Recently, we added a new Retinal Camera from Kowa. This is also called a fundus camera.  What is a retinal camera?  This special camera takes a high resolution digital photograph of the back of the eye allowing for easier diagnosis of diseases that affect the film of our eyes…… the retina.

What diseases can the retinal camera help diagnose?

• Diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• Glaucoma
• Hypertension
• High Cholesterol
• Brain Tumors
• Cancer of the eye
• Macular Degeneration
• Fluid on the Retina
• Retinal Holes or Tears

And many more

This simple test can be completed for most people without dilating the eyes.  It takes only a few seconds and the results are immediately available to the doctors to explain to our patients.  The retinal camera is an invaluable tool allowing the doctors to magnify even the smallest of images for easier diagnosis.  By attaching the images to our patient’s electronic file, we can compare small changes from year to year making treatment decisions easier.

Come see one of our associates.  At Optix, we provide 21st century eyecare.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
Optix Family Eyecare Center
www.optixeyecare.com

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

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.

1. What is one of the first things that someone sees when he or she meets you?  The answer is your eyeglasses.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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Dr. Joel Kestenbaum and the Optix staff.

My staff and I just got back from a weekend at the New York Vision Expo at the Jacob Javits Convention 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.

Frame designers like Gucci, Dior, Prada, Tiffany, Bvlgari and others were there to display the new spring styles of sunglasses and present a look into the future of their designs.  Lens technology is also changing.  Thinner and lighter lenses are being developed to improve patient comfort.  Transitions lenses, lenses that darken in sunlight, are constantly improving, as are progressive multifocal lenses for those of us over 40.

Last year, Optix added new lens lab equipment to improve prescription accuracy, carpeting, wallpaper and a new computer system.  All of these improvements were made with the intent of improving our patient’s experience in our office and when they leave our office.  This year, we will be adding  to our examinations.  This special testing makes examining the retina easier for the patient and may reduce the need for dilation in many cases.

As everyone knows, famous people lend their name to fashion.  Eyewear is no different.  This trade show saw stars like Mike Piazza, Randy Jackson, Mickey Rourke, and Paris Hilton.  They of course, come with their bodyguards to protect them from the vicious optometrists and opticians roaming around out there.

If you have ever been to the Javits Center, walking the aisles can be very tiring.  Entrepreneurs set up shop for distribution of gel pad shoes inserts and back and foot massages.  Thankful people were eagerly waiting in line for their services, including yours truly.  As I write this article, I am now relaxing with my feet up on the ottoman.
It’s good to be home.

Joel Kestenbaum, OD

(Top Row: Judy Kestenbaum, Jan Axelrod, Cathy Brandwein, Gilma Mejia)
(Bottom Row: Jack Lawless, Eileen Rosen, Sharon Sutker, Dr. Michelle Zalaznick)
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Anyone who runs a business knows that employees are the backbone.  Practicing optometry at Optix almost 25 years, I have been lucky enough to see very few employees leave for other employment.  I guess I was smart enough to hire good people and those good people have stayed with me to help build our eyecare practice.

My longest employee, Jack Lawless is also a close friend.  Jack now spends the winter in Florida and returns to Optix for the balance of the year.  He is a true people person and has helped shape our practice to what it is today.  Eileen Rosen has also been an integral part of our Optix family for over 20 years.  It is nice to know that people enjoy their working environment.  It tells me a lot about myself and about the atmosphere we’ve created for our patients in the office.

How long have the others worked at Optix?
-    My wife Judy, over 15 years.
-    Gilma Mejia over 7 years.
-    Jan Axelrod and Sharon Sutker, over 6 years.
-    Evan Kestenbaum, 3 years
-    Cathy Brandwein almost 2 years

I am proud to call those who are not family, my friends.  I am proud to say that each loves working with our wonderful patients and has made Optix their second home.

I want to congratulate Matt Geller who will be attending SUNY College of Optometry in August, 2009.  Matt is an optometric intern at Optix and has taken on the responsibility of organizing and posting all these blog articles.  We look forward to having Matt back in the office after he graduates SUNY Albany in May.

Great people have made Optix a great place to practice optometry.  Thank you to my valued staff and friends.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum

You may be wondering, “A blog? What for?”
Here at Optix Family Eyecare we are taking the initiative to provide not only our patients but millions of people with important knowledge about the WORLD of eye care.

We feel it is absolutely imperative that people understand how important their eye health is and what it means to have healthy vision. We understand that many individuals may neglect their eye health and therefore seriously put a damper on all areas of their life. The bottom line, Optix Family Eyecare of Long Island is here to step up to the plate and provide you with a constant feed of great knowledge, both fun and informative, about YOUR EYE HEALTH!

Most of all, the Optix Blog is here for you to enjoy yourself and relax.
We will provide you with great…

1. Success stories
2. Interviews with the Optometry Doctors
3. How to’s and tips
4. Pictures and details about Brand New fashion designer eyewear
5. Live video
6. News and Offers going on at Optix Family Eyecare in Plainview, NY

Plus so much more!!

So take a moment to bookmark the blog and check back when it is most convenient for you.
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum, Dr. Michelle Zalaznick and the entire Optix Eyecare team can’t wait to provide you with a plethora of enjoyable and informative knowledge on eyecare!

Check back soon!

-The Optix Team