LASIK technologies, allows your surgeon to work with precision and provide the best results for you, the patient.

The investment in the technology and space to house a laser suite is an indication that the surgeon performs LASIK procedures on a regular basis and LASIK is not a niche part of the practice that the surgeon does only rarely. The laser suite investment is also a sign that the surgeon highly values achieving precise and accurate outcomes for patients. 

The Laser Suite at Susskind & Almallah Eye

At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, we have a laser suite designed specifically for maximum refractive outcomes. Our laser suite is equipped with temperature and humidity controls, air quality (HEPA) control, and advanced equipment power supply backup so that no procedure will be interrupted. We take our patients safety and satisfaction seriously. Our aim is to provide you with the best outcome for your vision with one procedure. 

We use a VISX S4 Excimer Laser System with WaveFront guided refractive surgery for LASIK, which allows our LASIK surgeons to perform more accurate procedures and provide our patients with the best results. With the advanced technology in our surgical suite, we can provide our patients with a relaxing LASIK experience that results in you seeing more clearly.

Are you ready to find out if LASIK is the right procedure to help you see clearly without the need for glasses or contacts? We can determine if LASIK is right for you or if you will benefit from another procedure to help you see more clearly.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation in one of our four convenient locations in Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Please join us for an evening of dinner and dancing at The Susskind & Almallah Dinner Gala this October. The Susskind & Almallah Dinner Gala is a fund raising event schedule for October 13, 2017, to raise funds to benefit our dear staff member Maureen, who was recently diagnosed with cancer.

Call 732-349-5622, ext. 19 today for more information and to order your gala tickets. Donations can be made to the Susskind & Almallah Dinner Gala.

The Susskind & Almallah
Dinner Gala Details

Date: Friday, October 13, 2017
Time: Reception begins at 6:30 pm
Location: Eagle Ridge Golf Club
2 Augusta Blvd.
Lakewood, NJ  08701
Dress: Formal, black tie optional

Maureen has been a dedicated staff member at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates for the past five years as one of our Office Receptionists. When she broke the news to us that she would need to leave her work for a while in order to undergo cancer treatments and focus on healing with her family, we were saddened by the news and naturally wanted to support her in every way that we could.

Maureen is very special to us at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, and we want to show her just how many true friends she has in her time of need. We set forth to organize a fund raising gala to help raise money to offset the considerable medical bills and ongoing treatment costs that Maureen will face in her battle with cancer.

All proceeds from the gala will be donated to Maureen.

The event will be an elegant formal gala, black tie optional, with a sit down dinner and dancing to follow. Entertainment will include a talented vocalist and ballroom dance show by dance champions Dr. Omar Almallah and Mrs. Cheryl Almallah. The Almallahs are nationally recognized ballroom dancers who, during their competitive dancing days, were ranked fifth in the United States by the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association.

Tickets are available from our office by calling 732-349-5622, ext. 19. Please call today!

As recently reported in Jersey Shore Online, Dr. Almallah is the first ophthalmologist in the area to use the breakthrough new technology the XEN Gel Stent for the treatment of glaucoma.

The XEN Gel Stent is an FDA approved, permanent implant that has been shown to lower intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduce the need for topical medications without the risks involved with traditional glaucoma surgeries. The stent can help maintain appropriate pressure in the eye and prevent IOP from dropping too low.

Inserting the stent can be done without the need for sutures or cutting of the conjunctiva and can take less than 10 minutes. The stent is about 6-mm long and the width of a human hair. It is implanted through a tiny, self-sealing corneal incision. Its collagen-derived non-inflammatory gelatin material allows it to conform to the eye’s tissue and may minimize issues experienced with synthetic materials, such as migration, erosion, or corneal damage. 

Placement of the Xen Gel Stent with disposable injector

If you are seeking relief from glaucoma, the XEN Gel Stent may be the right solution for you. Please call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation and discuss your treatment options. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

When you are looking for an eye doctor, you want the best in vision care. But what does that mean for you? Each patient’s preferences are as individual as their eyes. Knowing your priorities can help you identify the right vision care practice for you and your family.

Rank the factors that are important to you in selecting your eye doctor from most important (1) to least important (20):

A recent study published in PLOS One found an increased risk of cataracts in patients diagnosed with and undergoing treatment for hepatitis C (HCV).  In a five-year study of more than 11,000 individuals, researchers found that HCV-infected patients were 1.36 more times likely to develop cataracts than non-HCV-infected patients. HCV-infected patients who were undergoing interferon-ribavirin therapy were 1.83 times more likely to develop cataracts.

HCV infection is believed to increase systemic oxidative stress, and the development of cataracts has been linked to an increase in oxidative stress. However, few studies have addressed the association between HCV infection and cataract development.

For the 3.2 million people living with hepatitis C, this increased risk for developing cataracts is something to be aware of but not necessarily alarmed by. Routine vision screenings can detect ocular problems like cataracts, and today’s advanced technology allows for safe and precise removal of cataracts and repair using an intraocular lens.

If you experience any symptoms of cataracts or other issues with your vision, please call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Cataracts most often develop as you age, but other health issues can increase your risk for developing cataracts. Symptoms of cataracts include:

• Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
• More difficulty with night vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing halos around lights
• Needing brighter light for reading
• More frequent changes in corrective lens prescriptions
• Fading or yellowing of colors in your vision
• Double vision in one eye

If you are noticing changes in your vision, make an appointment for an eye exam soon. Our doctors can help you understand how your vision is changing and what options you have for vision correction.

For patients with cataracts that are severe enough to interfere with daily activities, we generally recommend cataract surgery to remove and replace your eyes’ natural lenses with intraocular lenses (IOLs). At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, we offer our patients a premium selection of IOLs, and we use some of the newest and most advanced laser-assisted technologies for high quality and long-lasting vision correction.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with an experienced cataract surgeon. We welcome new patients in the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey, to any of our four convenient office locations.

LASIK eye surgery is one of the world’s most common elective surgery procedures. LASIK may eliminate your need to wear glasses and contacts by correcting your eyesight if you suffer from nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. During the short surgery, your cornea is reshaped to improve your vision.

Using advanced technology, the doctor will create a flap in the cornea and fold it back in order to reshape the underlying corneal tissue with an excimer laser. For nearsighted patients, the cornea is flattened more. For farsighted patients, the cornea is made steeper. And for patients with astigmatism, the irregular cornea shape is made more regular.

At the end of surgery, the corneal flap is replaced and acts as a natural bandage as your eye heals. LASIK surgery is completed in only a few minutes and recovery times generally only last a couple of days.

Millions of people have already corrected their vision with LASIK surgery. Are you ready to find out if LASIK surgery is right for you?

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

If you have vision problems that require you to wear glasses you may have at one time considered switching to contact lenses. Many people who wear glasses wish to eliminate the hassle of dealing with glasses but are unsure if they’re a candidate for contacts. At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates we understand the concerns many have regarding contacts but want to assure those who may be interested that we have the knowledge and experience to help you make the best decision for your vision.

Contacts are great for those who play sports or work in an environment that makes wearing glasses difficult. They’re also great solutions for those who are not candidates for LASIK. But while you may have considered switching to contacts, it’s important to know that not everyone is a candidate, as certain factors can affect if they’re right for you. Certain factors that may inhibit you from wearing contacts include:

• If you suffer from chronic eye infections
• Have dry eyes
• Have problems with your cornea
• Work in an environment that has particles, chemical fumes, or other noxious vapors (note that you can still wear contacts but it’s recommended to remove them in this type of environment)

If you’re curious about switching to contacts, our experienced eye doctors can talk you through any concerns and questions you may have. If you’re a candidate we will provide you with information on how to insert and remove your lenses safely and easily and how to care for your lenses so that they continue to help you see clearly.

Contact Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at (732) 349-5622 today to schedule your consultation. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Because glaucoma may initially cause no symptoms, it is important to detect it early with a comprehensive eye exam. At that point, the eye doctor will carefully inspect the optic nerve at the back of the eye and measure eye pressure. Both “open-angle glaucoma” and “closed-angle glaucoma” involve elevated inner eye pressure. However, in about one-third of all cases, eye pressure remains in the normal range, but optic nerve damage still occurs. Because “normal-tension glaucoma” can still result in optic nerve damage, it is important that it be treated. Research shows that, even if a patient’s eye pressure is still in the normal range, lowering the pressure can prevent optic nerve damage from worsening.    

P.S. Treatment for glaucoma to improve the eye’s natural drainage or create a new route for drainage may include medications, laser treatment, or eye surgery.

“Uveitis” is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, called the “uvea,” which includes the iris (the colored portion of the eye); the ciliary body (which produces fluid, aqueous humor, inside the eye); and the choroid (which provides nutrition to the retina). While the most common type of uveitis involves inflammation of the iris called “iritis” (anterior uveitis), there are many types of uveitis, each of which is classified by where the inflammation occurs in the eye. Causes of this eye inflammation often remain unknown and often occur in healthy people. In other cases, an underlying autoimmune disorder or infection may be the cause. Symptoms, which include blurred vision, floaters, and eye pain, warrant an immediate eye exam.   

P.S. If left untreated, severe cases of uveitis can potentially lead to cataracts, fluid in the retina, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or vision loss.

If you develop a lump on your eyelid, it could be either a “stye” or a “chalazion.” A stye occurs when an oil or sweat gland in the eyelid (usually in an eyelid follicle) becomes infected with bacteria (i.e., Staphylococcus aurus). Characterized by a small yellowish spot inside an inflamed red pimple, styes occur on the outside of the eyelid and are more painful than chalazia. A chalazion occurs when a “meibomian” or other sebaceous (oil) gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and triggers an immune response. The result is a firm, roundish, and (usually) painless lump, which more commonly forms on the upper eyelid. Never squeeze a stye or a chalazion. Medical treatment may be required. 

P.S. A stye is often professionally treated  by pulling out the affected eyelash(es) to allow for drainage. Chalazia may be treated with corticosteroid injections, incision, or surgical removal.

By 2020, an estimated 43 million Americans will be at risk for significant vision loss or blindness from age-related eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.  This number represents an increase of more than 50 percent over the current number of Americans with these vision-robbing diseases and conditions. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults with no signs or risk factors for eye disease undergo a baseline eye-disease screening  at age 40, which is the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may begin to occur. Individuals with risks of, or symptoms for, eye disease are advised to schedule eye exams even earlier. A baseline evaluation determines future screenings.

P.S. A baseline evaluation of eye health is not intended as a replacement for treatment of diseases or injuries or for vision examinations needed for eyeglass and contact-lens prescriptions.

Because “age-related macular degeneration” (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in Americans aged 65 years and older, any information about a potential new treatment is welcomed. As a starting point in searching for new ways to treat AMD, researchers noted that people with highly pigmented and darker-colored eyes are less prone to developing AMD and more likely to have higher levels of a chemical called L-DOPA, which is prescribed to Parkinson’s patients (who have low levels of this dopamine precursor in their brains).

When researchers examined the records of people prescribed L-DOPA, they found that they were less likely to develop AMD, and when they did, it began much later. Clinical trials will follow. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central portion of the retina (macula), which is responsible for seeing the center of the visual field and fine detail.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Because myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming more prevalent among younger generations, increasing numbers of nearsighted youngsters are predisposed to cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. For this reason, nearsightedness is seen as an indirect cause of visual impairment and blindness, which has led researchers to look for risk factors. While past research has suggested that major risk factors for myopia include genetic background, time spent outdoors, and time spent doing “near work” (such as reading and writing), there are also indications that first-borns are more likely to be myopic. The latest research shows that parents’ inclination to expose first-borns to educational environments makes them about 10% more likely than later-born individuals to be myopic and 20% more likely to have high myopia.  

P.S. Research seems to suggest that parents can reduce their children’s risk of becoming nearsighted by encouraging them to play outdoors more and limit their use of computers and computer games.

Welcome back to all of our Brick location patients!! We are now OPEN five days a week, (and two late nights) for your convenience.  Please also visit our totally updated Optical Gallery for all of your eyeglass and sunglass needs!!!   Please call (732) 477-6981 for additional information or to schedule an appointment. 

Happy New Year!!!

Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, PA

www.oceancountyeye.com

Because a visual acuity test is usually performed under normal daylight conditions, it does not indicate how well a person can see in low light. This distinction is important to make  because “twilight vision” can be noticeably worse for some people with certain eye conditions. As a result, they may find it difficult to drive or perform other important tasks under low-light conditions. Decreased twilight vision (often referred to as “night myopia”) can be a problem for many young adults who have a slight shift toward nearsightedness. Older adults may also experience night myopia as a result of clouded eye lenses (cataracts), while others may have retinal eye diseases that cause decreased vision at lower light levels.

P.S. Twilight vision can be tested during a visual acuity test with a Snellen (E) eye chart by using filters that block out light at varying levels.

While “osteoarthritis” is largely caused by wear and tear that primarily affects the joints, “rheumatoid arthritis” (RA) is an autoimmune disease that can exert its inflammatory effects over various parts of the body, including the eyes. For instance, RA is often associated with “keratitis sicca” (“dry eye syndrome”), which refers to any condition that decreases moisture in the eyes. In addition, while cataracts are most often associated with older individuals, inflammatory forms of arthritis make cataracts more likely to occur at any age. Inflammatory forms of arthritis can also lead to glaucoma  as a result of increased  pressure of the fluid in the eye, which causes nerve damage. These are all reasons for RA patients to undergo regular eye exams.  

P.S. Rheumatoid arthritis increases the risk for “scleritis,” inflammation of the “sclera,” the white outer coating of the eye.

The inflammatory disease known as “sarcoidosis” produces an anti-inflammatory response that can affect various areas of the body. One of the defining characteristics of the disease is the formation of “granulomas,” microscopic clumps of inflammatory cells that group together and look like granules. When too many of these clumps form in an organ, they can interfere with how that organ functions. Any part of the eye can be affected by sarcoidosis, and about one-quarter of patients experience burning, itching, tearing, pain, red eye, sensitivity to light (photophobia), dryness, seeing black spots (called “floaters”), blurred vision, and even vision loss. It is important, therefore, that those suffering from sarcoidosis schedule annual eye exams.

P.S. Uveitis, which is commonly linked with sarcoidosis, involves inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uvea).

Poor night vision can create problems with driving at night and can have several causes, one of the most common of which is nearsightedness. In these cases, an eye exam and an updated corrective-lens prescription may help. Other possible causative factors include cataracts, which helps explain why poor night vision so often afflicts older adults. As the lens of the eye becomes clouded, the amount of light reaching the retina is reduced. Fortunately, this problem can be alleviated with cataract surgery. Poor night vision can also result from taking certain glaucoma medications or from conditions such as “diabetic retinopathy” (caused by weakened retinal arteries) or “retinitis pigmentosa” (which can produce retinal degeneration and vision loss). 

P.S. Older adults should not accept changes in vision as a natural part of aging. The eye doctor can identify causes and treat them.

Aside from experiencing the distinct disadvantage of not being able to see, blind individuals may suffer from a sleep disorder known as “circadian rhythm disorder.” This inability to sleep in accordance with regular sleeping and waking times stems from a blind person’s inability to take time cues from daylight. Normally, a person’s “internal body clock” is set on its 24-hour cycle by exposure to natural light. Beginning in the morning and extending throughout the day, the eyes’ photoreceptors detect sunlight and transmit the information to the brain, which uses it to suppress melatonin (the sleep hormone) production. Once circadian sleep disorder is properly diagnosed, treatments ranging from behavioral therapy to medication can help blind individuals establish a regular sleeping pattern. 

P.S. Tasimelteon (Hetlioz) was approved by the FDA in January 2014 for treatment of circadian rhythm disorder in totally blind individuals.

Because the ability to drive preserves seniors’ independence, drivers over age 65 should do everything they can to preserve their driving skills, including having their vision checked. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that those aged 65 years and older have their eyes examined once every one to two years even if they experience no issues. An exam can determine if eyeglass prescriptions need to be updated and whether there are any signs of disease that could compromise vision and hamper driving ability. For instance, cataracts can make objects appear blurry and/or make vision more sensitive to the glare of oncoming headlights, and glaucoma decreases peripheral vision, making it harder to see objects away from the direct line of sight. 

P.S. “Contrast sensitivity” is particularly important for discerning objects at dawn and at dusk and should be checked in a senior’s eye exam.

As increasing numbers of diagnoses have made “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” (ADHD) one of the most common childhood disorders, researchers have wondered if it is being overdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This question led to the finding that many of the academic and attention-related behaviors associated with ADHD are also present in children suffering from a common eye-teaming problem. “Convergence insufficiency” occurs when the eyes do not work well together to focus on a nearby object. As a result, convergence insufficiency makes printed words blur or seem to move on the page. Consequently, profound reading difficulties may produce hyperactivity that is misinterpreted as ADHD. Children should be tested for convergence insufficiency before accepting an ADHD diagnosis.

P.S. Normally, the eyes’ ability to turn inward together (converge) provides “binocular vision,” which enables the brain to see a single, clearly defined object.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss in people aged 55 years and older, causes damage to the central portion of the retina (macula) that is responsible for sharp, central vision. While the “wet” form of AMD is less common (10%-15% of cases) than the “dry,” it accounts for 90% of all cases of severe vision loss from the disease. The wet form of the disease is characterized by abnormal blood vessels under the retina that tend to break and bleed, causing the retina to lift. Fortunately, there is treatment that inhibits the growth of these blood vessels. It involves injecting bevacizumab (Avastatin) or ranibizumab (Lucentis) directly into the vitreous, the gel-like filling inside the eye.   

P.S. Prior to the use of bevacizumab (Avastatin) and ranibizumab (Lucentis), “wet” AMD was treated with lasers that stopped the bleeding.

It usually comes as a shock to most people when they first discern spots or lines drifting across their fields of vision. This phenomenon is most evident when looking up at a clear blue sky or other solid background. These so-called “floaters” are extremely common and not dangerous. Most people experience floaters at some point in their lives, but they tend to disappear over time. Floaters can be explained by age-related changes in the vitreous humor, the jelly-like substance in the eyeball. As this substance shrinks, it tends to clump, which causes shadows to be cast on the retina that the brain perceives as dark spots. If floaters become bothersome and interfere with daily life, laser treatment may be considered.  

P.S. The laser treatment used to treat bothersome floaters, laser vitreolysis, utilizes an Nd:YAG laser to vaporize floaters.

“Uveitis” is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, called the “uvea,” which includes the iris (the colored portion of the eye); the ciliary body (which produces fluid, aqueous humor, inside the eye); and the choroid (which provides nutrition to the retina). While the most common type of uveitis involves inflammation of the iris called “iritis” (anterior uveitis), there are many types of uveitis, each of which is classified by where the inflammation occurs in the eye. Causes of this eye inflammation often remain unknown and often occur in healthy people. In other cases, an underlying autoimmune disorder or infection may be the cause. Symptoms, which include blurred vision, floaters, and eye pain, warrant an immediate eye exam.   

P.S. If left untreated, severe cases of uveitis can potentially lead to cataracts, fluid in the retina, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or vision loss.

When eyeglasses, contact lenses, medications, or surgery fail to provide the degree of visual competence needed to perform everyday tasks, a person is said to be experiencing “low vision.” This condition, which is most common among those over the age of 65, can result from eye diseases, health conditions, birth defects, and other causes. Regardless of cause, after a careful evaluation by an eye doctor that includes a comprehensive dilated eye exam, a program of vision rehabilitation can help those with low vision make the most of the vision they have left. This includes training for magnifying and adaptive devices, ways to complete daily living skills safely and independently, and guidance on home modification.  

P.S. Common types of low vision include loss of central vision, loss of side (peripheral) vision, blurred vision, generalized haze, extreme light sensitivity, and night blindness.

When you experience a gradual blurring or dimming of vision, you may have the earliest symptoms of a cataract. You may also see “halos” around lights. A cataract is any clouding or opacity in the normally transparent eye lens. Most cataracts develop as part of the aging process as the chemical composition of the lens changes. Studies have also shown that prolonged exposure to sunlight over many years (particularly the ultraviolet-B rays) can hasten the development of cataracts. Cataracts can occur at any age and may be due to an eye injury, certain eye diseases, medical conditions (such as diabetes), heredity, birth defects, some medications (such as steroids), excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.

P.S. In the early stages of a cataract,  stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help with blurred vision. When impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, safe and effective cataract surgery is the best answer.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the eye disease that robs people of central vision and for which there is no cure; however, there is hope for slowing its progression. AMD involves the breakdown of the crucial central portion of the retina. As a result, the disease makes it difficult for AMD sufferers to see fine detail and read printed material. “Dry” macular degeneration is the more common, less destructive form of the disease. It occurs when deposits called “drusen” collect behind the retina. Since dry macular degeneration can develop into the more serious “wet” form of the disease, it is important to see an ophthalmologist if your vision starts getting blurry or if you have trouble reading or recognizing faces.

P.S. Caucasians are more likely to develop drusen as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Today’s cataract surgery makes use of an ultrasound probe to break up and remove the cloudy eye lens. Left behind is the lens capsule, which once held the natural lens in place and is later used to hold the replacement artificial lens. More than 90 percent of patients experience improved vision immediately after cataract surgery.

For some, however, the blurriness returns months or years afterward due to posterior capsule opacity, also known as “after-cataract.” It is caused by tiny clumps of cells and thin scar tissue on the inner back surface (or posterior wall) of the capsule. To remedy the problem, the ophthalmologist uses a Nd:YAG laser to create a small hole in the posterior wall of the capsule which will help reduce the cloudiness and bring back visual clarity. The Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is an outpatient procedure that is painless and requires no anesthesia.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Over 80% of what we learn comes through our eyes, making them our most important connection to the world around us. While we may take our vision for granted, there is no underestimating the critical demands our eyes make for their continued good health and proper functioning. The brain and visual system account for only two percent of our body weight, yet they consume about 25% of our nutritional intake. Thus, adhering to good nutritional habits can play a big role in how well we see. In addition, although regular checkups are important for maintaining and/or correcting vision, most Americans are overdue for an eye exam. If you are one of them, do your eyes a favor and schedule an appointment. 

P.S. Certain antioxidants and minerals have been shown to lower the risk of developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

In an effort to isolate the causes of eye strain, which is one of several major symptoms of “dry eye” disease, researchers analyzed the tear fluid of office workers who spend long periods of time peering at computer screens. They found that those who spent the most time looking at their monitors had the least amount of the protein (known as MUC5AC) that is secreted by cells in the upper eyelid to create the mucus layer in tears (“tear film”) that keeps the eye moist. In fact, the workers who spent the most time watching their computer screens had MUC5AC levels that approached the levels seen with individuals diagnosed with dry eye. Treatment with artificial tears can help.

P.S. Because they tend to blink less often than usual and open their eyes wider, people in front of computer screens are likely to be more susceptible to ocular fatigue and dry eye symptoms.

Currently, when the clear outer lens on the front of the eye (cornea) needs to be replaced, the cornea of a donor is used to conduct a corneal transplant. One of the most common transplants performed, it is often recommended for patients with vision problems caused by a thinning cornea (usually due to keratoconus), scarring of the cornea (due to infection or injury), or vision loss caused by cloudiness of the cornea (usually due to Fuchs’ dystrophy).

While current procedures call for harvesting donor tissue from deceased individuals, researchers were recently able to regrow human corneal tissue using adult-derived human stem cells. The ability to regrow corneal tissue may have a great impact on the lives of many since loss of corneal tissue is one of the leading causes of blindness. It is hoped that this may lead to the future use of stem cells in reversing corneal damage.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

The Catalys laser is similar to the femtosecond laser technology used in LASIK laser vision correction. This laser replaces the most technically demanding steps in cataract surgery that previously were performed manually. The Catalys assists Dr. Almallah and Dr. Pidduck in performing previously manually performed parts of the procedure with much more precision the initial incisions in the cornea, creation of the opening in the lens capsule perfectly centered on the pupil and the laser fragmentation and softening of the cataract. The manual approach limits predictability and precision and can potentially affect visual outcomes and complication rates.

“The precision of the Catalys (Femto) laser allows more perfect centration of the intra-ocular lens,” says Dr. Almallah.“Regardless of how good a surgeon is, the surgeon's hand cannot be as precise as a laser beamin making incisions. This is the greatest advance in cataract surgery in my 25 year career as an eye surgeon.” “We always strive to bring the latest technology to our patients. The addition of the Catalys (Femto) laser will deliver more accurate results with faster recovery times,” Dr. Almallah said. “Since astigmatism is corrected simultaneously, most patients do not require distance spectacle correction to drive. If the Catalys laser cataract surgery is combined with the Tecnis Multifocal® intra-ocular lens, reading glasses can be eliminated after cataract surgery.” The laser additionally works with Crystalens, Trulign, and toric premium lenses to allow patients to enjoy less dependence on spectacles for activities of daily living.

Call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at 732-349-5622 today to schedule your consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We proudly serve the areas of Marlboro, Toms River, Brick, and Barnegat, New Jersey.

Glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight” because it can slowly damage the eye and cause irreparable harm before its victims ever become aware of symptoms. For this reason, it is imperative to undergo regular eye examinations for early diagnosis and treatment that can save sight. Among those most at risk are African-Americans, for whom glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness. People of African descent are six to eight times more likely to have glaucoma than Caucasians. The risk for Hispanic populations is also greater than those of predominantly European ancestry, and that risk increases among Hispanics over age 60. In fact, anyone over age 60 is six times more likely to get glaucoma than younger individuals.  

P.S. Because the most common type of glaucoma (“primary open-angle glaucoma”) is inherited, those with a family history of the eye disease are at a much higher risk than the rest of the population.

Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates (Brick Town Location) will be closed temporarily for the purposes of complete renovation.  We are expecting to reopen our doors within 12 months, but ask our patients to please be patient, as it could take longer.  For additional information or to schedule your appointments, please call our Toms River location at (732) 349-5622.  We will be accommodating our Brick Town patients in any one of our other four locations for your convenience.  Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience. 

Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates 

Recent research has found that a compound that occurs naturally in the skins of grapes may someday prove of real value in treating age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinopathy of prematurity. Resveratrol, an anti-oxidant compound that has already shown real benefit in promoting heart health, has also recently been found to control abnormal blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) related to certain potentially blinding eye diseases. Equally important is that researchers also uncovered the pathway [known as a eukaryotic elongation factor-2 kinase (eEF2) regulated pathway] that is responsible for the compound’s protective effects. Utilizing this valuable information, scientists hope to develop new treatments to prevent the abnormal growth of blood vessels in the eye that can rob patients of their vision. Our staff is happy to guide you through every aspect of your vision care. From providing thorough eye examinations to explaining in detail all the various treatment options, we will be with you every step of the way, answering questions about AMD, or helping with any concerns you may have.

 So-called Floppy Eyelid Syndrome (FES) is characterized by rubbery upper eyelids (caused by muscle weakness or decreased elastin in the eyelids) that distort easily. As a result, those with this condition (usually older, overweight males) experience droopy eyelids, dry/red/ swollen eyes, mucous discharge, frequent infections, easily inverted eyelids, and eyelashes that point downward and irritate the eye. While these symptoms can be managed with the help of the ophthalmologist, those with FES should be aware that Floppy Eyelid Syndrome has also been linked with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which involves breathing stoppages during sleep. Because untreated OSA can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart failure, any signs of FES should lead to a check for signs of OSA. Floppy eyelid syndrome often is unrecognized. We encourage you to ask questions and take an active role in your health care. We are committed to providing you with the best possible eye health care. Patient education and awareness are keys to prevention and early detection of eye health problems. Our ultimate goal is your good sight.

Please call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at (732) 349-5622 ext. 37 and schedule your appointment to be checked for FES at any one of our five locations in Ocean and Monmouth Counties.

If you are noticing droopy eyelids and think you might like to have them surgically enhanced, call us to schedule a complimentary evaluation with Dr. Almalah. Also know as "Cosmetic Blepharoplasty," this surgical procedure is designed to improve the appearance and functionality of the eyes by redesigning the surrounding structures.

Commonly done for both upper and lower lids, cosmetic Blepharoplasty entails the removing or repositioning of fat and skin and may also include muscle reduction or tightening, and the supporting of the tendons. Of course, we first recommend that you have a complete evaluation with Dr. Almallah before any decisions are made to have this surgery to fully understand what is performed during cosmetic eyelid surgery.

Blepharoplasty can be combined with BOTOX® treatments to raise the eyebrows or reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet or dark circles under the eyes.

Please feel free to contact Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, PA at (732) 349-5622 ext. 37 or visit our website at www.oceancountyeye.com.

Ocean and Monmouth Counties, NJ

BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments are the most popular way to reduce the appearance of aging in the face. Millions of people, both men and women, receive BOTOX® Cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate their skin and look younger.

How BOTOX® Cosmetic Works

BOTOX® Cosmetic is a doctor administered non-surgical facial procedure. In fact, it is the world’s number one cosmetic procedure. It involves placement of Botox, a purified protein, into selected muscles to improve facial lines and wrinkles. The toxin paralyzes the muscles beneath the injection site for a period of three to four months. In the days following the injection, the muscle weakens causing the skin to relax. The wrinkle then becomes less noticeable and in some cases can even disappear.

Anesthesia is not required for the injections and there is little discomfort. Side effects may include minor and temporary redness at the injection site. There is also little downtime, so you may return to your schedule after you leave our office. We recommend you avoid exercise for a few hours after your BOTOX® Cosmetic injections.

BOTOX® Cosmetic is useful for the treatment of:

• Forehead creases
• Frown lines between your eyes
• Crow's feet around your eyes
• Smile lines
• Neck bands

Botox® is the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedure performed. For example: In the year 2003 there were 2,272,080 botox® injections performed.

Botox® is proven to be safe and effective. Over the past 20 years, Botulinum Toxin Type A has been evaluated in more than 200 studies. There are no documented systemic complications associated with Botox® injections. Botox® has been widely used for more than 11 years with over 1 million people. You should only receive BOTOX® Cosmetic injections from a certified professional like those at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates.

If you are interested in finding out more about BOTOX® Cosmetic in the Monmouth or Ocean County, New Jersey area, please contact the experienced BOTOX® Cosmetic professionals at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A. for an initial consultation.

At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, the physical health of your eyes is extremely important to us. Vision is the manner in which most of us make our first sensory perceptions of the things around us- our sight can extend far beyond our reach of touch, sense of smell, and range of hearing. Because of that, it is important to maintain the physical health of your eyes and make routine visits to have your eyes examined.
Eye Conditions
Eyes can exhibit a wide variety of symptoms that can indicate a possible problem with their physical health. Some symptoms, such as itchiness, may just be an indicator of allergies, however other symptoms should be treated as warning signs and you should consult with an eye physician right away. Common indicators of poor physical health of your eyes are:

• Swelling
• Burning
• Trauma
• Pain
• Blurred Vision
• Spots/Halos

If you do experience any of these symptoms come in and talk with us as soon as possible. Make sure you make a note of how long the symptoms have been persisting and if you have any ideas of what may be causing them. Once in our office we'll check for a variety of conditions including:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Dry eyes
• Floaters
• Myopia
• Macular degeneration
• Presbyopia

Many of these conditions are treatable/curable if they are caught early on. That is why the most important thing you can do to prevent these conditions is to get your eyes routinely checked, at least once a year. If you do exhibit any symptoms or have had any trauma in between check-ups, it is always better to be safe than sorry and come in and have us check your eyes out.
Schedule an appointment with one of the many qualified eye physicians in Ocean County, New Jersey at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates.

The vast majority of our patients who seek LASIK surgery are good candidates. If they are not, then in some cases it may only be necessary to let some time pass. An ideal candidate is in good general health, has an active and healthy lifestyle, has no pre-existing eye diseases, and has realistic expectations for the outcome of the procedure. This being said, your candidacy can only be determined after a thorough eye examination from one of our ophthalmologists.

As of now, you must be at least 18 years old to undergo the procedure. However, we often recommend that our patients wait until after the age of 21, as the eye is still changing during this time. If you have unhealthy, scarred, or thin corneas, cataracts, glaucoma, extreme dry eye, a history of herpes infection in the eye, or any other recent eye infection or injury, you will not be a good candidate. Sufferers of lupus, HIV, or other autoimmune disorders are not good candidates. LASIK is also not recommended for women who are pregnant due to the effect fluctuating hormones have on refractive errors. Furthermore, we do not like to perform LASIK on anyone who has had a considerable increase in their prescription over the previous year.

Certain careers, occupations, and employers prohibit LASIK surgery. Be sure to check your employer's rules and regulations regarding LASIK before choosing to get the surgery. LASIK is irreversible, so if you aspire toward a career that may prohibit the procedure, be sure to do your research. Our doctors know which occupations do not allow LASIK and will be able to help you make your decision. If your current or future occupation does not allow LASIK, then there may be other options available to reduce your dependency on glasses or contacts.

A thorough eye exam will be necessary in order to determine your candidacy for LASIK. If you live in the New Jersey area and want to reduce your dependency on glasses or contacts, please contact us today to schedule an exam.

Multi-focal intraocular lenses are used to approach the accommodation processes of your eye more closely. The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL from Alcon is one of several multi-focal lenses available for lens replacement surgery. There are two technologies involved with these lenses and this is how the AcrySof ReSTOR lenses work.
 

• Apodized diffraction - Small concentric rings of differing diffractive values allow accommodation or focusing at various distances, not simply near or far distances. The apodized section of the lens is in the interior portion and has 12 concentric steps of decreasing depth, mimicking natural lens focusing.
• Refraction - The refractive part of the lens is situated to the outside and helps refract light when the pupils are dilated, for more effective distance vision.

Together these technologies provide you with a much greater range with fewer visual disturbances.

The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL is the only multi-focal lens with apodized diffractive technology. The lens gives the cataract or presbyopia patients like you an increased range of vision and helps eliminate the need for any type of additional corrective lenses.

To find out more about multi-focal vision correction with AcrySof ReSTOR IOL, please contact the Ocean County vision correction specialists at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates and schedule an initial consultation.

Most of us have heard the term “20/20 vision” being used in reference to healthy, normal eyesight. Perhaps you have been told you have 20/20 vision, 20/40 vision, or even 20/15 vision. As a measurement of visual acuity, 20/20 vision is considered “good” vision. Most people, however, are unaware or have forgotten exactly what these numbers mean. Let us take a quick look at the meaning behind these figures.

Anyone who has undergone a physical examination at a doctor’s office or a comprehensive eye exam at an eye clinic has seen what is called a “Snellen chart.” This is the chart hanging on the doctor’s wall with the large “E” printed at the top. This chart has been used since the late 1800’s to measure an individual’s visual acuity. Many modern eye clinics and family physicians use an electronic “viewfinder” version of the Snellen chart, but the ratios and results are the same.

Standing 20 feet from the chart, you are asked to cover one eye and read the characters on the chart. If you have 20/20 vision, then you are able to accurately read from 20 feet what someone with normal vision can read from 20 feet. Someone with 20/40 vision is able to see at 20 feet what someone with normal vision would be able to see at 40 feet, and so on.

This visual test only measures visual acuity and cannot sufficiently account for the quality of a person’s vision. Other tests are necessary to determine an individual’s ability to see color and contrast, for example. In other words, 20/20 vision is only one component of normal vision.

A comprehensive eye examination by a certified ophthalmologist or optometrist will measure both the acuity and quality of your vision, as well as help determine whether you have other eye conditions. If you live in the New Jersey area, please contact us today to arrange your comprehensive eye exam.

For many of us, driving is a normal part of our daily routine. We use our vehicles as transportation to and from work, frequent visits to the grocery store, and weekend getaways with family or friends. Imagine now that you’re in your sixties or seventies and your eyes are not quite what they used to be. What was sharp and in focus years prior is now cloudy and undefined, even if you wear glasses or contacts. This poses a threat to you and others sharing the roads with you and could lead to a situation that could have been avoided with a simple visit to your eye doctor.

Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment in older adults in the United States, according to the American Medical Association.

Cataracts result in lessened visual acuity and contrast sensitivity and may increase the perception of distracting glare.

In a study done for the American Medical Association, patients between the ages of 55 and 85 years were recruited from twelve eye clinics in Alabama from October 1994 through March 1996, with 4 to 6 years of follow-up to March 1999. The main outcome was measured by police-reported motor vehicle crash occurrence involving patients who elected cataract surgery compared to those who did not through reports made available by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.

This study concluded in part that patients with cataracts that elected to have cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation had half the rate of crash involvement during the follow-up period compared with those patients with cataracts that chose not to undergo surgery. Of course, with any study there are many variables to take into consideration, but having a cataract can significantly impair your vision and impaired vision can increase your likelihood of being involved in an accident.

Fortunately for patients, eye doctors have been treating cataracts with a high success rate for the majority of cases. Cataracts are treated through crystalline lens removal followed by intraocular lens insertion (IOL). Cataract surgery can lead to the improvement of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity as well as reducing distracting glare. This study is an example of results that may have a variety of benefits to driver safety in our society with the increased population of older drivers and the percentage of cataracts in the population older than 65 years of age.

If cataracts are impairing your vision, having cataract surgery protects not only you, but other drivers on the road as well. For yourself, for your loved ones, and for your community, schedule a cataract surgery consultation at Susskind & Almallah, Eye Associates, P.A. today to learn how your life can be safer and richer after cataract surgery.
 

While the vast majority of our LASIK patients are satisfied with the results of their initial surgery, there are instances when a patient requests or may require an enhancement.
We will perform a follow-up LASIK enhancement if you are unsatisfied with the initial result and it is reasonable to do so, or as a corrective measure due to complications during the surgery or healing process.

Generally speaking, we do not recommend follow-up enhancements unless you are left unable to perform necessary activities as a result of your surgery. With an enhancement come all the risks of the initial surgery, so the choice to undergo an enhancement should be taken just as seriously.

We typically allow 3 to 4 months to pass before considering a follow-up enhancement. This time allows the eye to heal from the initial surgery and the vision to stabilize. It is important to be patient while your eye heals, as it is very likely that the quality of your vision will fluctuate during this time. If you are unable to perform necessary tasks at any time during these first few months due to vision problems, we will gladly provide glasses for you to wear temporarily until your vision stabilizes and an enhancement becomes feasible.

It is important to have realistic expectations before choosing to undergo LASIK surgery. Additionally, there are many factors which will affect your satisfaction with the results of your LASIK procedure. Your eye doctor will discuss these with you in depth during your initial consultation and examination. If you live in the New Jersey area and are considering LASIK surgery, or have any further questions about the LASIK procedure, please contact us today to arrange a consultation.

When you have been diagnosed with a cataract, you want to be sure that your ophthalmologist is going to give you quality care that meets or, hopefully, exceeds the standard. But in the end, all you probably really want is to know that you’ll be able to see again. We understand that, but hope that you think about who will be performing your cataract surgery.

First, your cataract surgeon is called an ophthalmologist. Ophthalmologists specialize in both the medical and surgical care of the eye. They have completed four years of pre-med undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and then gone on to specialize in medical and surgical training. They are qualified to provide overall eye care with the added service of diagnosing and treating diseases and other conditions of the eye. Other things to keep in mind when choosing a cataract surgeon include:

• Qualifications – Your cataract surgeon should be willing and able to discuss their qualifications with you if you so desire. Their credentials should include an accredited medical institution and they should be licensed in the state in which they perform. Look around the practice to see that licenses and credentials are displayed where patients can see them.
• Experience – While everyone who needs a cataract surgeon wants one who has performed successful cataract surgery, you want to look for one who has experience. You may even want to look for an experienced cataract surgeon who has trained with some of the best eye surgeons in the world. Experience of your cataract surgeon is key, and you should not be shy about asking them how much experience they have and getting an honest answer in return.
• Patient Satisfaction – Patients are the cornerstone of any successful eye practice. Many of the most successful are that way because someone has referred friends or family. While patients should be satisfied, good cataract surgeons take pride in their work, and this shows. You should be able to ask your cataract surgeon for other satisfied patients, or view testimonials.

At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, P.A., we have qualified and experienced ophthalmologists able to treat cataract patients successfully and with the care they deserve. Please contact us to set up an initial examination where we can answer any of your cataract surgery questions.

Many of our prospective LASIK patients come to us with concerns that their night vision might be compromised as a result of the surgery. We understand this concern, as many of our patients’ livelihoods depend upon a lot of nighttime activity, particularly driving. Post-LASIK night vision problems have been a prohibitive risk for many patients in the past. Fortunately, improved LASIK technology and refined surgical techniques have come a long way in eliminating most post-surgical night vision complications.

You will be screened for risk factors during your initial consultation with one of our eye doctors. If you have large pupils, then you are at an increased risk for post-LASIK night vision problems. Those with more severe myopia or astigmatism are also at a greater risk. Once these risk factors are identified, your eye doctor can adjust your procedure accordingly. Please note that if you have an extreme form of any of these risk factors, LASIK may not be right for you.

Today’s technology allows eye doctors to create what is called a “blend zone” around the laser treatment site. The ability to create and manipulate this blend zone allows a skilled eye doctor to greatly reduce or eliminate night vision problems. In fact, many of our patients who had night vision issues before LASIK now have no such problems.

All LASIK patients should expect some night glare, haloes, or rings during the first few weeks of recovery. These conditions should go away as the corneal flap heals and swelling subsides.

In order to avoid post-LASIK night vision problems, it is crucial that your eye doctor has the most up-to-date excimer laser technology. At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates we not only have the technology, we also have the experience necessary to make sure your risk of post-LASIK night vision problems is minimized. If you live in the New Jersey area, please contact us today to arrange an appointment.

Just a reminder for those people with "Flexible Spending Accounts"(FSA)" through their employers, now is the time to allocate funds for 2009. This would be the time to approach your human resources department to inquire about 2009's allocation limits. FSA's can be used for out of pocket expenses such laser vision correction (LASIK). By allocating a determined amount through your FSA, you can put money in an account "pre-tax" for these reasons. Many patients use this arrangement to lower their annual income for tax purposes and have the opportunity to save money for something they really need and want. If you have any questions regarding FSA's start with your employer. It may just be the option you are looking for to change your life with laser vision correction!

When children are farsighted, have astigmatism, or experience both of these refractive errors in both eyes, they may develop “bilateral refractive amblyopia.” Unlike single-eye amblyopia (or “lazy eye”), in which one eye presents an unclear image to the brain, bilateral amblyopia affects both eyes and is less common. If left untreated, bilateral amblyopia may result in permanent vision loss. The good news is that recent research shows that the condition can be successfully treated with corrective lenses, particularly when it is diagnosed and treated early. After one year of treatment, visual acuity among children between the ages of three and nine with bilateral refractive amblyopia had improved an average of about four lines on the traditional Snellen eye chart.
Amblyopia will not go away on its own, and untreated amblyopia can lead to permanent visual problems and poor depth perception. At SUSSKIND & ALMALAH EYE ASSOCIATES, P.A., we stress preventive health care for the entire family. When is the last time you had a thorough eye examination? We will discuss all your options with you. We’re currently accepting new patients and welcome you.

While there seems to be an adequate supply of corneas (the transparent
covering at the front of the eye) for transplantation, there is some concern that there
may be a future shortage. With this in mind, researchers set out to see if there was
an age limit beyond which corneas should not be accepted from older donors.
Generally speaking, when it comes to most types of implants, younger tissue is
preferable to older. However, researchers found that corneas from donors as old
as 75 years can perform just as well as younger tissue. While other factors have a
bearing on the selection of corneas for transplantation, this new study shows that
age is not necessarily a limiting factor.

The most common type of eye injury in the home and at work involves irritants
that contact the outer surface of the eye. For instance, sawdust may float into the
eye in a home workshop, or a chemical may splash up into the eyes in the kitchen.
In case of chemical irritation, the consequent pain may cause a person to close her
or her eyes, which may make matters worse because the eyelid traps the irritant
next to the eye. It is important to flush the affected eye as soon as possible with
lukewarm water. Flush for about fifteen minutes, checking every five to see if the
particle has been washed away. Seek medical advice and attention, if necessary.

Think that bladeless procedure will benefit you more so than traditional LASIK? Think again. A recent study compared the use of femtosecond lasers (used in bladeless LASIK) with the mechanical microkeratome. The results of the study did not suggest use of the femtosecond necessarily improved patient outcomes. In fact, the results six months post surgery showed that LASIK outcomes were comparable to those of the bladeless procedures.
The study's findings are important, especially considering bladeless surgery runs the risk of side effects, such as transient light sensitivity (TLS), a condition commonly associated with the use of the Intralase femtosecond laser, which can linger for a year after the surgery.
The study's findings will be presented to the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Blade vs. Bladeless Surgery_Traditional LASIK procedures can treat patients with various visual disturbances including nearsightedness, astigmatism and farsightedness. They work by allowing the surgeon to reshape the corneal surface by creating a flap in the cornea using a mechanical microkeratome.
Newer procedures, including IntraLase or bladeless LASIK offer surgeons the choice of creating the corneal flap with a new laser called the femtosecond laser. This type of lasik surgery is sometimes also referred to as "all laser" surgery because of this.
The results of this most recent study show that six months following surgery few differences if any are apparent among patients that had surgery using the femtosecond laser or the microkeratome.
That said, there are still some surgeons who prefer to use bladeless surgery because they believe it is safer. Even if outcomes following surgery may be equal, some surgeons believe using the femtosecond laser during bladeless procedures is safer because it allows more controlled precision. On the other hand, there is the issue of transient light sensitivity (TLS) to contend with along with post surgical swelling, which can delay visual clarity.
Of course, it is important to note there are also relatively few risks from surgery using the traditional microkeratome blade. Typically serious risks including vision loss following surgery occur in less than 1 percent of the population undergoing such procedures.
Which Surgery Is Best?_It is important to note this study followed patients during their long-term recovery. All findings reported represent results of this study six months or more following surgery. In the short term, there are a few differences between the two procedures. What is important to note however, as researchers point out, is the long-term effects any surgery will have on a patient.
When it comes to blade vs. bladeless surgery, it appears patients have an equal likelihood for successful surgery six months post operation. Talk with your eye care professional about the pros and cons of each surgery before deciding which may be best for you. Remember there are surgeons who still prefer to use the femtosecond, whereas others still believe the microkeratome is a superior tool for creating a precise corneal flap. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

As its name implies, the condition called "dry eye" involves insufficient tear quantity or quality to keep eyes healthy and comfortable. As a result, the eyes may begin to feel hot and gritty, as well as appear swollen and red. Treatment of "dry eyes" usually begins with the introduction of artificial tears. If this eye-drop product is either inconvenient or ineffective, the ophthalmologist may recommend the insertion of punctal plugs into the tear drainage ducts. punctal plugs prevent tears from draining out of the eye via the tiny opening (punctum) in the inner corner of the eyelid. There are a variety of plugs available which can be removed in minutes if desired. Symptoms of dry eyes can include redness, dryness, burning, grittiness,excessive tearing, tired eyes blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.

Welcome to all Susskind and Almallah viewers. We encourage you to take some time to view all the entries and information in our blog and make comments or contact us directly.

Please feel free to also visit the credentials of each of our surgeons on our home page.

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.
 

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.

Technology has undoubtedly made our lives more comfortable, but what about the physicians using it? It would seem that when you go for an evaluation for a surgical procedure that the surgeon would be properly credentialed, Board Certified and knowledgeable about the technology he chooses to use. Dr. Omar F. Almallah is just such a surgeon. Not only is he Board Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, but also the American Board of Eye Surgeons. It provides us with a sense of security and comfort when we think of surgical procedures such as cataract surgery and Laser Vision Correction (LASIK). “Deluxe” lenses such as Crystalens®, an accommodating intraocular lens, Restor®and ReZoom® multifocal lenses and the Verisyse™ lens, for patients with a higher degree of nearsightedness, are just a few examples of options patients have with Omar F. Almallah, M.D. at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, PA.

The crystalens® accommodating intraocular lens by Eyeonics™ is designed to mimic the eye’s natural process of accommodation, allowing patients, in most cases, freedom from glasses or contacts. Omar F. Almallah, M.D. is one of the areas premier ophthalmologic surgeons credentialed and performing the crystalens® procedure here at the Jersey Shore.

In a clinical study performed in the United States, the crystalens® was implanted in 497 eyes in 324 adult patients over 50 years of age. The results showed that most of the patients that underwent crystalens® implantation in both eyes had vision that was good enough to pass a driver’s licensure exam. All patients had good “intermediate” vision; simply meaning they could see their computer screen or items at an arm’s length without their glasses. Amazingly, 98.4% of patients in this study could read print the size of stock quotes in the newspaper or phone numbers in the telephone book without glasses. In addition, patient questionnaires have shown that 93% of patients involved in this study and having the crystalens® implanted in both eyes, state that they can perform most daily activities such as shopping or applying makeup without the use of their glasses. When patient’s cataracts are adequately advanced so that they require surgery, their insurance covers the cataract portion of the procedure, but the “deluxe” portion of the surgery is an out of pocket expense. Nevertheless, the demand for this technology is high and an experienced surgeon is likely to produce the results patients expect.
If you have recently turned 63 or 64 you may be making the decision as to whether or not you will be taking advantage of the Medicare system, as promised by our government to you at age 65. We encourage you to come in for a thorough eye exam to determine if cataracts are present. We will discuss with you the options now available for vision restoration. Fortunately, Medicare allows patients the opportunity to upgrade from traditional lens implants to “deluxe” implants such as crystalens®, ReStor® and ReZoom®. Medicare does not fully cover cataract lens upgrades and it is important to meet with our surgical coordinators for more information.

The Verisyse™ Phakic IOL is used to treat moderate to severe myopia, the medical term for nearsightedness. With over 18 years of use and 150,000 procedures performed worldwide, results prove that the Verisyse™ design is safe and effective for very nearsighted people who are tired of thick glasses and are not candidates for Custom LASIK. The procedure involves placing the Verisyse™ Phakic IOL behind your cornea and on top of your iris. This gives your eye another focusing lens that provides high-quality, high-definition vision like a normal eye. The word “phakic” means that your natural crystalline lens is left in the eye. This is important because your natural lens plays an important role in helping your eye adjust between seeing objects that are near and far. As with the crystalens®, Dr. Almallah offers a complimentary evaluation for those patients interested in having their nearsightedness corrected, especially patients that may not be good candidates for laser vision correction.

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 nineteen 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 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 operated on several ophthalmologists. Dr. Almallah graduated Magna Cum Laude 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.

Dr. Almallah evaluates every surgical candidate personally and applies his extensive knowledge in ocular surgery to educate patients and their families to the appropriateness of recommending particular ocular procedures to patients. When he does recommend a procedure, it’s with great confidence that the patient will benefit.

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 cataract lens upgrades such as the crystalens™ and verisyse™ lenses.

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