A recent study conducted by Ki Cheol Chang, M.D., of Seoul National University in South Korea, and colleagues, found that patients taking amantadine, which is used as a treatment for Parkinson's disease, are at a risk for damaging their corneal endothelium (which is the inner layer of the clear dome over the colored portion of the eye.)  This can lead to impaired vision.  Based on the study, the damage that can occur appears to be worsened by the total amount of the drug that is used over time, as well as, the longer it is used for. 

If you or someone you know is taking amantadine please schedule or tell them to schedule an appointment with one of our Eye Care Professionals to evaluate for possible corneal damage.

Alan Szczesniewski, D.O. F.A.O.C.O.

Cynthia Matossian, MD FACS's article, "Flip and Slice" cataract surgery technique was published in the June 25,  2010 U.S. edition of Ocular Surgery News.

The article describes Dr. Matossian's Flip and Slice surgical technique that she has developed and perfected.  This method enhances surgical efficiency and postoperative outcomes.  The entire article can be read at:   http://www.osnsupersite.com/view.aspx?rid=65346 and the video can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGq-zVYlVYY

Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS

Four cases were recently reported in the journal Dermatitis linking shellac in L'Oreal's Great Lash mascara to skin dermatitis of the eyelids.

This is just one example of skin products, even those marked 'hypo allergenic' or similar designations, that can and do cause skin reactions in sensitive individuals.

If you develop a reaction, stop the use of the product immediately

Michael E. Starrels, MD

A recent article in The American Journal of Epidemiology addressed the role of smoking, alcohol, coffee and tea during pregnancy and the risk of strabismus (lazy eye).

They studied 97,000 Danish children from 1996 to 2003.

Maternal smoking was associated with a significantly elevated risk of strabismus in the child, increasing with the number of cigarettes smoked per day.  Nicotine replacement therapy was not associated with strabismus risk.

Light maternal alcohol consumption was inversely associated with strabismus risk, where as maternal coffee and tea drinking were not associated with strabismus risk.

Michael E. Starrels, MD

Cynthia Matossian, M.D., F.A.C.S., is honored to be appointed Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at The School of Medicine, Temple University.

Dr. Matossian will help further the education of the Temple University ophthalmology resident physicians through their observation of her latest advances in ophthalmic surgical techniques.  Residents will learn the newest technologies in intraocular lens implants for cataract surgery as well as the most advanced cataract removal systems available today.

Dr. Matossian has published multiple articles, including in the recent issue of Ocular Surgery News, June 25, 2010, Flip & Slice Technique for Cataract Surgery, has conducted a number of Pharmaceuticals clinical trials/studies, and continues to lecture throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Cynthia Matossian, M.D., F.A.C.S.