NJ Lasik Surgeon Blog | Dr. Almallah

Chronic inflammation of the eyelids, known as “blepharitis,” is often associated with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and acne rosacea (a condition common among postmenopausal women). When flare-ups occur, those affected with the inflammation experience red eyes, a burning/gritty sensation in the eye, swollen/itchy eyelids, flaking of the eyelid skin, crusting eyelashes, and blurred vision. In addition to these very uncomfortable symptoms, blepharitis causes the eyes and eyelids to become more susceptible to infection. Eyelashes may also fall out or grow abnormally. While there is no cure, symptoms and flare-ups can be greatly reduced with a regimen of eyelid cleansing and care. This treatment begins with a thorough eye exam that rules out other causes of symptoms.

Blepharitis may be caused by a combination of factors. At SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES, P.A., we want to emphasize that periodic eye examinations are an important part of routine preventive health care. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision, when possible, preventing permanent vision loss.

 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.

A remarkable ground-breaking procedure that involves using the patient’s own stem cells has recently proved successful in restoring the sight of people blinded by caustic chemicals. This approach involves taking stem cells from the patient’s healthy eye, growing them in a lab, and transplanting them to the patient’s burned eye. Specifically, stem cells are taken from the limbus of the healthy eye, the rim around the cornea. Stem cells in the limbus produce new cells to replace dead corneal cells. In this case, they are used to replace damaged tissue in the burned eye. Stem-cell transplants offer hope to the thousands of people who suffer chemical burns to their eyes from caustic chemicals at work and at home each year. Although numerous impediments remain, the use of stem cells is promising and may epitomize the future for replacement and regeneration of some ocular damage. At SUSSKIND & ALMALLAH EYE ASSOCIATES, P.A., our patients’ needs and concerns are our top priority. We offer a wide range of eye care services to you and your family. Your eyesight is precious, so be sure to have your eyes professionally checked by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis.

 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.

A condition that commonly results in temporary paralysis of facial muscles, Bell's Palsy is a viral infection that affects the facial nerve. The side of the face affected can display a drooping mouth, sagging eyebrow and lower eyelid, and the inability to close the eye. This can result in an extreme form of dry eye known as exposure keratitis. Most people with Bell's Palsy suffer from this and may develop the appearance of a teary eye, but in fact it remains dry due to its inability to blink or completely close. Patients with Bell's Palsy are recommended to see an ophthalmologist for consultation, as treatment will likely involve the application of artificial tears during the day and an ophthalmic ointment at night. Lubrication in the affected eye is highly suggested to maintain the overall health of the eye. Nearly 80 percent of Bell's Palsy patients recover within six months, but without proper care for the eye affected, needless suffering and permanent consequences such as corneal ulceration and scarring can occur.

More common in adults, people with diabetes, and pregnant women, Bell's Palsy should be followed-up with an ophthalmologist through periodic professional eye examinations.

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.

Due to a growing number of requests for dermal fillers Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates is now offering JUVÉDERM® injectable gel to our patients. We are very fortunate to have Dr. Omar Almallah, a Board Certified surgeon, listed in the "Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists" here to administer JUVÉDERM®.

Dr Almallah is Board Certified by both the American Board of Ophthalmology and the American Board of Eye Surgeons and has been practicing in Ocean and Monmouth Counties for over twenty years. Patients are aware of his knowledge and training in and around the eyes and face and now seek him out to help restore a refreshed appearance. He is known for his gentle touch and confident ability to put patients at ease.

JUVÉDERM® injectable gel is a doctor administered non-surgical facial procedure which is primarily used for "smile lines", nasolabial folds (around the nose) and lips. JUVÉDERM® is made of hyalronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in our skin that helps to add volume and fullness. After receiving approval in 2006, JUVÉDERM® has become one of the most popular injectable dermal fillers on the market.

One treatment could smooth out your lines for up to one full year. You should see immediate improvement after your treatment. Many patients will need an additional treatment to achieve optimal wrinkle smoothness, however results vary and the correction is temporary. Supplemental "touch-up" treatments may be required to maintain desired results.

Dr. Almallah offers complimentary evaluations for JUVÉDERM® injectable gel in any one of our five locations in Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Please call Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates at (732) 349-5622 ext. 37 for your free evaluation today.

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.

When did you last exhibit signs of contact lens overwear? Probably not so long ago. This condition continues to plague patients who wear lenses made from even the most advanced oxygen-permeable materials.

What causes contact lens overwear and more importantly, how can you help avoid it?
Contact lens overwear is caused by lack of oxygen to the cornea, which produces distinct symptoms. Patients may not realize they've overworn their lenses when they remove them because the presence of corneal abrasions is masked by reduced sensitivity secondary to oxygen deprivation. Unsuspecting patients often go to sleep only to awaken 1 to 2 hours later with severe, stabbing pain, extreme light sensitivity, tearing, cloudy, blurred vision and grittiness.

If early symptoms of overwear aren't identified and addressed quickly, patients risk developing long-term changes, such as:

• Neovascularization: Abnormal blood vessels growing in the clear cornea
• Polymegethism: Abnormalities of endothelial cell size
• Pleomorphism: Abnormalities of endothelial cell shape
• Epithelial microcysts
• Corneal thinning
• Reduced corneal sensitivity.

What's more, long-term adverse reactions ultimately may cause corneal exhaustion syndrome and contact lens intolerance.

Please schedule an appointment with one of the many qualified eye physicians in Ocean County, New Jersey at Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates and see if you may be a contact lens overwearer.

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.