By Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
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May 13, 2009
To Glare or Not to Glare…. That is the question
Nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism are the three most common reasons why people wear eyeglasses. The choices of frames are endless. The choices of lenses are better defined. When it comes to lenses, there are certain options that one can choose. These include thinner lenses, UV protection, scratch resistance and non-glare lenses.
In my opinion, there is one option that should not be an option. Non-glare, also called anti-glare or anti
reflective lenses have so many benefits. These lenses are truly a necessity. Standard prescription lenses, although they may make your vision clearer, actually reduce the amount of pure light getting to your eyes. Depending on the lens material, you can lose as much as 15% of the incoming light to reflections within the lens. This is why when you look at someone wearing eyeglasses, you see reflections of yourself or the sky or the overhead lights.
Non-Glare lenses actually help you see better than you would with conventional lenses. They improve vision by reducing reflections coming off your lenses. They improve night vision, computer vision, vision in sunlight and vision indoors. Non-glare lenses are not new. They are improved to the point where they are scratch resistant and smudge resistant as well. Non-glare lenses improve the cosmetic appearance of eyeglasses by minimizing the rings that you would otherwise see in high prescriptions. As an added benefit, the lenses appear thinner than they actually are.
So I am baffled why someone would choose “glare” lenses. In Europe and in Asia, non-glare lenses are the norm. In the United States, patients are slowly accepting theses lenses as the standard. In our office, we have been educating our patients about the benefits of non-glare lenses for over 15 years. We have such confidence in today’s technology that we offer to change the lenses to the older “glare” lenses if for some reason a patient isn’t satisfied. We have never had to honor this guarantee with the newer technology non-glare lenses.
So when you are in need or in the market for a new pair of eyeglasses or sunglasses, think about whether you want to glare or not to glare.
Thank you for choosing OPTIX Family Eyecare Center as your first choice for eyecare and eyewear.
Joel Kestenbaum, OD
By Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
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May 4, 2009
What is glaucoma?
Over two million Americans have glaucoma making it one of the most common causes of legal blindness in the United States. Glaucoma can rob people of their vision even though they don’t have any visual symptoms or pain. In fact, half of those with glaucoma don’t even know it. The disease is not easily diagnosed. For example, the standard test, which measures eye pressure, fails to uncover glaucoma in one third of patients with the disease. This is why glaucoma is called the “sneak thief of sight.”
A Better Glaucoma Detection Technology
Don’t worry, Optix has the revolutionary Zeiss GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer. This revolutionary new technology helps Drs Kestenbaum, Zalaznick and Lustig detect glaucoma earlier, so the disease can be treated before
vision is lost. The GDx is a tool that uses a scanning laser to determine the thickness of the nerve fiber layer of the retina. The nerve fiber layer is important because it is the tissue that the optic nerve is made of. Damage to the nerve fiber layer could be a sign of glaucoma. In theory, a thinning of the nerve fiber layer is bad.
The test is a quick and comfortable part of a complete eye exam. Plus, you don’t have to have your pupils dilated. You simply look into the Zeiss GDx system while it safely scans the back of your eye. Total exam time usually takes less than a minute, and the system creates easy-to-read images that the doctor can quickly analyze. This computerized instrument can measure changes in retinal thickness that the eye doctors cannot with a routine exam. This thinning would show up before loss is seen with a visual field or peripheral vision test in most cases. Generally, until there is a field defect, patients are unaware of a problem. The GDx offers important information that is not obvious on clinical examination. It is most useful in following patients over time to see if they are losing tissue at a rate faster than they should. The GDx is likely the earliest glaucoma detection device available.
Enhanced Patient Services
Including the ZEISS GDx screening and exam in our practice is another example of our commitment to provide the most advanced and comprehensive eyecare services. If you have any questions about your vision or the health of your eyes, please contact our office. We are more than happy to help with any of your eye care needs.
What makes me at risk?
• A Family History of Glaucoma?
• High or Borderline Eye Pressure?
• Aging (Generally Over 35 But Could Be Younger)
• Diabetes
• Sleep Apnea (Breathing Disorders)
• African-American or Latino Ancestry?
• Hypertension
• History of Steroid Use
• History of Migraines
• Thinning Corneas
• Suspicious Looking Optic Nerves
• High Myopia (Nearsightedness)
If it has been 18 months since you or a family member have had an eye examination, call Optix to schedule an appointment. Saving your sight is worth an hour of your time.
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
By Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
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April 4, 2009
We all know the economy has been on everyone’s mind, yet there are some things we still need to spend money on: comfortable shoes and quality eyewear, for example.
I learned years ago that a good pair of shoes helps me to feel sound all day. When my feet hurt, it is hard for me to concentrate on my daily activities. As a twenty five year old, I used to wear Thom McCann shoes. They were cheap and looked ok. One day I couldn’t stand the discomfort and decided to invest in a comfortable pair of shoes from an upscale shoe store. The comfort was incredible. From that day on, I have always invested in my feet.
In my opinion, the same concept that applies to shoes, applies to vision and eyewear. As an optometrist married to an optician, I am intricately involved with my patient’s visual well being. Over the years I have listened to my patients complaining about their eyes and vision and have seen many people wearing poor quality eyeglasses. Headaches, eyestrain, tired and red eyes and marks on the nose are just a few of the complaints.
In my office, my staff and I work hard to educate our patients in the importance of maintaining not only clear, but comfortable vision. We have come to the conclusion that people need to put their priorities in order. Most people don’t understand that not all lenses are the same and frames are not just pieces of plastic or metal. More importantly, the opticians that fabricate eyeglasses and the equipment they use can make an extreme difference in the visual outcome.
Think about these facts.
- What is one of the first things that someone sees when he or she meets you? The answer is your eyeglasses.
- If you wear eyeglasses every day, should they be comfortable to wear? I think so. There are many eyeglass materials that are light weight and are guaranteed to hold up to perspiration without pitting. If you can, choose quality over price…. Remember, you wear these eyeglasses every day.
- Should eyeglasses provide clear vision? The answer is definitely yes. So why if non-glare or non-reflective lenses are available in every prescription, do 50% of patients choose older technology lenses that have less than perfect optical quality? I have a hard time understanding this.
- Since eyeglasses are both a visual aid and a cosmetic statement, why do people wear the same pair of eyeglasses every day? I don’t wear the same shirt, shoes or pants every day. So why should I wear the same eyeglasses every day? Should a person have a wardrobe of these? I think so. Fashion eyewear, work glasses, sports glasses, computer glasses, sunglasses are all available. Why wear the same eyewear every day?
At Optix, we invest in our staff as an investment to our patients. We’ve invested thousands of dollars in sophisticated equipment to ensure that eyeglasses are fabricated to exact specifications. We use only the finest quality lenses and recommend only high quality non-glare technology. The frames we recommend are not only fashionable but also comfortable. And they don’t have to be expensive.
In today’s battered economy, the best investment you can make is in something that makes you see well, look good and feel like a million bucks. At Optix, it is our goal to give our patients the best eyewear they’ve ever had and support their purchase with excellent service. Please come see us.
________________________________________
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum and the Optix staff.
By Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
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March 16, 2009
Is anyone watching American Idol this year? The contestants are actually quite entertaining. Of course what I notice is the eyewear fashion, especially that of Danny Gokey. Danny is a 28 year old from Milwaukee Wisconsin who not only has wonderful vocal ability, he has excellent eyewear fashion sense. Danny makes himself noticeable by wearing different eyeglasses each week.
Ever since Sarah Palin took center stage as a vice presidential candidate and wowed the world with her eyeglasses, people are noticing when a celebrity makes a fashion eye statement. Danny has a keen sense of style, wearing different pairs of Versace glasses for each performance.
What Danny realizes that most people don’t is that the first thing that people notice when they look at you is your eyewear and your general style. Most people wear the same eyeglasses every day but would never think of wearing the same clothes. Think of how many pairs of shoes a woman has in her closet. For that matter, how many dresses hang there? It is mind boggling to think that most of those dresses are worn once. And how about the shoes that only match that dress? Are they worn once too? And what do those dresses and shoes cost to be worn once? Think about it.
Why don’t more people have eye fashion sense? I suppose there are lots of reasons. One must remember eyeglasses are worn every day. Danny Gokey embraces the look of eyeglasses. He has taken eyewear fashion to the next level. The next time you are looking for eyeglasses, consider taking it to the next level. Treat yourself to a bit of fashion for something you wear every day.
Optix……..Versace, Bvlgari, Tiffany, Calvin, Gucci, Dior and more.
Come see us so we can help you see others and other see you at your best. You too can be an American Idol.
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
516-931-6330
By Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
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March 14, 2009
We have just received some great news from TLC Laser Center.
Beginning March 15, 2009, if you schedule a Free Lasik Consultation with Dr. Kestenbaum or Dr. Zalaznick,
you will receive a $500 gift card to be applied towards Bladeless Custom Lasik at TLC Laser Center. This is a limited time offer for patients who complete the laser procedure prior to June 9, 2009. Our patients have had tremendous success with lasik including Dr. Kestenbaum’s son who loves the results.
Remember, for good candidates, lasik is an excellent alternative to eyeglasses or contact lenses. Think about your lifestlye and ask Dr. Kestenbaum or Dr. Zalaznick if lasik is right for you.
Call OPTIX today to take advantage of the $500 gift card offer.
By Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
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March 10, 2009
It’s Golf Season!
Okay…..It’s almost spring time. It’s the time you’ve been waiting for. It’s golf season. The pro’s are on TV
every weekend, Tiger is on the prowl, and now and you’re starting to get the itch.
Who am I kidding? I am starting to get the itch. I love golf. I take the game very seriously….. seriously enough to make sure I am seeing the ball as well as I can. Within the past year, I started wearing contact lenses for golf. Even though I see well enough in the office, I have found that I needed an extra edge for my passion. And it really worked. My putting improved because I can read the greens better. My short game improved due to better depth perception. And guess what? My handicap improved too.
Is this all due to contact lenses? Probably not. But lenses did help improve my overall vision. This was one less thing for me to think about so I was able to concentrate on my game.
So what contact lenses are best for your golf game? It all depends on your individual needs. For me, a
single use or one day disposable was perfect. I wear the lenses for about 5 to 8 hours and then I am done. I remove the lens, throw it away, and take a fresh lens the next time I play. I keep a few lenses in my golf bag, my car, my travel kit, my bowling bag, and my tennis bag. Did I mention that contact lenses are great for other passions?
Call (516) 336-8787 if you would like a consultation.
Hit em straight.
Joel Kestenbaum, OD
Optix Family Eyecare Center
popular choice. Patients are realizing that these lenses are the healthiest possible lenses that can be worn. Today, there are more choices than ever in this category of contact lens.
Center. This venue offers eyecare professionals and their staff both continuing education classes as well as exposure to the myriad of new frames, lenses and technology. Hundreds of vendors are there to educate the “optical community” so that the optometrists and opticians may bring their newfound knowledge back to their patients.
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