Ask the Expert, Dr. Jackie Levin

Q & Answer Session with Your Dermatologist, Jackie Levin!

Why is seeing a Dermatologist for an annual skin cancer screening important? 
"It could mean the difference between life and death. An early diagnosis can be curable. If the skin cancer is found later, it's harder to treat."

At my appointment, what does the exam entail? 
"Your visit should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. I will examine each part of your skin, and may use a special magnifying glass with a light, called a dermatoscope, to examine certain marks or spots."

Do I have to undress completely? 
"I can't assess your skin with your clothes on. You will fully undress, before I enter the exam room, and then put on a medical gown. If you are not comfortable with just me in the room, you can ask a nurse or assistant to be present as well. I recommend that you do not wear makeup or nail polish, and keep your hair loose so I can evaluate your scalp."

What questions should I be ready to answer?
"I will need to know if you or any family members have had skin cancer, as this could increase your risk of developing the disease. I will ask about your use of sun tanning and tanning beds, as well as your frequency of sunscreen use and skin care products. I'll also need to know what medications you are taking because some of them increase sun sensitivity or supress the immune system, making you more susceptible to skin cancer." 

What happens if Dr. Levin notices something out of the ordinary?
"Be prepared for the possibility of a biopsy on the day of your exam. If I notice something of concern, I will want to have it tested right away. A biopsy is a simple and quick procedure. I will use local anesthetic and take a small tissue sample, which will be examined under a microscope. The purpose of a biopsy is to diagnose the condition. A biopsy is not a treatment."

What happens if my biopsy reveals that I have skin cancer?
"If your biopsy reveals skin cancer, I will need to remove the remainder of the growth. If any atypical cells are found, they will be removed if necessary, or I will want you to come back in weeks or months to see if any growth or changes have taken place."

How can I make sure to catch skin cancers early, for both me and my family?
"In addition to a yearly screening, you should do a self-check at home once a month. Have a partner help, if possible. You'll want to look for any new or changing moles or marks. I'b be happy to teach you how at our next screening appointment." 

For skin cancer screening appointments for you & your family,

please call Tayani Institute at:

(949) 489-2218

Happy Holidays from Tayani Institute and DermaBare!

What unique gift do you get the person who has everything?

How about giving the gift of vision and/or skin care? Tayani Institute and DermaBare provide gift certificates for eye exams, eyeglasses, sunglasses, skin checks, and skin care products and treatments.

DermaBare is offering a FREE Obagi Toner with any Obagi skin care product purchase, while supplies last. (949) 545-6600

Why Toner?
So, what exactly is a toner and what does it do? A toner is a type of solution, usually liquid, that effectively works to eliminate excess oil and remaining dirt in your pores that your everyday cleanser may not have washed away. Toners also restore the skin’s natural pH balance2 so that the skin has just the right amount of oil to protect it without causing blockages. Toners can help control all of the dirt and oiliness that can be brought about by the environment and weather. By removing oily buildup and residue, toners can help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. Many people also like toners for the way they leave the skin feeling fresh and clean and make their pores appear tighter.

Your Dermatologist, Jackie Levin, explains, "a toner preps the skin for product application by wipeing away any cleansing product left on the skin and helps whatever product applied after penetrate better, which willl lead to faster and more effective results." 

Want to give the gift of a skin check or not sure about the best products for your skin type? Call the DermaBare office today at (949) 545-6600. 

Your Dermatologist, Dr. Jackie Levin, published November 4, 2013!

Dr. Jackie Levin, Dermatologist, has been published in the November 2013 issue of The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology. As an expert in the field of skin care, she is sought-after by numerous national publications and scientific journals for her medical advisement, opinion, and expertise. 

Do you or someone you know suffer from Eczema? Symptoms may vary from person to person but they are usually present as a red, inflamed, and itchy rash and can quickly develop into raised and painful bumps. The first sign of atopic dermatitis is the red to brownish-gray colored patches that are usually very itchy. Itching may become more intense during the night. The skin may present small and raised bumps which may be crusting or oozing if scratched, which will also worsen the itch. The skin tends to be more sensitive and may thicken, crack or scale.

You can read Dr. Jackie Levin's published article, with more detailed information, here. 

To schedule an appointment, please call Tayani Institute at (949) 489-2218. Offices conveniently located in Mission Viejo, San Clemente, Laguna Hills, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Big Bear, and Lake Arrowhead. 

Press Release!

For Immediate Release:

Contact:         Director of Marketing

                        Katey@Tayani.com

                        949-545-6639

Dr. Ramin Tayani FEATURED IN NEWBEAUTY® MAGAZINE

National Glossy Magazine Herald As The Beauty Authority.

September 27, 2013 – Dr. Ramin Tayani, Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon is featured in the Fall/Winter 2013 edition of NewBeauty magazine, which is due on newsstands September 24, 2013.

“Education is an integral part of the success of any plastic surgery. I completed 17 years of training after high school to be able to start my own practice. I also spent an additional three months traveling around the country to visit and observe what many would call ‘the gurus of oculoplastic surgery.’ Now I teach at the University of California, Irvine on a regular basis, and share my techniques with the surgical residents there.”

Readers looking for the latest in “must-have” beauty products, anti-aging strategies and cosmetic enhancements turn to the pages of NewBeauty. The world’s most unique beauty magazine, NewBeauty is the ultimate aesthetic resource for “everything beauty,” covering subjects from advancements in facial fillers to the most luxurious spa treatments to the newest wrinkle-reducing serums and everything in between. NewBeauty’s reach beyond print—to online and retail—cements its reputation as a beauty brand powerhouse among readers, marketers and medical professionals.

Since its launch in January 2005, NewBeauty has fearlessly enabled an open and ongoing line of communication about cosmetic enhancements between consumers, manufacturers and medical professionals. Let’s face it: More than 12.4 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2010—a number that continues to rise each year.

Yet no other publication approaches the subject with NewBeauty’s dedication to fairness and accuracy. Issue after issue, NewBeauty fills the void for reliable information on all types of aesthetic procedures in light of the growing interest and surge in cosmetic-enhancing treatments. Informed, enlightened and inspired readers are empowered to make the best decisions to reach their beauty goals, be they topical, surgical or minimally invasive.

To ensure the accuracy of information in NewBeauty’s pages, the publisher established the Editorial Advisory Board, comprised of recognized experts in their respective fields. Each article and advertisement has been carefully reviewed by at least two members of the Advisory Board, assuring readers that the information provided is fair, accurate and reliable. In its Beauty Experts Guide, NewBeauty only profiles physicians who are board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists, as well as cosmetic dentists who have met rigorous standards and demonstrate extreme due diligence in their respective fields.

With a distribution of approximately 500,000 copies per issue, NewBeauty is available for purchase at 40,000 plus retailers in the United States, including major bookstores like Barnes & Noble, as well as airports, supermarkets and newsstands.

Sandow Media Corporation is a cutting-edge publishing company built around a single philosophy: “Always exceed expectations.” Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Sandow Media Corporation is defined by an unrelenting drive to innovate. Founded in 2002 by Adam I. Sandow, Sandow Media specializes in high-end consumer books and magazines in the categories of travel, shelter and beauty.

Ramin Tayani, MD, FACS, FAACS

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology

Orbital-Facial Plastic Surgeon

Cataract, Cosmetic Eyelid & Face

Alumnus of UCI, UCLA, MCW, Yale, & Harvard

Insurances:

Medicare | Medi-cal | Monarch | MemorialCare | Heritage | Mission IPA | Most major PPO’s | Regal | Talbert | Care Credit | Cash pricing | VSP | Eyemed | Spectera | Medical Eye Services | Superior Vision | OptiCare |

All others call for details

  

San Clemente – Laguna Hills – Irvine – Costa Mesa – Mission Viejo

949.489.2218     |     www.Tayani.com

# # #

Skincare for Men - Not just for Women!

According to Dr. Jackie Levin, Dermatologist, the demand for topical products capable of preventing aging or delivering cosmetic improvement to the male skin is growing. Companies are marketing products that are labeled “for men.” Nevertheless, there is no consensus on which properties these products should possess.

Cosmeceutical ingredients capable of reversing sun-induced alteration are of particular benefit for men. Adapting cosmetic treatment to male grooming routines increases compliance. Shaving presents an opportunity to deliver cosmeceuticals for men. Skin care products for men is evolving and becoming seemingly complex.

Here are five basic tips for men's skin care:

Five Tips for Men’s Skin Care

While it may seem like the only difference between skin care products for women and skin care for men is that one smells like flowers and the other smells like “manly scents,” taking care of the male face is much more complicated than you’d think. However, that doesn’t mean men can’t have skin that’s healthy and great looking for years to come. Here are five tips on men’s skin care.

Anti-Aging Skin Care Is Important for Men Too
Men get wrinkles just like women do! And while it’s more acceptable for a man’s face to look “rugged” or “aged,” that doesn’t mean that we should all just accept the signs of aging on our skin. Both men and women can benefit from a good anti-aging or anti-wrinkle skin care regimen.

Men’s Skin Care Products Should Be Different
Men shouldn’t rely solely on the skin care products that women do. Why is this? Because while exfoliation is important for women, it’s especially important for men, as facial hair can increase the number of dead cells on the skin’s surface. Also, because men often experience irritation from razor burn, their skin care products should actively work to reduce and soothe skin irritation.

Men’s Skin Care and Exercise
Men tend to work out more and play more sports, so they tend to wash their faces more often as a result. For this reason, men’s skin care products should be relatively gentle to help prevent irritation from frequent washing. If you work out during the middle of the day, try using Clarifying Toner on your face instead of a cleanser. It will remove any surface dirt and help prevent clogged pores without drying out your skin. Washing your face more than twice a day can dehydrate it and increase ingrown hairs. It’s important to care for your skin after a workout, but you don’t want to overdo it.

Sun Damage Hurts Men’s Skin Too
Nothing does more damage to skin’s health and appearance than the sun. Since men are just as susceptible, sun protection is an important part of any men’s skin care regimen. Even if you aren’t outside most of the day, activities like driving add up to more exposure than you’d think. And if you do spend a lot of time outdoors, you’re clocking even more hours in the sun. So make sure that you wear sunblock or sunscreen daily!

Everybody Needs to Moisturize, Even Men 
What’s the second most damaging thing for your skin? Lack of hydration! In addition to drinking lots of water (and no, beer does not count), use a gentle, soothing moisturizer that’s formulated for men’s skin daily. Not only will it make your skin feel softer in the short term, it will help keep it looking healthy and youthful in the long run.

DermaBare Aesthetics and Laser Center Launches New Website for Orange County Laser Skin Care Patients

Mission Viejo, California   August 15, 2013   Health News

(PRLEAP.COM) DermaBare Aesthetics and Laser Center, a premier provider of laser hair removal treatment in Mission Viejo and Orange County, CA, is excited to announce the launch of their new website, located at http://dermabare.com. The revamped website was created to better serve the needs of current and prospective laser hair removal and cosmetic surgery patients in Southern California.

DermaBare's latest website is a comprehensive resource for men and women who are interested in pursuing non-surgical cosmetic enhancements. It features an in-depth section on laser hair removal treatments, including the type of lasers used, what patients can expect during treatment, and information on the areas of the body that can be treated. Website visitors can also learn about the experience of DermaBare's medical professionals who administer laser hair removal treatments.

In addition to offering laser hair removal information, the new website features information on all of the aesthetic skin care services offered at DermaBare's Mission Viejo, OC office. Individuals can learn about the many non-surgical treatments available, such as Botox injections, dermal fillers, and laser skin resurfacing. DermaBare is proud of its reputation as the top provider of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, and hopes that providing information on these procedures online will encourage more potential patients to schedule a complimentary consultation.

In addition to reading about the procedures available, website visitors can browse through before and after photos, learn about current specials and promotions, or conveniently schedule an appointment online.

More about DermaBare Aesthetics and Laser Center
DermaBare Aesthetics and Laser Center is a leading provider of aesthetic skin care and laser hair removal services. The practice is led by a team of experienced medical aestheticians who have the technical skill and keen aesthetic eye to help all patients achieve their cosmetic goals safely and effectively. The practice has been recognized by Lumenis as the most experienced provider of laser hair removal services in Southern California. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, contact the practice today at 866-444-6411 or 949-545-6600.

DermaBare Aesthetics and Laser Center
DermaBare Aesthetics and Laser Center 
949-545-6600

http://www.prleap.com/pr/208474/

Sunscreen is NOT just for the beach!

Did you know, Orange County, that you should wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy?

Harmful rays abound even if the sun is behind the clouds, says Dr. Jackie Levin. If you want to halt aging, cover up!

Common Myths About Sun Protection

You can't get a sunburn on a cloudy day.
Up to 80 percent of the UV rays that cause sun damage penetrate clouds, so your chances of getting sunburn on a cloudy day are quite high.  Also, since UV rays can be reflected off of water, sand, snow, and concrete, you can even get a sunburn in the shade or when skiing on a cold, winter day. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

Suntanned skin is healthy. 
A suntan is a sign of skin damage, just like a sunburn. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

Indoor tanning is a healthier way to tan than lying in the sun. 
Tanning beds also emit UV rays. This kind of exposure may not show damage immediately but, over time, it can break down the skin's collagen and elastin and can accelerate wrinkles, leathery skin and skin cancers. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

Wearing a t-shirt while in the sun will protect you from burning. 
While clothing provides some protection, a standard white t-shirt only has an SPF of about 7. If it's wet, the SPF can go down as low as 3.  The darker and thicker the clothing, the more protection it provides. (Source: Skin Cancer Foundation)

If you have dark skin, you don't need to use sunscreen. 
Although dark skin does not burn in the sun as easily as fair skin, the sun can still damage the skin. (Source: National Cancer Institute)

You need to sunbathe to make sure you have enough Vitamin D. 
Vitamin D is present in everyday foods. The American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend deliberate sun exposure for the purpose of getting Vitamin D. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

SPFs over 30 don't give you more protection.
Sunscreens are rated or classified by the strength of their sun protection factor (SPF). The SPF numbers on the packaging can range from as low as 2 to greater than 50. These numbers refer to the product's ability to deflect the sun's burning rays (UVB). However, some sunscreens now include compounds such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and avobenzone which helps protect against UVA rays as well. The sunscreen SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.

Many people mistakenly think that a sunscreen with an SPF 45 rating would give three times as much protection as one with an SPF of 15. This is not true. SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens filter 98%, and SPF 100 filter 99%. The higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. No sunscreen protects you completely. (Source: American Academy of Dermatology)

If you've lathered yourself with a high SPF sunscreen, you're fully protected from the sun.
Skin care experts recommend using a combination of sun protection tactics that include seeking shade, using sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, a hat, and clothing that protects exposed skin. (Source: Centers for Disease Control)

Call for an appointment with our Dermatologist Orange County, Dr. Jackie Levin, today! DermaBare Orange County: (949) 545-6600

Dermatology Coming Soon to Lake Arrowhead!

 

Dr. Ramin Tayani was proud to announce to the Lake Arrowhead community that Dermatology services will be available starting in October. Dermatologist Jackie Levin is excited to start seeing patients and you can start booking your appointments with her today! 

On Wednesday, August 14th, 2013, Dr. Tayani hosted a dinner presentation for the Physicians of Lake Arrowhead. A presentation was given about cataracts surgery and the latest in lens technology. Dr. Jackie Levin spoke on sun protection and anti-aging skin care. Her background is in product development, so she knows all the secrets for wrinkle reduction! 

Please call Lake Arrowhead for an appointment: (909) 336-6673

Please call Orange County for an appointment: (949) 489-2218

Free Botox in August!

Want to remove your fine lines & wrinkles before "Back To School" begins? 
Tayani Institute's Aesthetic Center (DermaBare in Mission Viejo, Orange County, CA) is offering 10 units of Botox FREE with purchase of a syringe of Juvederm. It doesn't get much better than that! Get your appointment today before all of our August slots fill-up! Offer Expires 8/31/13. (949) 545-6600

How to Enhance Your Eyes

Dr. Tayani, Founder and Medical Director of Tayani Institute, was recently sought-out by New Beauty Magazine to be the expert speaker on Eye Enhancement. This live national broadcast was extremely informative and entertaining! Dr. Tayani is the most renowned Oculoplastic Surgeon in the nation and patient's travel across the country to meet with him.

Do you have questions about your aging eyes? Want to know when you should start using Botox? Wondering how to apply make-up to brighten your look? Learn all that and more! 

Watch the video on YouTube by clicking here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWYRu7h8eHM&feature=youtu.be

The Latest in Contact Lens Technology

Do your contacts make your eyes red? Are they uncomfortable? 

Tayani Institute now carries a lens that has tackled all of these problems. Dailies Total 1 is the first water gradient lens ever developed. You'll have increased comfort, better vision, and healthier eyes. 

Call today for an appointment at one of our 5 Orange County locations: (949) 489-2218

Dr. Ramin Tayani Featured in New Beauty Magazine!

Dr. Ramin Tayani FEATURED IN NEWBEAUTY® MAGAZINE

National Glossy Magazine Herald As The Beauty Authority.

For Immediate Release:

Contact:         Director of Marketing

                        Katey@Tayani.com

                        949-545-6639

June 21, 2013 – Dr. Ramin Tayani, Board Certified Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon is featured in the Summer/Fall 2013 edition of NewBeauty magazine, which is due on newsstands June 25, 2013.

“Education is an integral part of the success of any plastic surgery. I completed 17 years of training after high school to be able to start my own practice. I also spent an additional three months traveling around the country to visit and observe what many would call ‘the gurus of oculoplastic surgery.’ Now I teach at the University of California, Irvine on a regular basis, and share my techniques with the surgical residents there.”

Readers looking for the latest in “must-have” beauty products, anti-aging strategies and cosmetic enhancements turn to the pages of NewBeauty. The world’s most unique beauty magazine, NewBeauty is the ultimate aesthetic resource for “everything beauty,” covering subjects from advancements in facial fillers to the most luxurious spa treatments to the newest wrinkle-reducing serums and everything in between. NewBeauty’s reach beyond print—to online and retail—cements its reputation as a beauty brand powerhouse among readers, marketers and medical professionals.

Since its launch in January 2005, NewBeauty has fearlessly enabled an open and ongoing line of communication about cosmetic enhancements between consumers, manufacturers and medical professionals. Let’s face it: More than 12.4 million surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures were performed in 2010—a number that continues to rise each year.

Yet no other publication approaches the subject with NewBeauty’s dedication to fairness and accuracy. Issue after issue, NewBeauty fills the void for reliable information on all types of aesthetic procedures in light of the growing interest and surge in cosmetic-enhancing treatments. Informed, enlightened and inspired readers are empowered to make the best decisions to reach their beauty goals, be they topical, surgical or minimally invasive.

To ensure the accuracy of information in NewBeauty’s pages, the publisher established the Editorial Advisory Board, comprised of recognized experts in their respective fields. Each article and advertisement has been carefully reviewed by at least two members of the Advisory Board, assuring readers that the information provided is fair, accurate and reliable. In its Beauty Experts Guide, NewBeauty only profiles physicians who are board-certified plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons and dermatologists, as well as cosmetic dentists who have met rigorous standards and demonstrate extreme due diligence in their respective fields.

With a distribution of approximately 500,000 copies per issue, NewBeauty is available for purchase at 40,000 plus retailers in the United States, including major bookstores like Barnes & Noble, as well as airports, supermarkets and newsstands.

Sandow Media Corporation is a cutting-edge publishing company built around a single philosophy: “Always exceed expectations.” Based in Boca Raton, Florida, Sandow Media Corporation is defined by an unrelenting drive to innovate. Founded in 2002 by Adam I. Sandow, Sandow Media specializes in high-end consumer books and magazines in the categories of travel, shelter and beauty.

Ramin Tayani, MD, FACS, FAACS

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology

Orbital-Facial Plastic Surgeon

Cataract, Cosmetic Eyelid & Face

Alumnus of UCI, UCLA, MCW, Yale, & Harvard

Insurances:

Medicare | Medi-cal | Monarch | MemorialCare | Heritage | Mission IPA | Most major PPO’s | Regal | Talbert | Care Credit | Cash pricing | VSP | Eyemed | Spectera | Medical Eye Services | Superior Vision | OptiCare |

All others call for details

  

San Clemente – Laguna Hills – Irvine – Costa Mesa – Mission Viejo

949.489.2218     |     www.Tayani.com

# # #

Increased Compliance with Disposable Contacts

Study: Daily disposables can improve compliance, ease of use, comfort.

Refitting soft contact lens wearers with daily disposable contact lenses improves compliance, ease of use and comfortable wearing time for struggling patients, according to a Vistakon press release.

The release detailed study findings that were presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting.

The study included 611 habitual soft contact lens wearers, 381 of whom used reusable silicone hydrogels, 169 of whom used daily disposable hydrogels and 61 of whom used reusable hydrogels, according to the release.

An eight-item Contact Lens Dry Eye Questionnaire (CLDEQ-8) was administered electronically to registry participants at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 months after registration. Higher CLDEQ-8 scores indicated more symptoms with lens wear. Wearers’ responses were analyzed for differences at baseline between lens types and for change over time by habitual lens group, the release said.

Scores improved significantly for all groups at the 2-week survey and remained relatively stable through the 4 months of follow-up.

More than 90% of newly refit daily disposable wearers rated their compliance as “excellent” or “very good” after 4 months of wear, regardless of habitual contact lens type, and 96% of registry participants found 1-Day Acuvue TruEye or 1- Day Acuvue Moist to be “extremely easy” or “very easy” to use, according to the release.

In addition, at baseline, daily disposable lens wearers rated their compliance and ease of use with habitual daily disposable lenses significantly higher than reusable lens wearers. Compliance increased from 62% in reusable lens wearers to 86% in habitual daily disposable wearers (P < .0001). Ease of use ratings of “excellent/very good” increased from 60% to 93% when reusable lenses were replaced with daily disposables (P < .0001), the release said.

“The study demonstrates that daily disposables can offer a more comfortable, compliant and user-friendly wearing experience to patients who have challenges with their soft contact lenses,” principal investigator Robin L. Chalmers, OD, said in the release. “The study results suggest that the 1-Day Acuvue TruEye and 1-Day Acuvue Moist daily disposable lenses may be good choices to help address patients’ problems with their habitual lenses and to help struggling patients have a more comfortable wearing experience.”

The study was sponsored by Vistakon Division of Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc.

June 19, 2013
Helio.com

Retin-A, Accutane, and Bactroban

The most-recognized dermatology brand in North America is Retin-A. The brand was most-recognized by 6.5 % of physicians in a survey conducted by Brand Institute Inc. during the fourth quarter of 2012. Retin-A, comprising tretinoin, is marketed by Ortho Dermatologics (orthodermatologics.com), a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (jnj.com). The product’s three formulations are all indicated for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Accutane is the second most-recognized dermatology brand in North America. About 3.6% of physicians recognize this brand the most. Accutane, composed of isotretinoin, is marketed by Roche (roche.com). The product was approved by FDA in May 1982 for the treatment of severe nodular acne.

The third most-recognized dermatology brand in North America is Bactroban. About 2.5% of physicians recognize this brand the most. Bactroban, comprising mupirocin, is marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (gsk.com). The product is indicated for the topical treatment of impetigo due to S. aureus and S. pyogenes.

Brand Institute (brandinstitute.com) surveyed more than 2,000 physicians and hospital and retail pharmacists in North America and Europe to determine the most-recognizable brands in the category of dermatology. Brandpoll is a marketing tool designed to help clients monitor the competitive marketplace and identify the potential strengths and weaknesses of their brands.

by Joshua Slatko

For the full article, click here: http://www.pharmalive.com/most-recognize-dermatology-brands-june-2013

For any skin care questions and concerns, please call our DermaBare Office in Orange County at (949) 545-6600. Book an appointment with our Dermatologist today! 

June is Cataracts Awareness Month!

Thanks to greater senior eye health awareness and new screening and surgical techniques, debilitating vision problems like cataracts are on the decline in older Americans.

The biggest message Prevent Blindness America wants people to take away from this year’s Cataract Awareness Month is that, while cataracts are still the most common cause of blindness, they are also treatable. In fact, thanks in part to increasingly advanced, more effective surgical techniques for cataracts, today’s older adults are reporting fewer visual impairments than the preceding generation of seniors. According to a Northwestern University study published in Ophthalmology last year, visual impairment in seniors 65 and older dropped 58 percent between 1984 and 2010.

At the same time, the overall prevalence of visual impairment in the U.S. is still increasing, reports the Journal of the American Medical Association, due in part to growing numbers of elderly with diabetes-related eye problems. That means there is still work to do when it comes to detecting and treating senior eye health conditions. On the bright side, though, modern medicine has made a lot of progress in certain areas, and that includes cataract detection and treatment.

New Technologies and Surgical Techniques for Senior Eye Health

Angelo P. Tanna, M.D., first author of the Ophthalmology study, credited the improvement of techniques and outcomes for cataract surgery as one of the likely reasons for the decline in visual impairment. He also noted that a decrease in smoking over the past few decades has resulted in less macular degeneration; also, treatments for diabetic eye disease have been more effective and available. “The findings are exciting, because they suggest that currently used diagnostic and screening tools and therapeutic interventions for various ophthalmic diseases are helping to prolong the vision of elderly Americans,” Tanna said in a Northwestern University press release
.

Nearly all cataract surgeries today are conducted using a technique called phacoemulsification, which removes the cataract and replaces the intraocular lens in just 30 to 45 minutes. Not only is the procedure quick and relatively painless, more than 95% of patients experience significant improvements to their vision (Eye Surgery Education Council). Some of the most recent advances to cataract surgery are smaller incisions and better lens technologies, as well as more powerful laser procedures to correct residual vision problems that may occur after surgery (Medscape).

Improving Visual and Physical Health

The positive outcome of these advances is, obviously, a higher success rate for cataract surgery, as well as better senior eye health. A less obvious consequence is better overall physical health and well-being. In conjunction with the decline in vision problems, the Ophthalmology study reported an increased ability of the elderly to conduct activities of independent living such as dressing and bathing. A different 2012 study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients over the age of 65 who had cataract surgery were less likely to suffer hip fractures than those who had not been treated.

Ongoing studies such as these, and the monitoring conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), enables researchers to continue making improvements to the detection and treatment of senior vision problems.

Promoting Senior Eye Health: Cataract Awareness Month

An important factor in the success of cataract treatment and other eye procedures is, of course, public awareness—there are still more than 24 million Americans over age 40 with cataracts, according to Prevent Blindness America, and left untreated, they can lead to serious visual impairment, reduced quality of life, and vision loss. Because cataracts often develop slowly and painlessly, many people do not realize they have them until their vision is obviously impaired.

The positive message that the folks behind Cataract Awareness Month want you to take away, though, is this: “Although getting a cataract is common, it doesn’t have to mean permanent vision loss,” said Hugh R. Parry, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness America. “One way to protect our vision is to make a commitment to take care of our eyes today, including getting a dilated eye exam, so we can help protect our sight for the future not just from cataract, but other eye diseases as well.”

Article by: Sarah Steveson:  http://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-6-7-senior-eye-health/

Have you or your loved ones had cataract surgery? What has your experience been, and what would you recommend to readers concerned about eye health? Leave your contributions in the comments below.