iPhones, Blackberries and other small screen gadgets like the Kindle may be giving you Computer Vision Syndrome (or CVS)! Anyone who spends two or more uninterrupted hours per day in front of a computer screen – regardless of size – is prone to CVS. And with the hours most of us log on these gadgets tapping out emails and surfing the web, 175 million Americans are reportedly feeling the pain!

The American Optometric Association defines CVS as “the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work, which are experienced during or related to computer use.” In simple terms, the human vision system was not designed for long hours of computer viewing.  Unlike typical print, PDA screens are made up of electronically generated characters called pixels - tiny dots of light that are hard for our eyes to focus on because it causes the brightness in the font to vary.  As a result, more and more Americans are suffering from CVS symptoms that range from neck aches and headaches, to dry, irritated eyes, and blurred or double vision.

“While these small and highly productive devices may make us more efficient work-wise, they are causing unprecedented levels of CVS symptoms in patients of all ages — we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of patients we see monthly for CVS,” said Dr. Harvey Moscot, a renowned Optometrist in New York City and a CVS specialist who is presently conducting a CVS study to evaluate the effectiveness of specialized lenses for the reduction of CVS symptoms.

So can you live without your PDA? Probably not! But there is hope — Dr. Moscot prescribes a few simple measures to help those of you who are tethered to your iPhones and Blackberries see a little easier:

•    If the PDA screen makes you squint, don’t bring it closer to your eyes. Sharpen the image with antiglare films or increase the font. Reducing glare or increasing font can make the overall reading experience much easier on your eyes.
•    The Omega 3’s in flaxseed and fish oil supplements are excellent for achieving long-term lubrication for your eyes. Add them to your must-take supplement list. Dr. Moscot recommends a pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement and at least 1,000mgs every day, it’s specially formulated to relieve dry eye symptoms.
•    Get a CVS-specific eye examination that enables doctors to accurately diagnose CVS by duplicating the pixels of a computer screen, allowing doctors to determine a more accurate prescription based on exam results and the way you use your PDA each day. After the test, doctors are able to prescribe eyewear with special computer lenses that eliminate the need for you to constantly refocus your eyes, which reduces eyestrain. After all, when you go running you bring your running shoes. When you sit in front of the computer you should have your computer glasses.
•    Follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a break and with each eye look at something about 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds.
•    Lighting is key!  If you have a choice in the matter, make sure outside windows are neither directly behind nor ahead of you.  Ambient overhead light is best.
•    Remember to blink. People blink 5 times less while looking at the computer, blinking helps rewet the eyes and prevent dryness and irritation.
•    Clean your screen.  While this may sound obvious, cutting out the veiling glare caused by fingerprints, smearing, dust and other particles obstruct your view will help alleviate symptoms.
 

If you wear glasses but have an active lifestyle, Dr. Moscot offers tips for you to step up your game!

Your glasses may look winning off the court, but on the court, they aren’t doing you any favors. In fact, eyeglasses fall off, fog up, get wet when you sweat, provide no peripheral vision, and are unsafe to wear while playing contact sports.  You don’t have to give up your glasses off the court but on the court, Dr. Moscot recommends new disposable contacts that require no upkeep and are much better than glasses for playing sports. With disposable lenses you can throw your contacts in before the big game and throw them out as you’re running off the court victorious.  

Dr. Moscot recommends Bausch & Lomb's new Soflens Daily Disposables because the special aspheric optics provides sharper night vision, less distortion and finer details.

Click here for more information on Soflens Daily Disposables – or click here to schedule an appointment to receive a free trial offer.

Sound like you?

With the warm weather finally here, you are becoming more active – playing sports, cycling, running and more. You’ve never worn contact lenses before and rely on your eyeglasses for clear vision. You’ve thought about contact lens wear before, but hesitated because you didn’t want the hassle or the expense, and frankly, you felt you couldn’t devote the time to get fitted and evaluated for them anyway.

Great News!
 
One day, or one-time use contact lenses are available for this purpose – and they are easy to obtain, easy to wear and inexpensive to boot!
 
Put them in your eyes for your activity, and simply take them out and throw them away when you’re done. No solution needed! No care required! And the lenses cost less than $2.00 per use – a relatively small price for improved peripheral vision, no foggy spectacle lenses to deal with when perspiring, safety from broken glasses during rough play and freedom from eyewear, even for just a short while.
 
Call or click to schedule a contact lens examination.

According to the National Women’s Health Resource Center, 20-30 million Americans suffer from Chronic Dry Eye Disease (CDED), or Dry Eyes as it is commonly called, with one-third of these individuals suffering from moderate to severe symptoms.

What is Dry Eye Disease?

There are two types of Dry Eye disease: Aqueous Deficient, wherein not enough tears are produced, and Evaporative, wherein tears evaporate too quickly. In both cases, people suffering from Dry Eye will experience one or more of the following symptoms: itchy, watery eyes, a sandy feeling or a burning sensation, and/or blurred vision after periods of reading, watching TV or computer use.

What Causes Dry Eye?

There are many factors that can contribute to Chronic Dry Eye Disease including medications, diet, advancing age, hormonal changes, environmental humidity and temperature, contact lens wear, specific prolonged activity such as computer use or driving, and systemic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Women are more likely to suffer from Dry Eyes due to the hormonal impact of the lacrimal gland, which is responsible for producing the water (or aqueous) part of your tears, and the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil component of your tears that prevent premature evaporation of tears. The elderly are also highly susceptible to Dry Eye disease.

How Can I Tell if I’m Suffering from Dry Eyes?

1. How often do you use artificial tears?
            3 times/week        2 times/day       more than 2 times/day
             (Sometimes)                        (Often)                        (Always)
 
2. Do your eyes feel dry, gritty/sandy, painful, or sore?
            Sometimes      Often     Always
 
3. Do you experience episodes or periods of blurred or fluctuating vision?
            Sometimes            Often            Always
 
4. Are your eyes often sensitive to light?
            Sometimes            Often            Always
 
5. Do you have problems with your eyes when you are working on a computer, watching TV, or reading?
            Sometimes            Often            Always
 
If you responded “Often” or “Always” to 2 or more questions, you may have Dry Eye Disease. Please call or click here to schedule an appointment to be evaluated for Dry Eye Disease and initiate treatment.

What Can I Do to Treat Dye Eye?

There are many treatments that exist to relieve Dry Eye symptoms, but for maximum effectiveness, Dr. Moscot strongly recommends a thorough evaluation so treatment can be tailored to the individual’s needs. Dr. Moscot recommends the following treatments:

1. For Aqueous Deficient dry eye, Dr. Moscot recommends Systane Ultra and for Evaporative dry eye, Dr. Moscot recommends Soothe XR – click here to purchase Systane Ultra or Soothe XR.
2. Use non-preserved artificial tears – there are many over-the-counter forms available but avoid products that contain vasoconstrictors, such as Visine. While such products may temporarily whiten the eyes, they do nothing to help in the long term and may cause negative reactions if used too often – click here to purchase Dr. Moscot recommended artificial tears.
3. Try Restasis – this prescription eye drop medication, available from your optometrist, doesn’t just alleviate symptoms, it actually cures dry eye – click here to schedule an appointment.
4. Nurture your eyes – nutritional supplements in the form of fatty acids or Flax seed oils help lubricate your eyes from the inside out – click here to purchase HYDROEYE, specially formulated to relieve Dry Eye symptoms.
5. Punctal Occlusion – a safe, harmless and routine office procedure that provides long lasting relief and is performed right in your optometrist’s office – and even better, many insurance companies cover the procedure – click here to schedule an appointment.
6. Visit your optometrist – since only he or she can quickly and easily diagnose the problem and recommend the best cure for your individual condition – click here to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Moscot’s tips for beating Dry Eye this Winter.
 
Once the temperature drops and the radiators come on, it’s officially dry eye season. During the winter months, Dr. Moscot generally sees an increase of 15-20 patients per day who come in complaining of blurry vision and/or persistent watery, itchy, burning eyes.

In fact, more than 20-30 million Americans suffer from Dry Eye Disease, particularly in the winter months when the dry, hot air inside their homes and offices causes a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture in the eyes.

There are many treatments that exist to relieve Dry Eye symtoms, but for maximum effectiveness, Dr. Moscot strongly recommends a thorough evaluation so treatment can be tailored to the individual’s needs.

Dr. Moscot recommends the following treatments:

1. Use non-preserved artificial tears – there are many over-the-counter forms available but avoid products that contain vasoconstrictors, such as Visine. While such products may temporarily whiten the eyes, they do nothing to help in the long term and may cause negative reactions if used too often Dr. Moscot recommends the following artificial tears – click here to purchase Systane Ultra or Soothe XR.
2. Try Restasis – this prescription eye drop medication, available from your optometrist, doesn’t just alleviate symptoms, it actually cures dry eye – click here to schedule an appointment.
3. Nurture your eyes – nutritional supplements in the form of fatty acids or Flax seed oils help lubricate your eyes from the inside out – click here to purchase HYDROEYE, specially formulated to relieve Dry Eye symptoms.
4. Use a humidifier – particularly important during the dry months of winter to add much needed moisture back into your home, and your eyes!
5. Punctal Occlusion – a safe, harmless and routine office procedure that provides long lasting relief and is performed right in your optometrist’s office – and even better, many insurance companies cover the procedure – click here to schedule an appointment.
6. Visit your optometrist – since only he or she can quickly and easily diagnose the problem and recommend the best cure for your individual condition – click here to schedule an appointment.

On your next flight, you may be able to escape cramped legs, stiff backs and soar necks by negotiating your way into Business or First Class, but Dry Eye Syndrome is an equal opportunity irritant for anyone onboard an airplane.

Relative humidity inside most airplane cabins is only 10-20%, well below the preferred level of 30-60% for optimum eye comfort. In fact, in-flight air is even drier than a desert, which enjoys a comparatively robust 20-25% relative humidity.

At such low humidity levels, symptoms such as scratchiness, blurry vision and persistent watery, itchy and/or burning eyes can occur within just two hours of boarding and worsen steadily throughout the duration of the flight, since humidity levels continually fall on long-distance, high-altitude flights.

There are many treatments that exist to relieve Dry Eye symptoms, but for maximum effectiveness, Dr. Moscot strongly recommends a thorough evaluation so treatment can be tailored to the individual’s needs. Dr. Moscot recommends the following treatments:

1. Use non-preserved artificial tears early and often – before, during and after your flight – there are many over-the-counter forms available but avoid products that contain vasoconstrictors, such as Visine. While such products may temporarily whiten the eyes, they do nothing to help in the long term and may cause negative reactions if used too often – click here to purchase Dr. Moscot recommended artificial tears.
2. Try Restasis – this prescription eye drop medication, available from your optometrist, doesn’t just alleviate symptoms, it actually cures dry eye – click here to schedule an appointment.
3. Nurture your eyes – begin a regimen of nutritional supplements in the form of fatty acids or Flax seed oils at least three months in advance of your next flight – such supplements help lubricate your eyes from the inside out – click here to purchase HydroEye, specially formulated to relieve Dry Eye symptoms.
4. Drink plenty of water – six to eight glasses of water per day and at least eight ounces of water for every hour you’re on board. Also when flying, limit soda, caffeine and alcohol all of which can contribute to dehydration.
5. Turn off the overhead air vent away from you, or better yet, off. It only recycles the dry air making matters worse.
6. Wear your glasses, not contact lens, while on the plane – remember, contact lenses require moisture, which as we’ve established, does not exist on board the airplane.
7. Punctal Occlusion – a safe, harmless and routine office procedure that provides long lasting relief and is performed right in your optometrist’s office – and even better, many insurance companies cover the procedure – click here to schedule an appointment.
8. Visit your optometrist – since only he or she can quickly and easily diagnose the problem and recommend the best cure for your individual condition – click here to schedule an appointment.

Women over 40 are living better than ever before!
 
According to Dr. Moscot the importance of eye care after 40 should not be underestimated. Lack of proper eye care can keep you from living your best life and in some cases can even speed up the aging process.  
 
Dr. Moscot shares news on several eye health advancements and tips that will keep women in their 40’s looking towards a fabulously bright future!

1. If it’s getting more and more difficult to see the paper, the computer screen or messages on your blackberry, you may be suffering from Presbyopia (far-sightedness) a very common condition at this age.  Thank goodness you can skip the bi-focal granny glasses that scream “my eyes are old” and get the newly available Purevision Multi-focal contact lenses by Bausch & Lomb for a timeless look.  
2. Make your dry, red, puffy eyes pretty again. Hormonal changes that occur in your 40’s increase the incidences of Dry Eye Syndrome.  Take Omega-3 supplements daily, drink plenty of water and have your optometrist provide drops to alleviate dry eye. Dr. Moscot recommends HydroEye, which has been specially formulated to reduce dry eye symptoms – click here to purchase HydroEye.
3. Incidences of Glaucoma increase in women over 40. Since the disease has no symptoms, it cannot be diagnosed without testing.  A few quick, simple, pain-free tests will catch glaucoma at its onset and prevent loss of peripheral vision and in the worst case, your eyesight.  
4. Your eyes are truly the windows to your soul. Surprisingly an eye exam isn’t just about eye-care, it can also reveal signs of general health concerns including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol - all without drawing a single drop of blood!  
5. If you hate the lines but despise cosmetic procedures like Botox even more, consider simpler methods for reducing wrinkles and puffiness around the eyes.  Dr. Moscot advises his beauty conscious patients to use certain eye creams as a great quick fix for a hot date!

Before you shell out the big bucks for a hot new pair of shades, consider the following tips and tricks for a fabulous and problem-free sunglass season:

1. Blue or yellow lenses are a big no-no! When it comes to sunglasses, blue or yellow colored lenses only serve to increase contrast and brightness. This clearly defeats the purpose of what sunglasses are supposed to do: shade! Stick with darker tinted lenses.
2. Plastic frames stretch from heat! Avoid leaving glasses or sunglasses in direct sunlight, such as on dashboards or in your beach bag at the pool or beach. Instead, always store glasses in a protective case. Repeat this mantra: If not on your face - keep in the case!
3. Look for titanium frames with silicon nose pads. When the heat is on, the sweat pours. Avoid heavy frames that turn up the heat index - keep cool with lightweight titanium frames. And look for glasses with silicon nose pads to prevent summer slippage and keep you from channeling your inner Poindexter as you repeatedly push sliding glasses back up your face with you index finger.
4. Buy wrap frames. Not only will you hit the mark style wise, wrap frames also offer the maximum protection for eyes against the sun’s damaging UV rays by shielding your peripheral view as well as your front view. You’ll avoid the squinting that still occurs with regular sunglasses, and if you squint less, you’ll wrinkle less!
5. Say goodbye to sand and saltwater smeared shades! Show your glasses the love with MOSCOT’s secret cleaning weapon: add a drop of Joy or Palmolive to bowl of water big enough to submerge your glasses (remember, one squirt will do.) Soak glasses overnight and then simply wipe clean in the morning with a premium paper towel. We’re not snobs but cheap paper towels and tissue paper are made with wood chips that can scratch your precious lenses.

Click here to view MOSCOT’s picks for this year’s hottest sunglasses.

Dr. Moscot’s tips for maintaining healthy vision at the computer and on other electronic devices.

Everywhere you look these days, there’s a screen. According to the American Optometric Association, 65 percent of Americans 18 and older work with a computer on a frequent basis – some as long as eight to 10 hours per day. If you own a BlackBerry or PDA, add an additional three hours of screen time. Spend your commute watching your Video iPod or similar gadget? Add another two.  Enjoy relaxing in front of your flat screen TV after a hard day’s work? Tag on another three to four hours.  In total you’re staring at some type of screen an average of 16-18 hours per day!   

Those who spend two or more uninterrupted hours per day in front a computer screen and/or other devices are at greatest risk for Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, a term that refers to a cluster of symptoms and disorders related to computer use including eyestrain, eye fatigue, dry irritated eyes, burning eyes, focusing problems, light sensitivity, blurred vision and headaches.

Fortunately, a few preventative measures can help you avoid CVS – so screen time won’t have to equal scream time:

1. The Omega 3’s in flaxseed and fish oil supplements are excellent for achieving long-term lubrication for your eyes.  Add them to your must-take supplement list!  Click here to purchase HydroEye, specially formulated to relieve Dry Eye symptoms.
2. Follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a break and with each eye look at something about 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds.
3. Make sure you have an unobstructed view over the top of your screen.  Looking up at the screen you’re exacerbating dry eye syndrome.  Looking down puts undue strain on your eyes.
4. Extend your arm directly ahead of you. If the tips of your fingers just brush the front of your screen give yourself a pat on the back, your computer is the right distance from you.  Any closer or farther will put undue strain on your eyes.
5. Lighting is key!  If you have a choice in the matter, make sure outside windows are neither directly behind nor ahead of your workstation.  Ambient overhead light is best.
6. Most important of all – don’t skip out on your yearly eye exam. Your eyes are just as important as your teeth and an eye exam is way less intimidating than a visit to the dentist’s office. Click here to schedule an appointment.
   
   

Everywhere you look these days, there’s a computer screen. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), more than 70 million Americans use computers at work every single day. 140 million Americans clock time surfing the Internet and more than 30 million US households own a computer – more than the number of TV sets! While computers allow us to be more productive, the increased productivity often comes at a price. The human vision system is not designed for long hours of computer viewing.  Computer display images are made up of pixels- tiny dots of light - that are hard for your eyes to focus on. As a result, more than 15 million Americans sought eye examinations last year from symptoms and problems associated with computer use.

Those who spend two or more uninterrupted hours per day in front of a computer screen are most prone to what Computer Vision Syndrome, or CVS, which the American Optometric Association defines as “the complex of eye and vision problems related to near work, which are experienced during or related to computer use.”

Symptoms include eyestrain, eye fatigue, dry, irritated eyes, burning eyes, focusing problems, light sensitivity, Diplopia (double vision), blurred vision, and even back, neck and headaches.

Fortunately, a few preventative measures can help you avoid CVS – resolving your computer vision issues will lead to greater productivity in the workplace and improved overall comfort:

1. The Omega 3’s in flaxseed and fish oil supplements are excellent for achieving long-term lubrication for your eyes.  Add them to your must-take supplement list! Click here to purchase HydroEye, specially formulated to relieve Dry Eye symptoms.
2. Follow the 20/20/20 rule: every 20 minutes take a break and with each eye look at something about 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds.
3. Make sure you have an unobstructed view over the top of your screen.  Looking up at the screen you’re exacerbating dry eye syndrome.  Looking down puts undue strain on your eyes.
4. Extend your arm directly ahead of you. If the tips of your fingers just brush the front of your screen give yourself a pat on the back, your computer is the right distance from you.  Any closer or farther will put undue strain on your eyes.
5. Lighting is key!  If you have a choice in the matter, make sure outside windows are neither directly behind nor ahead of your workstation.  Ambient overhead light is best. At MOSCOT Eyecare, we offer a specialized Computer Vision Syndrome Eye Exam. This exam is separate from our standard eye exam and offers specialized technology (PRIO) for the purpose of evaluating your specific problem. The widely tested PRIO test enables our doctors to prescribe a special computer lens for your specific needs, which cannot be obtained without this technology. Our doctors will further provide you with ergonomic tips, suggestions, and other solutions for your computer vision syndrome.

Remember, studies show that almost 80% of people working on the computer for more than two hours suffer from some form of CVS so call or click to schedule a CVS exam today.

We will be happy to discuss our program with your HR coordinator.
 
To schedule the MOSCOT Computer Vision Exam (14th street office only) please click here.
 

The Latest and Greatest in Contact Lens Technology from Dr. Moscot
 
Does this sound like you?

You are 40+ years old and are starting to have problems reading up close, even when wearing your contact lenses.  You reluctantly purchased ready-made readers from the drugstore and are forced to use these for reading. And you are concerned that contact lenses may not work for you any longer.

Don’t worry – help is on the way!

New multifocal contact lens technology is now available that enables you to read up close, and also see clearly in the distance. The new multifocal contact lenses are even available as disposable lenses, and can help alleviate prior contact lens dryness issue. Even if you’ve been told that you have an astigmatism and multifocal lenses won’t work, we even have a lens for you that will!

There are many different multifocal designs available and your lifestyle requirements will enable our doctors to select the best one for you. The MOSCOT team of eye doctors is skilled in the fitting of these various lenses and is happy to offer you free trials after your contact lens exam is complete.

Click or call today to schedule your contact lens fitting.

From eating carrots will improve your vision to sitting to close to your TV will hurt your eyes, the world is awash with eye myths and urban legends. Dr. Moscot, sheds some light (no pun intended) on the most commonly accepted but least understood eye myths, and how some myths may even be detrimental to your eyes if not dispelled.

1. MYTH: Eating carrots will improve your vision. FACT: Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is important for a healthy diet, but eating carrots, even extraordinarily large quantities of carrots, will not improve your vision.
2. MYTH: Reading in the dark will damage your eyes. FACT: Reading in the dark can cause your eyes to fatigue, but cannot cause permanent eye damage. However, it is true that reading in a well-lit room will prevent eye fatigue.
3. MYTH: Sitting too close to the TV will hurt your eyes. FACT: Children often sit close to the TV because it is easier for him or her to focus up close without strain, which is why they develop the habit. While there's no evidence that sitting close to the television will cause permanent damage to your eyes, it can be a symptom of nearsightedness - you need to sit close to the TV so you can see the picture more clearly.
4. MYTH: If you cross your eyes, they can stay like that. FACT: Crossing your eyes for amusement or humor will not affect your eye placement long term. When we focus up close our eyes naturally come together, so when you cross your eyes you are just exaggerating this natural response.
5. MYTH: Children will outgrow crossed or misaligned eyes. FACT: Children will not outgrow crossed eyes (a condition called strabismus), or misaligned eyes (a condition called amblyopia, or poor vision in one eye). Unless it is forced to do the work, the misaligned eye will not develop proper vision. Crossed or misaligned eyes can be straightened by using early patching, glasses eye drops or surgery and the sooner treatment begins, the better.
6. MYTH: Wearing glasses all the time will make you so dependent on them that you will see poorly without them. FACT: Wearing eyeglasses will not make your eyes worse. Some refractive errors will worsen as you age, but wearing glasses is never the cause. Also, if you are used to clear vision when you wear your glasses, it will seem like your eyes are worse when you take them off.
7. MYTH: Blind people live in a world of total darkness. FACT: Darkness is a word described to tell you there is no light. People who are 100 percent blind don't have the ability to see light or darkness. They see nothing at all.
8. MYTH: Visine improves dry eye problems. FACT: You may find temporary relief by using eye drops like Visine, but many of these products worsen dry eye by reducing circulation and decreasing production of tear film in the eye.
9. MYTH: Wearing someone else's glasses can cause damage to your eyes. FACT: The only harm in wearing someone else's glasses is that it causes you to lose vision while you're wearing them. It's nothing permanent.
10. MYTH: Eye exams aren't necessary unless you are having an eye problem. FACT: It is important to keep up with regular eye exams. Many eye diseases don't show early symptoms. A regular exam can help prevent eye disease, and other health problems, before it starts.

You're too mature to be fighting! Leave it to the professionals. Who do you think you are, Tyler Durden?

Or maybe you're a sports guy? Balls flying at your face and your catching arm not what it used to be?

Or maybe you're just plain clumsy....

Regardless of how you obtained your black eye, Dr. Moscot offers the following suggestions to help keep your new shiner hidden from the nosy bosses or coworkers:

1. Cold compress for the first 24 hours. This helps keep swelling and coloring down. Take breaks though. If your eye gets too cold, your body will flood the area with blood to try to warm it up.
2. Opt for Tylenol over Aspirin. Aspirin is an anticoagulant, meaning the blood won't clot, in turn causing a bigger bruise.
3. Apply warm cloths after the 48-hour period. This warms the blood in areas where it has pooled.
4. Get your beauty rest and make sure to prop up several pillows to avoid further swelling.
5. Take your vitamin C. It is a common fact that vitamin C will help the healing process.
6. Apply Vitamin K (1%) cream to the bruised area. Studies show this helps bruises fade faster.
7. Wear sunglasses. If you feel funny wearing them in the office look for a pair with fade to clear lenses.
8. Try not to blow your nose too often. Blowing one's nose can increase inflammation. Not to mention it is extremely painful!
9. Be on the look out for symptoms such as double vision, loss of sight, inability to move the eye, large swelling around the eye such as a hematoma, blood or clear fluid from the nose, blood on the surface of the eye or cuts on the eye itself, and/or a persistent headache as each/all of these symptoms can be a sign of something far more serious than just wounded pride and you should therefore seek medical attention immediately.
10. Yes, we know you'd NEVER wear makeup but, a little concealer will go along way towards - ironically - restoring your manliness.

If you are an avid surfer, snowboarder, skier, biker, kayaker, hiker or climber, or regularly enjoy sports at high altitudes, in the snow or on the water, chances are you have experienced Pterygium, a common eye problem that affects outdoor enthusiasts.

Outdoor enthusiasts' eyes are regularly exposed to the ultraviolet rays that bounce off the water or snow's surface, as well as near constant exposure to sunlight, wind and/or dust - all of which cause the condition medically known as Pterygium, or in athlete's parlance, Surfer Eye.

This condition causes an area of elevated white, fleshy tissue with blood vessels to form in a wedge-shape over the cornea and/or on the inner or outer edge of the cornea. Though initially painless, an infected eye can become inflamed causing the eye to redden, burn and itch.

To help keep you outside and out of the doctor's office, Dr. Moscot recommends that whatever your sport, whenever you are outside make sure to wear sunglasses, goggles or surf goggles with 100% UV protection. Popular brands include Oakley, Dragon, Sea Specs, and Barz.

If you think you may have symptoms of Pterygium, Dr. Moscot suggests over-the-counter or prescribed eye drops with chronic lubrication four times per day to help alleviate symptoms, and surgery can be performed to remove the growth if vision is affected or the condition becomes bothersome to the patient.

If you think you may be suffering from symptoms of Surfers (or Snowboarders) Eyes, please click here to schedule an appointment.

According to Dr. Moscot, women can shave 20 years off their face by simply switching to contact lenses and/or updating the look of their eyeglasses.
 
Much like eyebrow shaping, the right eyewear can play up all the right features, highlight your beauty and give you a more youthful appearance - not to mention help you see!
 
Dr. Moscot specifically recommends the following tips to look and feel half your age:

1. According to Dr. Moscot, an authorized Bausch and Lomb Multifocal specialist, 90% of women over the age of 40 will find they need bifocals - skip the "granny" line of bifocal glasses and instead try Bausch & Lomb's brand new Purevision Multi-focal contact lenses.  Multifocal contact lenses offer the best of both worlds: no glasses, along with good near and distance vision.
2. Look for shapes that offset gravity. Curvy, feminine eyewear that tilts upwards will help lift the face and give you a younger look.
3. Consider color!  Funky plastic frames in bold colors will draw attention away from wrinkles and help light up the face. Also, selecting frames that fit where the bottom of the frame coincides with the wrinkles and bags of the eye (below the eye) helps hide these bags.
4. Accentuate the positive!  If your eyes are blue have your Optometrist tint your eyeglass lens to draw attention to your pretty eye color.  (Don't overdo it though - the operative word here is "light.")
5. Lighten & brighten with colored contacts! Whereas a drastic change from dark brown to blue may make you too self-conscious, a lighter shade of your natural color might be just the update you need.  
6. Update, update, update!  If you've been wearing the same frames for the past decade, it's probably time to experiment with the latest styles to keep your look young and fresh.  Like a new haircut, a new style of eyewear can change everything.

The good news: Springtime is finally right around the corner! The bad news: Spring bloom means watery, itchy, burning allergy eyes! Throw in tearing, redness, blurred vision and mucous and you have one unhappy allergy sufferer.

According to Dr. Harvey Moscot of MOSCOT Eyewear and Eyecare Since 1915, “we generally see a 20-25 percent increase in patients who come in complaining about eye health symptoms related to allergies, and while there is no cure, there are several tips we offer to help alleviate symptoms and make our patients more comfortable.” Dr. Moscot offers the following tips to help alleviate painful symptoms and put the spring back into your step this allergy season:

1.    When pollen levels rise, stay inside. Pay attention to the pollen count and when levels are high, try to stay indoors as much as possible — generally dry, warm days signal peak pollen levels, particularly during the mid morning and early evening and when the wind is strong.

2.    Keep your eyes clean. It is important to wash the pollen off your face and away from your eyes. When exposed to pollen outdoors, gently clean your eyelids to reduce the chance of pollen finding its way into your eyes.

3.    Keep your house clean! Regular cleaning helps eliminate potential dust and mold in the house, which means fewer symptoms indoors. Also, keep your windows shut as this prevents pollen from getting inside.

4.    Don’t scratch that itch! When your eyes start to itch, avoid rubbing them since this only increases the problem. Instead apply cold compresses to your eyes to help reduce the allergic reaction and the itching.

5.    Replace your contacts with some specs.  Allergens love contact lenses and everything from pollen to dust has particles that stick to them. So keep your contacts out and your glasses on when pollen levels rise.

6.    Allergens be gone! Dr. Moscot suggests using non-preserved, artificial tears or eye drops to wash away allergens, or see your eye doctor for prescription eye drops that will help alleviate itchy eyes and other symptoms.

7.    Get help. If you are really suffering see your local optometrist. Eye exams can rule out any other more serious problems.
 
If you’re interested in speaking with Dr, Harvey Moscot, or need any additional information regarding seasonal allergies feel free to contact me at your convenience.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Best Regards,
 
Tim Leopold tim@vendeloo.com 718.522.9873
 

Hi Scummy,
I wanted to follow up with an email I’d scent to you regarding safely using eye make up. Makeup can be very irritating to the eyes if used incorrectly and Dr. Harvey Moscot came out with some tips to help first time users and veterans alike from possible mishaps.

Cosmetics such as mascara, eyeliner, and concealer are among the leading foreign objects to enter both girl’s and women’s eyes.

According to Dr. Harvey Moscot of Moscot Eyewear and Eyecare since 1915, “The most serious problem related to the application of eye makeup is injury to the cornea (the clear surface in the front of the eye) from either scratching the eye with a fingernail or eyeliner device. Additionally, allergic reactions from preservatives that stop bacterial growth on makeup can also cause tearing, itching, swelling, and redness to the eyes - more commonly then you’d imagine.

So whether it’s your first time applying makeup or you’re a seasoned veteran below are some helpful tips from Dr. Moscot to help prevent any potential injuries, infections, or allergic reactions to make up applied around your eyes:
•    Careful, Careful, Careful - Eye makeup removers are designed to be used near and around the eye. Makeup removers can cause dryness, itching, and swelling if they get into your eyes so apply with ease and slowly to avoid any from entering the eye.

•    Keep your eyeliner pencils sharpened - This prevents the wood casing from scratching the eye. An old pencil tends to get stiff requiring more pressure. If this happens, replace the pencil with a new one.

•    Give your makeup a break - If you have an eye infection such as pink eye or conjunctivitis, avoid wearing makeup until the condition abates. And importantly, make sure to throw away existing makeup and start anew since older products may still contain bacteria.

•    Out with old, in with the new – It is important to replace old cosmetics every six months to avoid excess contamination and bacteria growth. Old cosmetics are a major cause of eye infections.

•    Saliva does not make for cleaner make up – if your makeup needs a little spiffing up, do not use your saliva to do so! Make sure to clean your make up with water or make up remover only since saliva contains bacteria and might cause infection.

•    Never share eye makeup – Because everyone’s skin bacteria is different, sharing cosmetics is a sure fire way to cause cross contamination which leads to eye infections.

•    Never mix old with new – Old applicators cannot be used with new cosmetics. You run the risk of transferring bacteria into the newly bought product by using older applicators.

•    Makeup counter no no -- Never use sample products at cosmetic counters without making sure they are using a fresh sample on you.

•    Don’t makeup and drive - Never under any circumstance should you ever apply make up in a moving vehicle. Any quick maneuver, stop, or sudden bump could mean an accidental poke.

•    If you think you have an infection, speak with your eye doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
If you’re interested in speaking with Dr, Harvey Moscot, or need any additional information regarding these safety tips feel free to contact me at your convenience.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
 
Best Regards,
 
Tim Leopold  tim@vendeloo.com 718.522.9873
 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration, or AMD, is a progressive eye condition that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. According to the Macular Degeneration Partnership, AMD affects as many as 15 million Americans, with 200,000 new cases each year. In fact, AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older.

AMD causes severe vision loss because it attacks the macula, which is the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail – where your sharpest central vision occurs. Although AMD will not cause complete blindness, it robs you of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or holes at the center of vision. It can dim contrast sensitivity and color perception and destroys the clear, “straight ahead” central vision necessary for reading, driving, identifying faces, watching television, doing fine, detailed work and performing other daily tasks we take for granted. There are two types of AMD - "wet" or neovascular and "dry" or atrophic, with dry AMD being the most common type of macular degeneration by far.

While there are new treatments available for the wet form of AMD, there are no medical treatments available for the dry form at this time (and no cure), which is why controlling your risk factors and making lifestyle changes early are so important.

The good news is that there are lots of things you can do starting now that may help slow down the progression of AMD and vision loss:

o    Eat Lots of Vegetables and Fruits
– Dark green leafy vegetables like spinach, kale, mustard greens and collard greens and fruits and vegetable with bright color such as red grapes, oranges, mango, peppers and corn, all contain high levels of lutein, which is a critical antioxidant and macula protective pigment.
o    Eat Fish Twice a Week
– People who eat fish 2-3 times a week have a lower risk for AMD. Fish contain omego-3, which is an important nutrient for the eyes. If you cannot eat fish, an omega-3 supplement is another option. Fish oil capsules are also widely available
o    Exercise – Exercise at least three days each week to help keep your cardiovascular system in shape and pumping.
o    Protect Your Eyes From Exposure to Harmful Sunlight
– Ultraviolet light and blue light can damage your retina and may increase your chances of developing macular degeneration and/or speed its development.  Wear a hat or visor when outside and look for sunglasses that screen 100% of ultraviolet A and B rays.
o    Ask Your Doctor About Supplements –
Your doctor can recommend supplements that have been proven to slow the progression and vision loss from AMD. Specific supplements for macular protection that contain the protective pigments that are naturally found in your macula are now available. VISIT WWW.MACUHEALTH.COM to purchase and input promo code U-1110-NY for a special MOSCOT discount.
o    Stop Smoking –
Smoking increases your risk of developing macular degeneration by two to five times. If you have a family history of AMD and your genes contain a certain “complement factor”, your smoking is increasing your risk up to 200 fold.
o    Reduce High Blood Pressure
– The eye is a highly vascular organ and it has a rich supply of blood vessels. Reducing high blood pressure will help reduce your risk of developing AMD.
o    Reduce Cholesterol
– People with high cholesterol have a greater chance of developing macular degeneration, but patients who take “statins” to reduce their cholesterol have a lower risk.
o    Lose Weight
– People who are obese have a higher incidence of AMD.
o    Avoid Saturated Fat and Processed Foods
– Research shows that saturated fat contributes to AMD.
 

What do the movies The Terminator, Risky Business and The Matrix have in common? Sunglasses were the stars! According to Kenny Moscot, president of MOSCOT Eyewear and Eyecare, the following ten movies were that much more memorable because of sunglasses. Moscot ranked the movies in order of sunglass importance and believes there's no arguing which movie is #1:

Top 10 sunglasses in movies:

10. Men in Black
9. Midnight Run
8. Blade
7. Cool Hand Luke
6. Top Gun
5. Reservoir Dogs
4. The Matrix
3. Risky Business
2. The Terminator
1. Blues Brothers

Honorable mentions: Taxi Driver, The Big Lebowski, Dirty Harry, The Lost Boys & Easy Rider