Dry Eyes
Dry Eye is a term used to describe a host of ocular conditions that create irritation, burning, grittiness, tearing, and redness of the eyes. Dry Eye is multifactorial and may be secondary to decreased tear production, corneal exposure, or too rapid an evaporation of tears due to a poor lipid layer (an oil layer which coats a healthy tear film). Once the type of Dry Eye is elucidated there are multiple ways to treat the condition including artificial tears, prescription eye drops, oral supplements, lid hygiene routines, and other. As a fellowship trained cornea specialist, Dr. Raviv has extensive experience with Dry Eye diagnosis and treatment.
Lipiflow
Blepharitis is a term referring to inflammation of the eyelid margin, its associated glands, and the eyelashes. Blepharitis isn’t so much a disease as it is a condition that needs to be addressed. Similar to dandruff, blepharitis is very common in the population and can flare up causing anything from a ‘pink eye’ like conjunctivitis, to dry eye and styes (chalazion and hordeolum). Frequently lid scrubbing is a part of the treatment. This should be accomplished with heat to open up the glands. The latest treatment involves an in-office thermal pulsation device (LipiFlow), which simultaneously heats all four eyelids and thoroughly clears out all of the meibomian glands. Patients usually find up to a year of relief from symptoms following this treatment.
IPL
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy is a common treatment used to address chronic dry eye disease and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction of the eyelids. IPL Therapy for dry eye is one of the most groundbreaking approaches to treating dry eye disease, and Eye Center of New York is proud to be the first practice in new York City to offer the latest in-office, long-lasting treatments for dry eye: Blephex, Lipiflow, and now, IPL.
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a progressive disease affecting the optic nerve and frequently associated with high eye pressure. Glaucoma is painless and can lurk symptom-free for decades, even in 20/20 eyes, so it requires careful screening. The doctors at Eye Center of New York screen for glaucoma on virtually every visit. This doesn’t just include an eye pressure check, but also an evaluation of the optic nerve. Since glaucoma has a genetic component, it’s important to screen family members who may be asymptomatic. Glaucoma is not to be confused with cataract, an aging and clouding of the natural lens, which will eventually occur in everyone.
iStent
Glaucoma is usually treated by pressure lowering eyedrops such as Xalatan (latanoprost) and timolol. In some cases laser therapy can be used to lower the intra ocular pressure. A new approach to glaucoma involves placement of a mini stent (the iStent) into the eye at the time off cataract surgery. Dr. Raviv is frequently able to reduce the need for drops following iStent implantation.