BLEPHARITIS-DETECTION & TREATMENT
RETINAL PHOTOGRAPHY
ZEISS VISUCAM PRO NM RETINAL CAMERA
VISUCAMPRO NM The Non-Mydriatic Fundus Camera System from Carl Zeiss More information
- Smallest pupil size capture capability Minimum pupil diameter requirement is 3.3 mm
- Ergonomic design, compact and easy to operate software to quickly capture and display images Reduced user training time equals more efficient work flow in an all-in-one imaging system
- Network ready and DICOM conformant Advanced integration of hardware and software
- Medical-grade imaging sensor and ZEISS Autoflash Brilliant true color retinal images, perfectly exposed every time
- ZEISS telecentric optics Provides the highest level of optical purity, image accuracy, and quality
The VISUCAM non-mydriatic fundus camera increases the
quality and simplicity of fundus imaging. Compact, yet big enough to set
the standard in ophthalmic photography, it features a unique combination
of functions to enhance fundus visualization and documentation.
The VISUCAM takes an all-in-one approach incorporating
- Highly corrected ZEISS optics with an advanced professional grade digital sensor
- Integrated patient database, including multiple options for image comparison and review
- Quick image transfer via network, USB stick or DVD/CD
The VISUCAM is designed for both routine clinical use and screening. It integrates all elements of clinical retinal photography from image capture to image documentation in a single, state-of-the-art system featuring all hardware and software. Operation is easy to ensure a smooth, rapid workflow with the help of the positioning aid with working distance dots, a focusing aid with paired coincidence lines and ergonomic design.
Visual overview and assessment are possible at all times in every phase of the exam. When the image is captured, it immediately appears on the 17" flat screen monitor and is automatically stored. With its 3D images and 45° and 30° field angles, the excellent image quality of the VISUCAM makes it the perfect solution for cases which require in-depth study. Software manages image display, editing, printing and data export. A variety of image export formats are available.
The OFFICE OF DR. HOWARD J. KASS now has the latest technology in electronic ocular documentation.
RETINAL SCREENING PHOTOGRAPHY
As part of your eye exam, we at the office of Dr. Howard Kass, recommend a special diagnostic procedure called Retinal Photography. This procedure consists of taking a photograph of the back part (retina) of your eye. This is not an X-ray or an ultrasound procedure, and nothing will touch your eye. We are simply taking a picture and this is for patients of all ages, including your children.
EARLY
DETECTION OF EYE DISEASES CAN NOW BE EASILY
ACCOMPLISHED
BY
TAKING A SCREENING PHOTO OF THE BACK OF YOUR EYE (RETINA)
This permanent record is very valuable in assessing the health of your eye presently, and safeguarding the health of your retina, optic nerve, macula, and blood vessels. It will also serve an initial point with which to compare as we follow your health in subsequent years. The pictures are taken in full color.
Medical
Retinal and Front Surface Photos are billable to Insurance where
applicable but only after a screening photo is taken and an eye (ocular)
disorder is identified.
Blepharitis Inflamed eyelids
The treatment of blepharitis
What is blepharitis?
What is the cause of blepharitis?
Aims of blepharitis treatment
Blepharitis
is an inflammation of the eyelids causing red, irritated, itchy eyelids and the formation of dandruff-like scales on eyelashes. It is a common eye disorder caused by either bacterial or a skin condition such as dandruff of the scalp or acne rosacea. It affects people of all ages. Although uncomfortable, blepharitis is not contagious and generally does not cause any permanent damage to eyesight.Blepharitis is classified into two types:
- Anterior blepharitis occurs at the outside front edge of the eyelid where the eyelashes are attached.
- Posterior blepharitis affects the inner edge of the eyelid that comes in contact with the eyeball.
Individuals with blepharitis may experience a gritty or burning sensation in their eyes, excessive tearing, itching, red and swollen eyelids, dry eyes, or crusting of the eyelids. For some people, blepharitis causes only minor irritation and itching. However, it can lead to more severe signs and symptoms such as blurring of vision, missing or misdirected eyelashes, and inflammation of other eye tissue, particularly the cornea.
In many cases, good eyelid hygiene and a regular cleaning routine can control blepharitis. This includes frequent scalp and face washing, using warm compresses to soak the eyelids, and doing eyelid scrubs. In cases where a bacterial infection is the cause, various antibiotics and other medications may be prescribed along with eyelid hygiene.
Kindly read all the information below.
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From the Office of Dr. Howard J Kass
See also my website: www.eye-doc.net
Blepharitis can appear as greasy flakes or scales around the base of the
eyelashes.
Anterior blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria (staphylococcal blepharits) or dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows (seborrheic blepharitis). It may also occur due to a combination of factors, or less commonly may be the result of allergies or an infestation of the eyelashes.
Posterior blepharitis can be caused by irregular oil production by the glands of the eyelids (meibomian blepharitis) which creates a favorable environment for bacterial growth. It can also develop as a result of other skin conditions such as acne rosacea and scalp dandruff
Blepharitis can be diagnosed through a
comprehensive eye examination. Testing, with special emphasis on evaluation of the eyelids and front surface of the eyeball, may include: | Patient history to determine any symptoms the patient is experiencing and the presence of any general health problems that may be contributing to the eye problem. |
| External examination of the eye, including lid structure, skin texture and eyelash appearance. |
| Evaluation of the lid margins, base of the eyelashes and meibomian gland openings using bright light and magnification. |
| Evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears for any abnormalities. |
A differentiation among the various types of blepharitis can often be made based on the appearance of the eyelid margins:
| Staphyloccal blepharitis patients frequently exhibit mild sticking together of the lids, thickened lid margins, and missing and misdirected eyelashes. |
| Seborrheic blepharitis appears as greasy flakes or scales around the base of eyelashes and a mild redness of the eyelids. |
| Ulcerative blepharitis is characterized by matted, hard crusts around the eyelashes that when removed, leave small sores that ooze and bleed. There may also be a loss of eyelashes, distortion of the front edges of the eyelids and chronic tearing. In severe cases, the cornea, the transparent front covering of the eyeball, may also become inflamed. |
| Meibomian blepharitis is evident by blockage of the oil glands in the eyelids, poor quality of tears, and redness of the lining of the eyelids. |
Using the information obtained from testing, your optometrist can determine if you have blepharitis and advise you on treatment options
Treatment depends on the specific type of blepharitis. The key to treating most types of blepharitis is keeping the lids clean and free of crusts.
Limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup when treating blepharitis is often
recommended, as its use will make lid hygiene more difficult.
- Warm compresses can be applied to loosen the crusts, followed by gentle scrubbing of the eyes with a mixture of water and baby shampoo or an over-the-counter lid cleansing product. In cases involving bacterial infection, an antibiotic may also be prescribed.
- If the glands in the eyelids are blocked, the eyelids may need to be massaged to clean out oil accumulated in the eyelid glands.
- Artificial tear solutions or lubricating ointments may be prescribed in some cases.
- Use of an anti-dandruff shampoo on the scalp can help.
- Limiting or stopping the use of eye makeup is often recommended, as its use will make lid hygiene more difficult.
- If you wear contact lenses, you may have to temporarily discontinue wearing them during treatment.
Some cases of blepharitis may require more complex treatment plans. Blepharitis seldom disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, relapses may occur.
Blepharitis seldom disappears completely. Even with successful treatment, relapses may occur.
Self-care
An important part of controlling blepharitis involves treatment at home.
Directions for a Warm Soak of the Eyelids:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Moisten a clean washcloth with warm water.
- Close eyes and place washcloth on eyelids for about 5 minutes, reheating the washcloth as necessary.
- Repeat several times daily.
Directions for an Eyelid Scrub:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Mix warm water and a small amount of non-irritating (baby) shampoo or use a commercially prepared lid scrub solution recommended by your optometrist.
- Using a clean cloth (a different one for each eye) rub the solution back and forth across the eyelashes and edge of the closed eyelid.
- Rinse with clear water.
- Repeat with the other eye.
Frequently asked Questions
Who is Dr. Howard J. Kass... ?
I am a licensed Professional Optometrist who has practiced since graduating from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1972. I regularly attend continuing education and I have practiced in both a private and hospital setting for the past 31 years. I have been co-managing, PRK, Lasik, Zyoptics and/or Cataract Pre and Post Op patients since I began practicing Optometry in 1972.
I am a past president of the Nassau County Optometric Association. I relocated from Long Island and moved to Syracuse in 1997 to be close to the beautiful outdoors and the things I enjoy. I have been fishing and skiing this area for the past 45 years. I can now practice Optometry and enjoy the great outdoors without leaving home.
Dr. Kass is also Licensed to Practice Optometry in the State of Alaska.
During the past 10 years that I have been in Syracuse my practices have grown to over 10000 active patients. I offer Professional eye care for your entire family. Contact Lens Fittings is one of my specialties. I have both a Diagnostic and Therapeutic license to handle all your medical eye concerns. I dilate patients regularly and handle medical eye emergencies promptly. My office participates with most upstate Insurance Companies such as, Blue Cross Blue Shield, MVP, Pomco, Univera, Rmsco, HealthNow, CHP, Aetna ,Us Healthcare, CoreSource, Block Vision, VSP, EyeMed, Spectera, Tricare & Medicare, just to mention a few.
Our Office hours are Tuesday through Saturday with evening hours on Tuesday and Thursday.
* If you have a true ocular emergency you may call my mobile telephone @ (315) 243-9851.
Even with this growth, my office is still accepting new patients and I look forward to welcoming both you and your family to my Optometric Practice here in Fayetteville, NY.
* For my patients information: I am no longer affiliated with any Wal-Mart Vision Center within the United States in any capacity.
Howard J. Kass O.D.
Where can I receive my Pre Operative Evaluation and Post
Operative Care For Lasik Surgery?
At my office. All your Pre and Post Op needs and visits can be completed in my office. I will always be in touch with your surgical group regardless on where you had your surgery performed. Remember, my office has a Pachymeter necessary to measure corneal thickness. You need this measurement to insure you being a good surgical patient for Lasik surgery.
I am one of the very few Optometric offices in Central New York that has a Pachymeter. Doing your Pre-Op Evaluation at my office will save you a unnecessary trip to Canada and elsewhere.
Picture of My New Private Office... Grand Opening March 20, 2009 - I am back on my own once again!
Unit 1- The
one on the Left of the Gray Building
315-256-9856
I am located in the small professional park on the right side of the street after the Mobil Station on your way to Fayetteville diagonally across from the Syracuse Yacht Store after Lyndon Corners
Why doesn't my Insurance pay for LASIK Surgery and what is the Fee for Co-Management... ?
Refractive Surgery is considered an elective form of surgery like most cosmetic plastic surgery.
Your company may have a medical fund where you can assign Pre-Tax dollars for your yearly medical needs. Consider using your Flex Plan for this procedure.
My fee for all your Pre and Post Operative care is $525.00. This fee covers all your visits to my office.
If the event that your Canadian surgeon has already completed your Pre-Op evaluation than your Post-Op care can be completed in my office in Syracuse. Your fee, if you pay in full @ the time of your 1st Post-Op visit would be $ 375.00. You will be seen @ 1 week, 1 month , 3 months and 6 months. A total of 4 visits.
PRK will involve more visits and my co-management fee is $475.00 for this 7 visits. This fee is payable in full @ the time of your first visit. You will be seen at 2 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6 months and then again @ 1 year.
All your future care can be done in my Syracuse office without making the long drive back to Canada.
If you are having your surgery performed out of the country, I encourage you to have your Pre-Operative evaluation done at my office before making that long drive to Canada to see if your qualify for Lasik.
Your fees are payable in full at the time of your 1st visit to my office. A $150.00 deposit is customary if we are doing the Pre Operative evaluation. Your balance is payable in full upon you 1st Post-Op visit 1 week following surgery.
What is LASIK... ?
It is a laser method of changing the refractive error of the eye for Myopic, Hyperopic and Astigmatic patients. A flap is created and the Lasik laser molds the eye to correct for it's refractive abnormality. It is usually a painless procedure when performed under the supervision of a skilled surgeon. I will be most happy to answer any of your questions upon your next visit to my office.
Remember, your follow up care is just as important as the surgery itself. The healing process needs to be monitored.
When is LASIK Done... ?
In most cases you should be at least 21 years of age. By this time your eye had already reached it's refractive maturity.
If you wear contact lenses you should keep them off for a period of at least 1-2 weeks for soft lens wearers and 1 month for hard lens wearers prior to surgery. This one month period is usually considered a standard for proper care.
Contact Lens Expiration Issue....? 
Here is the latest information as posted on ABC.com on August 21, 2003
The following U.S. States have a 1 Year Expiration on Contact Lens Prescriptions.
Arkansas Connecticut Idaho Illinois Kentucky Michigan Missouri Massachusetts
Montana Nevada North Dakota New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island
South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
- The patient therefore needs a complete Contact Lens Examination every year to renew and purchase new contact lenses.
- Your Contact Lens prescription therefore expires according to New York State Law, 1 Year from the written date on your original prescription.
- Spectacle prescriptions are not Contact Lens prescription!
- In order to fill an outside prescription for contact lenses, the prescription must state the type of contact lens, the brand, the prescription, the parameters and the expiration date. The prescription must be specific for Contact Lenses.
- Trial Lenses dispensed during the initial fitting are only for diagnostic purposes.
- No Trial Lenses will be given out after the initial fitting phase is completed.
- Additional Lenses may be purchased after the fitting phase for continued use.
- Kindly plan ahead so you do not run out of your contact lenses. If you need replacement lenses they may be purchased as long as the prescription is valid and has not expired.
_________________________________________________________________________________
How do I Make an Appointment ...? Just click on the
mailbox. 
You can also call my office @ 315-256-9856 in Fayetteville, NY or email me at hjkass@eye-doc.net
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Dr. Howard J Kass and his Staff is to make available the Best Optometric Family Eye Care in Central NY
My Offices Provide the Ultimate in Professional Eye Health Examinations; Contact Lens Fittings; Medical Eye Services; Dry Eye and Lasik/Co-Management, Cataract & Glaucoma Management in the Upstate Area.
Your Families Eye Health is my Main Focus.
Optometrists are People of Vision
Lasik Surgery Eye Exam Information
What's New in the Eye World & Contact Lens Update
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Authored by Howard J. Kass, O.D. Copyright © 2000
[Dr. Howard J. Kass, Optometrist] All rights reserved. 01/25/00