Adapting healthy habits such as eating the right foods or exercising can prevent common eye conditions such as glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. According to George Town EDU, 20 million Americans have vision impairments. Changing your lifestyle can lead to long-term benefits that can help prevent you from developing a common eye condition.

Foods with key nutrients for your diet

As you plan out your meals for the week it is important to include key vitamins and minerals. Foods that include nutrients vital for your daily intake can lead to a better immune system and decrease the risk of vision disorders. The following is a list of foods to consider:

1. Vitamin A: Tomatoes, red bell peppers, cantaloupe, eggs beef, lamb, liver sausage salmon, sweetpotatoes, pumpkin, leafy green vegetables, squash
2. Vitamin C: Asparagus, citrus, strawberries, guavas, parsley, kale, kiwi, mustard spinach, broccoli, oranges, grapefruit
3. Vitamin E: Peanuts, beet greens, collard greens, spinach, pumpkin, almonds, sunflower seeds, hazel nuts, pine nuts, avocado, mango, turnip greens, octopus, lobster
4. Lutein: Romaine lettuce, corn, eggs, pistachios, green peas, brussel sprouts, carrots, collards, arugula, spinach, pumpkin, broccoli
5. Zinc: Red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, seeds, crab, fish, shiitake mushrooms, oysters, oats, tofu, chickpeas, yogurt

Too often people gravitate towards a sugary drink or dessert with a high sugar content. Making this a habit can lead to type 2 diabetes and heart disease that can cause diabetic retinopathy. By making simple dietary adjustments, you can set yourself up to maintain healthy vision.

Activities that help with hand-eye coordination

Eye health can be managed by being active a few times a week. Whether you are working out in your house or at the park, spending at least 30 minutes doing cardio will help to stimulate the brain and improve hand-eye coordination. Here are a few ways you can exercise to get your eyes stimulated:

1. Running. Turn on your music and sprint to your hearts content. Performing this exercise will help mitigate risk of aged-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma. As you hum to your favorite tune, eye-disease fighting antioxidants are released.
2. Tennis. As you go back and forth with your opponent your eyes are constantly having to adjust to note the different points the ball lands. This activity helps to increase your blood pressure and ensure your retinal function is in the best shape.
3. Golf. Being able to accurately judge the distance from the ball to the flag requires great depth perception. To achieve some yards, it is imperative you have excellent hand-eye coordination. 
4. Fencing. This highly technical sport requires sharp visual perception and visual acuity that can quickly pinpoint where the opponent is attempting to land their sword. 
5. Cycling. If you peddle for one hour a day this can cause an influx of enzymes that specialize in preventing eye infections and inflammation. 

To maintain a healthy mind, you must implement healthy habits. If you are experiencing vision discrepancies, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision complications and the best options for you.

Source: Health Harvard

As kids are going back to school it is important to prioritize eye health and to be educated on how to take care of your vision. According to the CDC, 6.8% of children younger than 18 years old in the United States have a diagnosed eye and vision condition. Thousands of kids struggle with undiagnosed vision disorders because they are too embarrassed to express their concerns. 

Signs you are experiencing vision issues

With schools becoming more competitive, having the ability to see clearly is imperative. By ignoring eye health issues, students can fall behind educationally, have self-esteem issues and run the possibility of prolonging eye diseases and other health issues. 

Signs to look for in the classroom:

1. Discomfort and fatigue. Studying for a prolonged period on a device can cause eye strain and headaches.
2. Lack of academic growth. If eye diseases remain undiagnosed, students are susceptible to poor performance in school and struggling to retain material. 
3. Short attention span. The teacher may be talking, and a student may think their pencil is the most interesting subject. This behavior is common when material is difficult to see and ultimately understand.
4. Holding a laptop or book close to the face. If you do this frequently, exhibiting eye motions such as squinting or widening the eyes can contribute to worsening discrepancies.
5. Trouble when reading. When a teacher calls on you to read a paragraph forgetting your place in a sentence or not comprehending content is abnormal. 

If you ignore these signs, you may become part of “more than 600,00 children and teens who are blind or have a vision disorder”. Acknowledging your vision impairments is the first step, the next is contacting your local eye care clinic to schedule an appointment.

Eye care tips for inside and outside the classroom

Being aware of common vision challenges faced by students is valuable, so is knowing how to deal with them. Taking care of your eyesight is the utmost importance because your eyes help you study, read, and write. If you want to prioritize your vision incorporate the following tips:

1. Maintain a healthy diet. Include vegetables and fruits such as carrots, bell peppers, sweetpotatoes, and leafy greens into your lunch box. These foods feature nutrients that help support healthy eyes and may prevent or lessen common vision problems.
2. Limit screentime. Take breaks from your screen and give your eyes a chance to reset.  Go outside, read a book or play a game. 
3. Exercise. To improve hand-eye coordination, there is value in participating in sports. 
4. Wear protective eye gear. Invest in purchasing blue light sunglasses to use when on a device. If you have practice for a particular sports activity do not forget to wear shades or googles.
5. Wash your hands. Doing this a few times a day helps to reduce germs that often enter our bodies when we touch our eyes.

To maintain healthy eyes, you must implement healthy habits. If you are experiencing vision issues, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision complications and options for your treatment.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Throughout the teenage years the body enters puberty which can cause drastic changes to your vision. The importance of your eye health can often be overlooked as homework and school activities become a priority. However, understanding why you should prioritize your vision care is essential to either maintain healthy vision or treat prolonging eye diseases. 

Typical eye conditions found in teens

Three eye conditions that are normally discovered in teens include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

• Myopia refers to nearsightedness and leads to struggles seeing from far away.
• Hyperopia refers to farsightedness and leads to struggles seeing at close distances.
• Astigmatism refers to the cornea forming an abnormal shape. It is hereditary and can be passed on by a family member. You are unable to see clearly at long and short distances.

If you are looking to correct these vision impairments, then opting for glasses or contacts may be your best options. Your doctor will disclose what option is best suited for your prescription and eye shape. 

At this stage of adolescence, teens are in sports activities that may require them to be outside for extended periods of time. This raises concern as they become exposed to other dangerous eye health complications including:

• UV light damage– If you are out in the sun UV light can lead to corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Make sure to wear SPF, protective eye wear, and a good moisturizer.
• Dry eye syndrome– This refers to your eyes not producing enough tears. It can cause inflammation and blurry vision.
• Digital eye strain– This refers to vision problems from prolonged usage of technological devices such as your laptop or iPhone.
• Scratched cornea– This occurs due to a sports related injury.

Families and teens should be privy to the conditions that can be detrimental to eye health. 

Tips to maintain healthy vision

To enact healthy eye habits here are few tips you should follow:

1. Stay away from junk food. Maintaining an unhealthy diet that consists of junk food can lead to constricted blood flow in the arteries. Your vision can become severely affected as the blood vessels that are connected to the eyes begin to have constrictions. 
2. Be careful in makeup application and your hair care routine. When doing your makeup, it is important to wash your face and have a good moisturizer. All lotions should be applied away from the eye area. Wash your makeup brushes, and beauty blenders at least once a week. Only put your contacts on before starting your makeup to avoid contamination. If applying hair spray and other hair products apply your contacts after the process is completed.
3. Eat foods that are rich in nutrients. To maintain healthy vision a few foods you should incorporate in your diet include carrots, kale, red bell peppers, salmon, and oysters.

If you have experienced the following eye conditions, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision discrepancies and the best options for you.

Our eyesight is an essential tool vital in completing daily tasks. As we age, our vision begins to deteriorate and we become prone to more eye diseases. According to the CDC, “93% of people in the United States are at risk for vision loss.” Here are 5 tips to maintain healthy vision:

1. Maintain a healthy diet

Having good eye health starts with planning the right meals for your body. When meal prepping, nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, lutein, zinc and Vitamin E must be incorporated into your diet. To decrease your chances of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts here a few foods you should buy on your weekly grocery trip:

• Leafy greens vegetables- broccoli, spinach, and kale
• Red berries
• Kiwi
• Citrus fruits- oranges, tangerines and grapefruit
• Eggs
• Beans
• Fish- salmon and tuna

• Wear protective eyewear 
  

If you forget to wear your sunglasses in 100-degree weather, then you increase your chances of being diagnosed with cataracts or macular degeneration. UV light exposure affects the cornea and lens, which function to absorb light. Too much exposure can lead to permanent damage affecting your central vision. Next time you are in the market for shades make sure they are 100 percent UVA- and UVB-absorbent or UV 400.

• Take a break from looking at your screen

Digital eye strain can progress if you are always looking at your laptop or phone. Staring at a screen for a long period can lead to blurry vision, difficulty looking at long distances, and headaches. To prevent vision discrepancies here are some suggestions:

• Check to see if your prescription is up to date by looking at objects close and far away from you. If you have trouble seeing, schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist.
• If you are always looking at a screen, position it so your eyes are level with the monitor. 
• Perform the 20-20-20 rule. Take a break by resting your eyes every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away from your screen for 20 seconds. Stand up and move around every few hours.

• Protect yourself with safety essentials

If you work in a lab or have a job where you have regular contact with chemicals use safety glasses or protective googles.

Being active in sports such as hockey or football can lead to eye injuries. Make sure to wear your uniform, padding and face/eye gear to ensure you are protecting your eyes from long term damage.

• Schedule your annual checkups

Attending your annual eye exam can lead to prescription changes and discovering an eye or health disease. It is imperative to attend your appointments to receive treatments and take care of your vision. Having your yearly visit may include:

• Vision exams
• Questions regarding family and medical history
• External and microscopic testing

If you have not gone to your annual checkup, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision discrepancies and the best options for you.

Source: Web MD

Throughout the teenage years the body enters puberty which can cause drastic changes to your vision. The importance of your eye health can often be overlooked as homework and school activities become a priority. However, understanding why you should prioritize your vision care is essential to either maintain healthy vision or treat prolonging eye diseases. 

Typical eye conditions found in teens

Three eye conditions that are normally discovered in teens include myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.

• Myopia refers to nearsightedness and leads to struggles seeing from far away.
• Hyperopia refers to farsightedness and leads to struggles seeing at close distances.
• Astigmatism refers to the cornea forming an abnormal shape. It is hereditary and can be passed on by a family member. You are unable to see clearly at long and short distances.

If you are looking to correct these vision impairments, then opting for glasses or contacts may be your best options. Your doctor will disclose what option is best suited for your prescription and eye shape. 

At this stage of adolescence, teens are in sports activities that may require them to be outside for extended periods of time. This raises concern as they become exposed to other dangerous eye health complications including:

• UV light damage– If you are out in the sun UV light can lead to corneal damage, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Make sure to wear SPF, protective eye wear, and a good moisturizer.
• Dry eye syndrome– This refers to your eyes not producing enough tears. It can cause inflammation and blurry vision.
• Digital eye strain– This refers to vision problems from prolonged usage of technological devices such as your laptop or iPhone.
• Scratched cornea– This occurs due to a sports related injury.

Families and teens should be privy to the conditions that can be detrimental to eye health. 

Tips to maintain healthy vision

To enact healthy eye habits here are few tips you should follow:

1. Stay away from junk food. Maintaining an unhealthy diet that consists of junk food can lead to constricted blood flow in the arteries. Your vision can become severely affected as the blood vessels that are connected to the eyes begin to have constrictions. 
2. Be careful in makeup application and your hair care routine. When doing your makeup, it is important to wash your face and have a good moisturizer. All lotions should be applied away from the eye area. Wash your makeup brushes, and beauty blenders at least once a week. Only put your contacts on before starting your makeup to avoid contamination. If applying hair spray and other hair products apply your contacts after the process is completed.
3. Eat foods that are rich in nutrients. To maintain healthy vision a few foods you should incorporate in your diet include carrots, kale, red bell peppers, salmon, and oysters.

If you have experienced the following eye conditions, Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your vision discrepancies and the best options for you.

You may be eligible for scleral contact lenses if you’ve had trouble wearing contacts in the past – or you’ve been told you’re not a suitable candidate for contacts.

Most contact lenses sit on top of the cornea (the clear outer layer of the eye) to correct refractive errors and make your vision clearer. Scleral lenses are rigid contact lenses that sit on the sclera (the white part of the eye) instead of the cornea. The space between the scleral lens and the cornea can hold fluid to heal damaged corneas and treat severe dry eye. There has been a significant evolution in contact lens technology over the past few decades. There is a specialty lens option available for nearly everyone today. The scleral contact lens is one of the most versatile types of specialty contacts.

Scleral lenses offer several benefits for various eye conditions. Here are some key advantages of scleral lenses:

1. Vision Correction: Scleral lenses can correct a wide range of refractive errors, including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and irregular corneas. They often achieve sharper and clearer vision than traditional contact lenses or glasses. This is especially important for those with irregular corneas due to conditions like keratoconus, post-surgical corneal irregularities, or corneal scarring.
2. Comfort: The design of scleral lenses offers enhanced comfort compared to regular contact lenses. The lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, reducing corneal irritation or discomfort. The liquid reservoir between the lens and the cornea also keeps the eyes hydrated, making them more comfortable. This is especially beneficial for individuals with dry eyes or sensitive eyes.
3. Stability and Consistency: Due to their larger size and rigid gas-permeable material, scleral lenses offer better stability in the eye. They are less prone to shifting or rotating, which results in more consistent vision correction. This stability is particularly beneficial for individuals with irregular corneas, as it helps to create a smooth optical surface and reduce visual distortions.
4. Protection: Scleral lenses provide a physical barrier to protect the cornea from external elements, such as dust, allergens, and wind. This can be especially advantageous for people with sensitive or compromised corneas, offering an extra layer of protection against potential irritants or environmental factors.
5. Long Wear Time: Scleral lenses are designed to be worn for longer periods than regular contact lenses. The liquid reservoir beneath the lens provides continuous hydration and nourishment to the cornea, allowing for extended wear without discomfort. Some individuals may even be able to wear scleral lenses overnight, known as “overnight wear” or “extended wear,” as prescribed by their eye care professional.
6. Customization: Scleral lenses are individually tailored to fit each person’s unique eye shape and prescription. This customization ensures a precise fit, maximizing comfort and visual acuity. The fitting process involves taking detailed measurements of the eye, including the shape and size of the sclera. This is done to create lenses specifically tailored to the individual’s needs.
7. Corneal Rehabilitation: Scleral lenses can aid in cornea rehabilitation in certain cases, such as after corneal surgery or in managing corneal irregularities. By providing a protective and supportive environment for the cornea, scleral lenses can contribute to corneal healing and improve visual outcomes.

It’s critical to note that scleral lenses are custom-made to fit each individual’s eye shape and prescription. They require specialized fitting by an eye care professional experienced in fitting scleral lenses. If you are considering scleral lenses, it is best to consult with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can evaluate your specific needs and determine if they are a suitable option for you.

Think you may be a candidate for scleral lenses? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 for our Massapequa office to schedule an appointment today. 

Sources: National Eye Institute & American Academy of Ophthalmology

Botox is an FDA approved cosmetic treatment that helps smooth lines to achieve a youthful glow. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, “The most frequently administered non-surgical cosmetic treatment in the United States in 2012 was botox.” Through this procedure fine lines become less apparent and prevent them from worsening.

What can I expect with botox injections? 

As you enter the operating room you may be met with nerves, however, the ophthalmologist performing the procedure will be there to guide you every step of the way. Small injections will be placed with a fine needle across the target areas. The procedure is quick and only takes a few minutes. You should expect to see results within 3-4 days. 

How do you know if you are a candidate for botox?

To qualify for botox you must be a healthy adult between the ages of 18-65. Having wrinkles or crow’s feet are expression lines that are valid reasons for the procedure. 

Post Op Procedures 

After the procedure is complete here are a few house rules to avoid complications:

1. Do not lie down for 3-4 hours. Doing so may lead to an increase of blood flow to your face causing the botox to lead to other areas. 
2. Do not engage in any intense physical activity for one day.
3. Rubbing or applying pressure on any part of your face is not advised.
4. Do not wear a hat, headband or any type of head gear.

What can I expect with Juvederm injections? 

Juvederm helps to restore volume and smoothness by replacing depleted hyaluronic acid just beneath the skin. As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and volume leading to less definition of certain features. This results in people seeking the treatment to achieve smooth skin.

What information should I be aware of? 

Juvederm is a safe procedure that lifts your features and fills in areas that are lacking around your eyes. While it is USDA approved, there are certain precautions you should take before proceeding with the injections including:

1. Consult with your doctor.

Lidocaine is one of the key ingredients in the injection. If you are allergic, you should consult your doctor to see if this procedure is right for you. 

• Review the medicines you take

If you take several medications it can lead to immune system issues, severe bruising, or extensive bleeding.

Post Op procedures

While many people may not want to follow the rules, doing so will result in less complications. Here are some instructions to follow 24 hours after receiving treatment:

• Do not drink alcohol
• Do not touch your face
• Limit exercising to small movements
• Do not smoke
• Avoid the sun
• Take a break from wearing makeup
• Avoid touching areas that were injected

Think you may be a candidate for botox or juvederm? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of both procedures.

Sources: Brickell Cosmetic Center Aesthetics & Dermatology

Femto laser cataract surgery is a procedure that uses advanced technology to remove cataracts softly and accurately. Special lasers make precise incisions in the cornea and lens to break up the cataract. This technique aims to reduce astigmatism of the eye and optimize the clarity of your vision during cataract surgery. 

Symptoms of cataracts

More than 20.5 million Americans over 40 years old deal with cataracts. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms your doctor may recommend Femto Laser Cataract Surgery: 

• Having cloudy or blurry vision
• Having a difficult time seeing at night
• Seeing double
• You have to change the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses frequently 
• Colors appearing faded or distant
• Using a brighter light to read, see the tv or laptop
• Experiencing sensitivity to light
• Seeing halos around lights

Advantages of Femto Laser Cataract Surgery

While this procedure may be daunting it actually is a safe alternative to the traditional blade used in removing cataracts. There are a few advantages which include:

1. Safer Capsulotomy

Capsulotomy refers to the thin and dainty membrane that captures the eyes clouded lenses. To have a good chance of spectacle-free vision it must be performed accurately. Before laser procedures were introduced a surgeon had to manually remove the capsule. This led to a higher risk of complications. Once computer-guided lasers were available surgeons were able to cut perfectly circular openings reducing the risk of breakage.

• Softer breakdown of the clouded lens

Cataracts refer to clouding of the natural lens. Sound waves are used to break our lens into smaller pieces. If a cataract is quite dense than more ultrasound energy is required. This can cause damage to the endothelial cells. With femtolaser cataract surgery the laser pre-softens the lens meaning less ultrasound is necessary. This results in less damage, a smoother procedure and a faster recovery period.

• Accurate Incisions

Typically a blade is used to make incisions which leads more room for error. With a femtolaser the exact area, width and dimensions are mapped out improving your vision.

• Astigmatism adjustments

Astigmatism refers to the cornea developing the shape of a football rather than being round. Throughout the procedure a laser is used in the peripheral cornea to fix the shape.

What to Expect Before, During & After Femto Laser Cataract Surgery

Before

Your doctor will perform an ultrasound test measuring the size and shape of your eye. This will decide the IOL, type of lens implant, suited for your eye during your procedure.

During

If you have cataracts surgery, you will be awake through the whole procedure. Sedation or local anesthesia may be offered to provide comfort. While the procedure is only a few minutes the whole process (before, and during) spans around an hour. If you are experiencing cataracts in both eyes your surgeon will most likely perform separate surgeries.

After

Most patients recover from cataract surgery with little to no complications. You will wear an eye shield for a few hours after surgery and when you sleep for a few days. It will take some time for your vision to properly adjust so do not be concerned if you are not seeing perfectly acute immediately after the procedure.

If you think Femto Laser Cataract Surgery may be right for you, contact our office or call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

What is blepharitis?

Blepharitis is a common inflammatory condition where the edges of the eyelids become red, swollen and inflamed. Blepharitis is often caused by a build-up of bacteria living along the eyelid and eyelashes. The most important part of treating and managing Blepharitis is to keep the eyelids clean. If you do not treat it, it will not improve, and your symptoms will remain or possible worsen.

Types of blepharitis

There are two types of blepharitis including anterior and posterier. Anterior blepharitis refers to inflammation affecting the skin around the base of your eyelashes. Posterior Blepharitis refers to inflammation affecting your eyelid glands. Meibomian Glad Dysfunction (MGD) can occur when the eyelid glands become clogged.

Blepharitis affects more than 82 million Americans. It is common amongst people aged over 50. Also, those who have oily skin, dandruff or rosacea are more susceptible to being diagnosed. 

Symptoms and causes

If you have Blepharitis, you may notice some of the following:

• Itchy, sore, and red eyelids that stick together
• Burning, gritty sensation in your eyes
• Visible dandruff on your eyelashes
• Crusty or greasy eyelashes

The possible causes of Blepharitis include:

• Complication of skin conditions such as Seborrhoelc Dermatitis or Rosacea
• A buildup of oil and debris on the eyelids and eyelashes
• Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
• Bacterial eyelid infection

Advice & Treatment for Blepharitis

Daily lid hygiene is essential to the management of Blepharitis. Here are treatments that can help you maintain cleanliness around your eyelids:

1. Heat:

Applying a Heated Eye Mask or warm cloth to closed eyelids for 10 minutes can help soften the clogged oils in the eyelid glands. This allows the oils to follow more freely and help prevent the tears from evaporating from the surface of the eye. Following the heated eye mask, gently massage the eyelids using your forefinger. Massaging will help to push the oils out from the eyelid glands.

• Cleanse:

Cleansing your eyelids daily will help remove debris, bacteria, and oil that can often lead to Blepharitis or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Using lid scrubs or diluted baby shampoo applied by swab or cotton bud have been the most widely recommended method, there are newer, more effective methods of managing lid hygiene such as commercially available lid scrubs, wipes, and Ocusoft Lid foam. Lid scrubs and wipes are usually presoaked in a cleansing solution and ready to use.

• Doctor’s Blephex Treatment: 

In cases of severe meibomian glad plugging and recurrent chalazions/styes, our doctors recommend a BlephEx treatment. BlephEx uses a gentle micro-exfoliating sponge to gently cleanse and remove bacterial biofilm and lid debris in just 6-8 minutes. Since home treatments are only semi-effective the procedure is typically repeated at 4–6-month intervals.

• Supplement: 

Eye doctors recommend a diet rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and/or the use of nutritional supplements to help manage Blepharitis. Increasing your consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids can improve the oil in your glands and relieve symptoms associated with Blepharitis, Dry Eye, and Meibomian Glad Dysfuction (MGD). It is important to choose an Omega-3 supplement such as Focus Relief Vitamins that is highly absorbable by the body to ensure best results.

Think you may be susceptible to blepharitis? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about your symptoms and whether you may be diagnosed. 

Sources: 

Tucson Eyecare

American Academy of Ophthalmology

February 9, 2022

What is a blepharoplasty?

Blepharoplasty is a procedure that removes baggy skin around your eyes to help create a more youthful appearance. As we age, excess skin develops that causes sagging eyebrows and pronounced bags. The purpose of this procedure is to improve your peripheral vision and other parts within your visual perimeter. Through this procedure, your upper and lower eyelids will experience less sagging and folding. 

Risks can include:

• Infection and bleeding
• Dry eyes
• Significant scarring
• Eye muscle damage
• Potential loss of eyesight or blurry vision
• Having to follow-up once procedure is complete
• Hard time closing your eyes

Am I good candidate for eyelid surgery?

You must meet with an ophthalmologist who will discuss:

• Your medical history: You may need to answer questions regarding prior surgeries, past or present conditions relating to dry eyes, glaucoma, diabetes etc, and how often you do drugs, drink alcohol, or take vitamins.
• Your goals: Speaking about what you expect from the procedure will set the tone for a positive outcome. The doctor will let you know if the surgery is the best option for you.

It is necessary to have a physical exam to help determine your candidacy. This may include:

• Complete eye exam: They will examine tear production and measure portions of your eye.
• Visual field testing: To see if you have blind spots affecting your peripheral vision.
• Eyelid photography: Pictures will be taken from certain angles to properly prepare for the surgery. If the procedure is performed for medical reasons, this may support an insurance claim.

Medicines such as warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium are not allowed to be taken since you can become prone to extreme bleeding. Your surgeon will advise you on the medicines you can take. Additionally, you must refrain from smoking weeks before the procedure. Not doing so may result in delaying your healing time frame. 

Surgery expectations and the aftermath

The procedure is normally performed in an outpatient setting. Injections will be placed in your eyelids to numb them and drugs from an IV will be given to put you in a relaxed state. Once the surgery commences, the surgeon will cut into the fold of your upper eyelid and remove excess skin and muscle. Afterwards the cut is closed. In the lower eye lid the surgeon cuts below your lashes and removes fat and skin. Then the cut is closed. If your upper eyelid happens to droop more than normal, a procedure called ptosis may take place. It is performed to add a lift and remove unwanted skin. In the post-op stage you are placed in a recovery room where staff check on you to see whether you are experiencing any complications. Negative reactions that may result include:

• Blurry vision resulting from ointment you apply on your eyes
• Watering eyes
• Puffy eyelids
• Swelling leading to black eyes
• Pain
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light

Additionally, if you have glaucoma, retinal detachment, or dry eye this can lead to disrupting the recovery period.

To help make the recovery process more bearable you should:

• Use ice packs every hour for 10 minutes the night after. The following day use them for 4-5 times during the day.
• Use doctor recommended ointments and eye drops
• Use dark sunglasses to prevent the sun and wind from damaging the healing process
• Sleep with your head higher than your chest throughout the week

Think you may be a candidate for eyelid surgery? Contact our office and request an appointment at one of our locations. Call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment. Our ophthalmologists will talk with you about the risks and benefits of this procedure.