News from and about Ridgewood Ophthalmology

Cataract surgery — Read about what cataract surgery is like, from the patient's perspective! One of Dr. Sumers' cataract surgery patients published this article in the Bergen Record.

Nutritional treatment for dry eyes — Do you suffer from dry, tired, burning, gritty or itchy eyes? Are your contacts just not as comfortable as they were? You may have a condition known as "keratitis sicca," or dry eyes. Flaxseed oil capsules, combined with Vitamin E and fish oil (Omega 3 fatty acids) reduces dry eye (and dry skin). They are now commercially available as "Theratears Nutrition." Ask for a sample and more information during your next visit.

New techniques in cataract surgery help you see better, sooner — Are you or your friends considering cataract surgery? With the state-of-the-art cataract surgery techniques here at Ridgewood Ophthalmology, at the beautiful new facility at Luckow Pavilion, you will see better, sooner. You will not need a patch over the eye, you'll have no stitches or needles, and no heavy sedation. If you need to be on blood-thinning medicine, like coumadin or aspirin, to reduce the risk of stroke, you can stay on your medication. You'll have your surgery one day, and be able to return to all your normal activities the following day. Ask to see our video about cataract surgery!

What's new in LASIK: Custom Cornea! — Dr. Eric Saunders now offers "Custom Cornea," a special technique in LASIK surgery that fine-tunes your LASIK procedure specifically to your eye. Our patients have been delighted by their post-op LASIK vision. You can have a free, no obligation LASIK consult with Dr. Saunders; he will be happy to tell you whether you are a good candidate for LASIK. Learn more.

Help protect yourself from macular degeneration — New research shows that you can help protect yourself from macular degeneration with a thorough, dilated eye exam, checking your vision regularly with an Amsler grid, stopping smoking, eating more leafy green vegetables, and taking a daily multivitamin with high zinc. We are pleased to offer new hope to macular degeneration patients with laser photodynamic therapy.

Keep your contact lenses comfortable, your eyes healthy, and your vision sharp — You'll be pleased to find the highest quality contact lenses, from our large inventory of over 5,000 contact lenses right here in the office. Have you been told you can't wear contacts? You may need our specialty lenses, including toric lenses for astigmatism, gas-permeable lenses, natural appearing colored contacts ranging from blue to aqua to even violet, and daily throw-away lenses. Our experienced technical staff will teach you how to insert and remove contacts and how to take proper care of them, for years of safe, comfortable wear with sharp vision. Your contact lenses should be checked every year to make sure that you are wearing the best contact lenses for you. If you are over 40, ask about monovision and bifocal contact lenses – a great way to wear contacts and no reading glasses and still see well for near.

Your annual eye exam will detect glaucoma, which has no symptoms — Glaucoma causes a gradual, painless, irreversible loss of vision. Glaucoma has no symptoms. People with glaucoma do not have blurry vision or pressure feeling in the eye. Early detection and early treatment prevent blindness.

All children should have a thorough eye exam — All children should be seen by age 5 for a complete eye exam, even if there is no apparent eye problem. Early detection of lazy eye is important for successful treatment. We offer a full range of treatments including patching, glasses, and surgery.

Read more: Symptoms of Vision Problems.
(American Academy of Pediatrics article will appear in a new window.)

Learn more: Vision and Eye Care Information Links.
(Page from N.J. Academy of Ophthalmology will open in a new window.)