Newswise — New York City, NY (May 19, 2011) – The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Montefiore Medical Center has established itself as one of the largest ophthalmology departments in the nation. With a full time faculty of 29, the Department has achieved an annual volume of over 100,000 annual patient appointments. Through its partnership with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, the Department has enhanced efforts in advancing clinical and translational research and educates the next generation of Ophthalmologists through its residency program. Throughout the year, experts are available for interviews on the latest, state-of-the art eye care services:
May is Ultraviolet Awareness Month
Exposure to UV rays can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk of developing cataract and cancers of the eye. Protect your eyes from UV dangers and choose the right sunglasses.
-Irena Tsui, Attending Physician, Vitereoretinal Surgery
April is Women’s Health and Safety Month
The incidence of dry eye is more prevalent in older Caucasian females, but also affects other populations and ethnic groups. The condition results when there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eyes.
-Roy Chuck, MD, PhD, Paul Henkind Chair
June and July are Fireworks Safety Prevention Months
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries happen each year. Of these, nearly half are head-related injuries with nearly 30 percent of those injuries to the eyes. For safety during celebrations with fireworks, experts recommend viewing fireworks from at least 500 feet away and respecting safety barriers. -Charles Zhang, MD, Attending Physician, Pediatric Ophthalmology, Neuro-Ophthalmology and Ocular Pathology
August is Cataract Awareness Month
Cataracts affect more than half of Americans over the age of 65 and are the number one cause of blindness worldwide. The condition is characterized by a clouding of the eye’s lens that blocks light from passing to the retina. Cataracts cause blurring or dimming of eyesight. They can also cause double vision and a film over the eye. Like glaucoma, cataracts cause no symptoms at first, but they can also be detected during an eye exam. The good news with cataracts – unlike other eye diseases, eyesight can be restored through surgery, which has a 95 percent success rate.
-David Gritz, MD, Director, Cornea and Uvetis Service
September is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Make sure your child gets a yearly eye exam. Conditions such as amblyopia, a disease affecting 2-3% of children, may cause permanent vision loss.
-Norm Medow, MD, Chief, Pediatric Ophthalmology
October is Home Eye Safety Month
There are thousands of eye injuries a year related to common household products and sports. Experts can discuss tips on protecting yourself and your child from eye injuries.
-Ilana Friedman, MD, Attending Physician, Pediatric Ophthalmology
November is Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Can people with diabetes prevent the onset of diabetic eye disease? As many as 3.6 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from diabetic eye disease. Physicians can offer tips on preventing blindness and information about surgery.
-Umar Mian, MD, Director of Retinal Service
December is Safe Toys and Gifts Month
When it comes to their eyes, what are the most dangerous toys for children? Our experts can give tips on how to choose age appropriate and safe toys.
-Jamie Rosenberg, MD, Attending Physician, Pediatric Ophthalmology
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve and leading to blindness if left untreated. Abnormal high pressure in the eye typically is the cause of the optic nerve damage behind glaucoma. Early diagnosis of the condition can minimize or prevent optic nerve damage and limit loss tied to the disease.
-Assumpta Madu, MD, MBA, Director of Clinical Operations
-Anurag Shrivastava, MD, Attending Physician, Glaucoma Service
March is Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month
Macular Degeneration is defined as deterioration of the macula, which is located in the center of the retina, and is one of the leading causes of blindness in Americans older than 65. There are several risk factors for Age-Related Degeneration including a family history of the eye condition and being over the age of 60. Other risk factors include obesity, smoking and having hypertensive or hypercholesterolemia conditions.
-David Levinson, DO, Attending Physician
About Montefiore Medical Center: As the University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Montefiore is a premier academic medical center nationally renowned for its clinical excellence and scientific discovery; compassionate, patient centered model of care; commitment to its community; and medical education, including the second largest residency program in the country. Montefiore is recognized among the top hospitals nationally and 6th out 180 in the New York metro area by U.S. News & World Report. The Children's Hospital at Montefiore has consistently ranked in U.S. News "Americas Best Children's Hospitals," and is 2nd among those in the New York metro area. As an integrated health system, it is comprised of four hospitals, has 1491 beds and 93,000 annual hospital discharges, and is seamlessly linked by advanced technology. State of the art primary and specialty care is provided through a network of nearly 100 locations across the region, including the largest school health program in the nation and a home health program. Inspired by its patients and its community, Montefiore is on the frontlines of developing innovative approaches to care and is a national model for excellence. www.montefiore.org and www.montekids.org
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