Archives for May 2013

It’s a real pleasure to be able to share with you my second interview with Dr. William Trattler, MD about aging eyes.

Ophthalmologist ~
Dr. William Trattler, MD

If you are over the age of 40 and have noticed subtle changes in your vision, this interview will be a real “eye opener”!

I was in my late 30’s when I noticed my first clue that something was changing a bit with my vision. I had problems reading the small print on cosmetic packaging, and words running together with some of the copy I’d have to read when recording commercial voiceovers. As a makeup artist, and television staff announcer this was a real issue for me. I was very surprised how an eye examination and glasses with the proper visual correction was a near “Miracle”!

Going through my 40’s , I noticed that my eyes didn’t focus as quickly when I’d change from looking at something close up then at something far away. When I started working on the computer it really took it’s toll on my eyes. Thankfully due to my yearly eye exams, I had healthy eyes that were experiencing normal age related changes. In my late 40’s, and to date, I now additionally wear specific glasses for use on the computer.

There’s a general complaint that’s quite common during the allergy season which we’re currently experiencing right now! It seems everyone you talk with is affected these days with either runny ,itching or burning eyes, and possibly all three!! That can cause a lot of discomfort. Is it allergies or possibly an eye issue? Dr. Trattler will answer questions about that in the interview.

One quick comment from Dr. Trattler before the interview starts: Dr. William Trattler, MD, of the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute cautions “Your eye health could fade fast if you don’t take measures to protect them.”

On that note… Here’s my interview with Dr. William Trattler, MD:

Question #1 : Allergy season is here and many of us may have dry, burning eyes. What should we do?

Dr. Trattler: Over the counter anti-allergy drops work very well. For some, prescription medications may be a better option. Check with your eye doctor for recommendations on drops that may help.

Question #2: If I have dry, itchy, red eyes all year long, could I have dry eye or allergies?

Dr. Trattler : You could have allergies or Dry Eye. Itchy, dry or watery eyes are also a symptom of Dry Eye, which is a condition that impacts the visual system, causing blurry and fluctuating vision. It is important to identify Dry Eye and speak to your doctor about initiating a treatment for it. There is a prescription medication for Chronic Dry Eye called RESTASIS.

A doctor would try to determine which one you have of if you have both.

Restasis is a prescription prescribed by your eye doctor for dry eye.

Question #3: Do eyes become increasingly tired with age?

Dr. Trattler : The sensation of having “tired” eyes comes from actually having dry eyes.

If you spend many hours focusing your eyes while using the computer or other electronics, you may not be blinking as much as you should and therefore, not keeping your eyes properly moisturized, causing them to dry out a bit and feel strained.

Here’s a tip to use while at the computer from Dr. Trattler:

Adjust the top of the computer screen so that it’s set at eye level. If you’re looking slightly down at the screen, rather than up at it, less of the eyeball is exposed to the drying effect caused by reduced blinking and other factors.

Question #4 : Will I need glasses, even if I had perfect vision in my younger years?

Dr. Trattler : Yes, many people see beautifully when their younger but then when they hit 40, start to lose some of that clarity. This is caused by Presbyopia, a condition that makes the lens of eyes less elastic and affects your ability to focus. There is currently no method of slowing down the onset of Presbyopia but there are therapies and other technologies under development that can help.

Question #5 : Will I need to see my eye doctor yearly?

Dr. Trattler : Once you’re in your forties, I recommend you get a yearly eye exam to check for diseases. For example, Glaucoma is a disease that can lead to loss of vision and yet, not show any symptoms.

Annual Exams are essential if you are over 40 years old.

Question #6 : What is the difference between an ophthalmologist, and an optometrist and which eye professional should I see if I’m over 40?

Dr. Trattler : You can see either as they handle the same conditions and are completely appropriate for performing routine exams. The difference is an Ophthalmologist can perform surgery.

Question #7 : What types of standard eye tests should I expect when I see my eye doctor? Also, I’ve heard that the newer optomap retinal scan is as thorough as the traditional dilation of a patient’s eyes. Is this true and what exactly is a doctor able to ascertain from these tests?

Dr. Trattler : We’ll do standard eye tests that measure vision, including nearsightedness and farsightedness. We’ll also check the pressure in the eye which is critical and make sure the eye looks generally healthy. Often, we will dilate the eyes to get a better look at the back of the eye. The optomap allows for a very comprehensive photograph of your eyes and is used to get a wide-angle view of the back of the eye which can help us pick up on conditions. A doctor may use this technology to look at the eye and he or she may also dilate the eyes in addition.

VICKI: Thank you so much Dr. Trattler for taking the time for this interview. I know our readers will take heed with all of your great suggestions and information, and I truly look forward to our next interview, and ongoing education and options about caring for our eyes!

In closing, it’s my hope that the interview with Dr. Trattler has instilled the importance of how priceless our vision is ! I make a point to never miss an eye exam! After reading Dr. Trattler’s interview, that shared so much valuable information about your eyes, I hope that you’ll be inspired to become very diligent when it comes to the ongoing care of your eyes, and have them checked annually, as well!

About Dr. Trattler:

Dr. Trattler received his bachelor’s degree with honors from Dartmouth College and his Doctorate of Medicine degree from University of Miami School of Medicine where he graduated in 1992 with Distinction in Research. He completed his ophthalmology residency at University of Pennsylvania, Scheie Eye Institute and then spent an additional year for subspecialty training in Cornea and Refractive Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.During his Corneal Fellowship, Dr. Trattler performed research on dry eye and oil gland problems of the eye. He is able to apply a variety of techniques to help those individuals with significant dry eye problems.

Dr. Trattler has been invited to lecture across the U.S. on various topics such as: Optimizing visual results with both cataract and laser vision correction, Therapeutic options for patients with dry eye and blepharitis, and the latest treatments in ocular allergy and infections. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Trattler is a Volunteer Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

( Dr. Trattler’s “About” information was provided by the PR source along with PR-Fact sheets. Credit for RESTASIS Image & Eye Exam Image: ALLERGAN, Inc. Credit for Dr. Trattler, MD image: Dr. William Trattler, MD. Information about my eye care was from my personal experience.)

SAVE THE DATE :June 6th 2013

BECAUSE:

Einstein Emerging Leaders 2nd Annual Gala on June 6th at the DREAM HOTEL DOWNTOWN in NYC! (Click Image To Enlarge)

Einstein Emerging Leaders (EEL), is a group of philanthropic New Yorkers in support of Albert Einstein’s College of Medicine, who will hold their second annual Gala, debuting their new charitable campaign, My Einstein.

The proceeds from this event will go toward funding urgent needs of the Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Hosting this Gala event , EEL has tapped author and highly influential trendsetter, Leandra Medine, renowned for her smart, funny, and culturally on point fashion website, The Man Repeller.

TICKET INFORMATION:

$125 – General Admission
(Price increases to $150 after May 30)

$250 – VIP Ticket – Includes Champagne pre-reception and access to the Ph-D Rooftop Lounge for the unofficial after party (limited availability)

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW at:
http://www.einstein.yu.edu/administration/institutional-advancement/einstein-emerging-leaders/my-einstein/home.html

DONT MISS OUT: The “Hip” and architecturally imaginative and luxury DREAM DOWNTOWN HOTEL will provide the perfect backdrop to mingle, bid on exclusive silent auction items, and enjoy a warm summer night with one of New York’s hottest “it” girls, Leandra Medine.

(Quoted and paraphrased information in this PR Posting was obtained from a provided PRESS RELEASE and PR-Fact Sheet & Image.)

The warmer seasonal weather each year usually signals the start of various social events such as proms, outdoor festivities and a variety of celebrations and social gatherings. You can be the “Belle of the Ball” at any occasion with L’Occitane’s New Pivoine Shimmering Body Oil.

I instantly took a liking to the subtle scent of L’Occitane’s Pivoine Floral Fragrance! “It’s influenced by the Peony, which is known as the flower of a thousand petals.” It’s so pleasant as it surrounds you with the gentle hint of a delicate summer bouquet!

Another real “selling point” for me, was the fact that it’s a dry oil and can be used on your face, body, and hair! Being a “dry” oil, you’re able to get dressed immediately after applying Pivoine Floral Oil to your body. The delicate shimmer naturally reflects the light, and in my opinion, Pivoine Floral Shimmering Oil is a product not only perfect for “Special Occasions”, but for every day use, as well!

Here are some of the ways I use my L’Occitane Pivoine Shimmering Body Oil:
• I apply the shimmering oil on any exposed neck or décolletage area during the day or evening. This not only softens that delicate area of skin, but the “shimmer” gives a pretty highlight that compliments anything you decide to wear.

• I also “lightly” blend a couple dots of oil along the cheek bone area, creating that desirable “high” cheek bone effect.

Finally, you don’t want to forget to apply this light weight oil on your arms, legs, and shoulders when wearing your formal or evening wear, and sleeveless summer attire!

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L’Occitane Pivoine Flora Shimmering Body Oil is fun to use, good for your skin, and a very versatile product. It sells for $35, and may be purchased at : http://www.usa.loccitane.com

(Any quotes or paraphrased information in this article were obtained from PR-Fact sheets. Commentary and opinions about the product were from my personal use of L’Occitane Shimmering Oil.)