tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60698018689968773372011-10-17T15:24:38.587-04:00Serving Monmouth County & Ocean County, New JerseyKevin L. O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17657124344447918553noreply@blogger.comBlogger451100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-29964911052393233412010-12-01T17:17:00.002-05:002010-12-07T17:14:35.903-05:00

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

Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09632796955051198904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-42709545877377596192010-11-15T17:35:00.001-05:002010-11-15T17:40:17.957-05:00

 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 (

Megan Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822927889657576180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-64946342414588289932010-10-04T22:56:00.001-04:002010-10-04T22:57:59.724-04:00

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

Megan Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822927889657576180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-47669497179195645342010-06-30T14:41:00.000-04:002010-06-30T14:43:01.495-04:00

 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

Megan Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822927889657576180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-53185537623204824932010-04-13T12:40:00.000-04:002010-04-13T12:41:51.748-04:00

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

Megan Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822927889657576180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-81052808944510748802010-03-29T17:22:00.004-04:002010-03-29T17:36:10.596-04:00

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

Megan Phttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04822927889657576180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-10475567007620835912010-02-25T20:58:00.002-05:002010-02-25T21:01:26.051-05:00

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

Tiffanynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-3349994392735354862010-01-11T11:55:00.001-05:002010-01-27T10:50:02.586-05:00

Ocean and Monmouth Counties, NJBOTOX® 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 WorksBOTOX® Cosmetic is a doctor administered non-surgical facial procedure. In fact, it is the world’s number one cosmetic

Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762557025556381220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-13145522565280384182009-12-10T15:38:00.000-05:002009-12-10T15:38:00.234-05:00

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

Ericahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06762557025556381220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-26722373748463591382009-11-17T12:23:00.001-05:002009-11-17T12:26:04.632-05:00

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

Ericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-69883744543902263342009-10-19T10:46:00.001-04:002009-10-19T10:47:59.931-04:00

If you make routine visits to have your eyes examined, chances are your familiar with the procedure and have formed a trusting relationship with your eye physician. You and your physician should have a mutual relationship, one where information is passed back and forth between the two of you. At Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates, we want you to feel like an integral part of keeping your eyes

Ericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-60908354758020453842009-09-17T11:55:00.000-04:002009-09-17T11:55:00.491-04:00

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

Ericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-20829095108167377502009-09-16T11:21:00.003-04:002009-09-16T11:42:40.782-04:00

At Susskind and Almallah Eye Associates, PA we help answer the age old question, "why is it that when we get older, our near vision gets worse?" The answer is Presbyopia. Presbyopia is an age related condition that affects the lens of the eye in a way that keeps the eye from accommodating or focusing clearly up close.A quick fix may be a cheap pair of reading glasses or cheaters as they are

Ericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-10926046746242780732009-07-18T11:39:00.000-04:002009-07-18T11:39:00.437-04:00

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

Ericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-48306015366579924812009-06-24T16:22:00.002-04:002009-06-25T09:30:27.231-04:00

Treatment for cataracts used to be limited to replacing your cloudy lens with a mono-focal type intraocular lens (IOL). These lenses would limit your focus ability to just one distance, near of far. Additional vision correction was treated with an extra pair of glasses. With new multi-focal lenses like AcrySof ReSTOR, your near and far vision is corrected with one lens implant.The surgical

Ericanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-12360340817111308232009-05-29T14:20:00.000-04:002009-05-29T14:22:45.132-04:00

 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

Evan Langstednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-36811458414382859662009-04-13T10:15:00.000-04:002009-04-13T10:16:46.122-04:00

We count many athletes - from the recreational to professional level - among our regular patients. Many of them suffer some form of refractive error that holds them back from achieving their optimal athletic performance. Until recent years, laser vision correction was not a good option for many athletes, particularly those involved in contact sports. Fortunately, with today’s advanced techniques,

Evan Langstednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-57532770835122455922009-03-11T15:47:00.000-04:002009-03-11T15:51:35.212-04:00

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

Evan Langstednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-25523853743774241752009-03-06T15:42:00.002-05:002009-03-06T17:13:46.320-05:00

In May 2003, the IRS confirmed that laser vision correction qualified as a medical expense. If your medical expenses reach 7.5% of your income in any given year, the price of your LASIK/laser vision correction can be deducted for tax purposes. Most people, however, end up not reaching the 7.5% threshold, therefore, they turn to another popular program: Flexible Spending Accounts.Your company

saradhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02163552121448496592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-32116764294572295872009-02-11T13:39:00.001-05:002009-02-11T13:41:56.585-05:00

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

Amandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-296926451387392402009-01-06T15:28:00.001-05:002009-01-06T15:28:42.377-05:00

Cataracts are the number one cause of blindness in the world. While ophthalmologists are able to treat thousands of people a day in this country and give them their sight back, it may be useful to understand the factors that cause cataracts in an effort to reduce the chance that you will get one in the future.First, a cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye. The lens is responsible for

Amandanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-16718866960349370832008-12-04T12:45:00.001-05:002008-12-04T12:46:48.103-05:00

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

Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888140799215159624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-12436728184823262462008-11-06T12:45:00.000-05:002008-11-06T12:47:46.710-05:00

We advise women who are pregnant or nursing not to undergo LASIK or any other similar refractive surgery until nursing is complete and several months have passed. We give the same advice to women who plan on becoming pregnant within six months following refractive surgery. There are a couple reasons for this:Pregnancy and lactation naturally cause huge fluctuations in a woman’s hormone levels.

Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888140799215159624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-10777556970357895682008-10-27T13:07:00.002-04:002008-10-27T13:11:35.145-04:00

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

Pattihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888140799215159624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-58685208701189044872008-10-06T13:01:00.004-04:002008-10-06T13:14:06.818-04:00

Half of the adults reading this column have a refractive error. This assertion is basedon data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), whichshows that about half of all U.S. adults are either nearsighted or farsighted or have anirregular corneal curve known as astigmatism. These common eye-focusing problems,known collectively as “refractive errors,” affect young, old,

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-43768316364717981942008-10-01T11:44:00.004-04:002008-10-01T11:58:56.449-04:00

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

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-55241949068182562172008-10-01T10:26:00.004-04:002008-10-01T10:33:40.187-04:00

With diabetes at epidemic proportions in the United States, this disease has emerged as the biggest threat to the eyesight of working-age Americans. While much attention is (correctly) directed at the havoc that erratic blood glucose levels have upon the blood vessels in the retina (diabetic retinopathy), there are also other potential problems. For instance, diabetics are 40% more likely to

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-8563958445171285422008-10-01T10:11:00.005-04:002008-10-01T10:24:06.372-04:00

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

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-19541750668432779312008-09-25T08:32:00.001-04:002008-09-25T08:34:36.223-04:00

With the incidence of myopia (nearsightedness) rising worldwide,researchers recently sought to look for possible causes, which remainuncertain. While genetic factors probably play the biggest role, somestudies have suggested that there may be an association between thisrefractive error and light exposure. With this in mind, Israeli researcherslooked at data on youths ranging in age from 16-23

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-36464747691520161802008-09-22T15:27:00.001-04:002008-09-22T15:28:18.626-04:00

While there seems to be an adequate supply of corneas (the transparentcovering at the front of the eye) for transplantation, there is some concern that theremay be a future shortage. With this in mind, researchers set out to see if there wasan age limit beyond which corneas should not be accepted from older donors.Generally speaking, when it comes to most types of implants, younger tissue

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-73806885816174130612008-08-29T11:35:00.003-04:002008-09-04T12:10:49.299-04:00

Eye cataracts are named in accordance with their location. Themost common type, a “nuclear” cataract, occurs in the center of thelens and may induce nearsightedness. As a result, there may be atemporary improvement in reading vision, known as “second sight,”which unfortunately disappears as the cataract worsens. A “cortical”cataract begins as wedge-shaped spokes in the cortex of the lensthat

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-90609973826907843802008-08-29T11:22:00.002-04:002008-09-03T11:25:20.285-04:00

The most common type of eye injury in the home and at work involves irritantsthat contact the outer surface of the eye. For instance, sawdust may float into theeye 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 heror her eyes, which may make matters worse because the eyelid traps the

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-74396732030135155242008-08-21T10:08:00.007-04:002008-09-04T21:21:57.392-04:00

Eye Surgery Cost: Insurance and FinancingAlthough most vision insurance plans consider LASIK (refractive surgery) cosmetic or elective, some companies do offer generous discounts to their members. Also, you may qualify for a tax deduction for refractive surgery, so check with an accountant.Given today’s economy, patients may be tempted to choose a surgeon solely based on the fee charged, but

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-40549418784260679442008-08-20T15:38:00.005-04:002008-08-20T15:53:54.873-04:00

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

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-2879615333307636272008-08-05T11:53:00.004-04:002008-08-05T12:04:34.494-04:00

The laser-sculpting surgery known as LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is not suitable for everyone. Because this procedure involves making a flap in the cornea and removing a portion of corneal tissue below before replacing the flap, nearsighted patients must have corneas of sufficient thickness. In cases of patients with corneas that are too thin, there may be an alternative to

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-81639209163476157162008-08-05T11:25:00.006-04:002008-08-27T19:03:57.973-04:00

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

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-41745347971025709152008-07-29T15:54:00.002-04:002008-07-29T15:59:24.788-04:00

/Susskind%20%26%20Almallahblog%20info.doc

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-5474038088199761372008-07-18T15:47:00.008-04:002008-09-03T10:36:54.266-04:00

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.

edbrookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09224447953527156748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-85876923616284683152008-06-24T20:22:00.005-04:002008-08-27T09:54:37.022-04:00

Nearly two and a half million Americans have open angle glaucoma with the majority of them unaware of this problem because this condition usually presents no symptoms. It is very difficult to define clear-cut risk factors for glaucoma, however some include being African American, increasing age, nearsightedness, males greater than females and family history of glaucoma. Elevated intraocular

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-32340643662694888182008-06-24T19:58:00.004-04:002008-06-27T17:18:20.560-04:00

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

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-75228995096636804972008-06-08T16:12:00.002-04:002008-06-26T10:36:14.577-04:00

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

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-32296266179796375762008-06-06T15:51:00.001-04:002008-06-06T15:54:54.641-04:00

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

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-10563618322163231942008-06-06T15:43:00.001-04:002008-06-06T15:49:42.387-04:00

Skin cancer, freckles, and premature aging, are just a few detrimental outcomes of Ultraviolet exposure. Now consider the impact the sun has on our eyes. Ultraviolet light is the high-energy rays projected from the sun just beyond the violet/blue end of the visible spectrum. Although 99% of UV light is absorbed by the eye’s anterior structures, some of it does make it to the light sensitive

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-83442975255074975862008-05-30T14:29:00.004-04:002008-08-25T14:51:02.735-04:00

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

Kelleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6069801868996877337.post-34047574017738185962008-05-21T10:48:00.002-04:002008-08-28T11:43:57.106-04:00

Welcome to the Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates blog. Here you will find information about eye care and cosmetic ophthalmology services.

Kevin L. O'Brienhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17657124344447918553noreply@blogger.com