Eye Makeup & Health in Connecticut

“Sometimes patients do not realize that the improper use and handling of eye makeup can adversely affect their eye health,” commented Fairfield County Ophthalmologist Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton, CT. The proper use and care of eye makeup is important for helping to keep your eyes both healthy and beautiful. There are a number of steps and precautions to think about.

First, throw away eye makeup after three months. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup. If you develop an eye infection, immediately toss all of your eye makeup. Second, never share eye makeup, and when sampling makeup in stores use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users. In fact the safest choice is to avoid using store samples at all. Third, if you tend to be allergic, introduce only one new eye makeup or care product at a time. If there is no reaction, add another new product, and so on. If you notice an allergic reaction, find out what the ingredients are and let your eye doctor know. Avoid products that contain untested or harmful chemicals. In general, before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are very clean. Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete oil that protects the eye’s surface. If you tend to have dry eyes, avoid metallic/glitter, powder or other makeup that flakes. Flakes can get into the tear film and increase your eyes’ irritation. Glitter eye makeup is a common cause of corneal irritation or infection, especially in contact lens users. Finally, always remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants. If you use eye makeup remover, avoid getting it in your eyes and thoroughly rinse remover off your eyelids. If at any time you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your eye surgeon tells you it is safe to do so, and then use only fresh, new makeup. For more information or if you have questions about eye makeup and eye health please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113.

Lens Implants for Cataracts in Connecticut

Connecticut patients should become familiar with choosing a Lens Implant for Cataracts as it is an important decision they will make when having Cataract Surgery. “The decision on exactly how to correct your vision after Cataract Surgery used to be a decision that was the sole responsibility of your Cataract Surgeon,” said Corneal Specialist and Fairfield County Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices in Westport, Norwalk and Wilton CT.  “As more advanced types of lens implant technology became available that could do some extra things for patients, we were able to offer our Cataract patients some options for their vision correction,” said Dr. Doctor.

Beginning in around 2005 it became necessary for Cataract Surgeons to discuss Lens Implant options with patients so together they could choose the most appropriate lens implant for the lifestyle needs of the patient. Only after the Cataract evaluation, can we make a firm recommendation for each patient because the choice of Lens Implant really depends on several factors including

• the patient’s prescription
• the overall health of their eyes
• whether they have any other health problems, such as diabetes
• and most importantly, how they use their eyes throughout their daily routine.

A type of lens implant called an aspheric lens implant seems to give the sharpest, most crisp vision-but only corrects distance vision and requires you to wear reading glasses or bifocals, after cataract surgery. This might be fine for a truck driver who needs cataract surgery, but might not be the best choice for a sales clerk who uses his or her eyes at many distances all day. A type of lens implant called a toric lens implant is often selected for Cataract patients who have correction their eyeglasses. If you have a toric lens implant to correct your vision after Cataract Surgery, you will still need to correct you near vision to see up close with reading glasses of some sort. For those patients who do a number of things throughout the day that require seeing far away, at arm’s length (say for the computer) and also to see up close, if you are a good candidate, we can offer you a multifocal lens implant that corrects near vision and presbyopia. So, it will help you see at a range of distances without being totally dependent on eyeglasses. Choosing a Lens Implant is a joint effort between you and your eye surgeon. It is not your decision alone. It’s not like buying a pair of shoes or a car where you can ask your friends for a good “brand” or you can read a brochure or see a TV commercial and then you can choose. It requires the careful evaluation and recommendation of skilled and experienced cataract surgeon to help you make the best choice. If you or someone you know has Cataracts and needs help with Cataract Surgery and Lens Implant information please feel free to call Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113

Corneal Infections in Connecticut

"Connecticut patients need to know that corneal infections can be a serious matter," remarked Connecticut Corneal Specialist Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices in Westport, Norwalk and Wilton, CT. 



 "The normal healthy cornea is usually very resistant to infection. If the outermost layer of the cornea, called the epithelium, is damaged from trauma of any type, such as from getting a poke in the eye from a branch or a finger, a foreign body such as metal or even from a dirty or damaged contact lens, it is possible for bacteria, viruses or fungi to penetrate the cornea and cause an infection," relayed Dr. Leslie Doctor.

Situations like these can cause painful inflammation and corneal infections called Keratitis. The signs and symptoms of a corneal infection or Keratitis may include redness, pain, watering, light sensitivity and perhaps a white spot that is actually visible where the infection is focused. In addition, Keratitis can cause a painful inflammation with a discharge, which if not treated quickly and appropriately, can lead to corneal erosion, corneal ulceration and corneal scarring which can impair vision and may require a corneal transplant.

Quick diagnosis and treatment are the best way to avoid the potential for damage and vision loss from a corneal infection. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs or symptoms-especially if they have had any trauma to their eyes-please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113 and request an immediate appointment with Corneal Specialist Leslie Doctor, M.D.