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What is Glaucoma?

Posted on May 9, 2012 by admin

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when constant pressure is applied to the eyeball. If this condition is left untreated, it will eventually damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness.

What are some of the symptoms of glaucoma?

There are two forms of glaucoma, primary-open angle and acute angle closure glaucoma. Primary open-angle glaucoma is the most common type. Gradual loss of peripheral vision is the primary symptom associated with this condition. Blurred vision, eye pain, nausea and vomiting are some of the most common symptoms of acute angle closure glaucoma.

How often should I be screened for glaucoma?

Patients should get their first glaucoma screening at the age of 35. They should get a second screening at the age of 40. Patients will need to get screened every two years starting at the age of 60.

What are some of the treatment options available for glaucoma?

It is important to note that there is no cure for glaucoma, but it can be managed. Medication, laser surgery and filtration surgery are the three treatment options for glaucoma. Medicated eye drops are usually the first line of treatment.

Prostanglandin-like compounds and Beta Blockers are two classes of the most commonly prescribed eye drops. Prostanglandin-like compounds help increase the aqueous humor production. The aqueous humor is the plasma-like substance in the eye that helps control intraocular pressure. Beta blockers help reduce the production of aqueous humor. Both prostanglandin-like compound and Beta Blockers help prevent further damage to the optic nerve.

Laser surgery is usually advised if the eye drops are not effective. Laser surgery is a simple procedure that can usually be performed in less than 10 minutes. This procedure helps unclog the drainage canals in the eye, which makes it easier for the aqueous humor to drain.

Filtering surgery is the last resort. This procedure involves creating an opening in the sclera, which is the white part of the eye. This opening allows the aqueous humor to leave more freely.

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Blepharospasm Treatment

Posted on April 21, 2012 by admin

Blepharospasm is a neurological disorder that affects the muscles surrounding the eye and sometimes the brow and lower facial muscles. This condition causes involuntary muscle contractions that result in spasms and eye twitches, lengthy blinking time, sensitivity to light and vision impairment. While the eyes themselves are normal, the muscles around the eye will suddenly clamp shut blinding the patient until the muscles relax and the eye can be opened. This can interfere with simple daily tasks. Although the condition can resolve itself within a few days, many individuals find Bleparospasm to be a disabling and persistent situation that requires medical intervention and treatment.

Drug Therapy

There is no cure for Bleparospasm, but treatment options help to reduce the severity of symptoms. General measures involve wearing sunglasses to address the issue of sun sensitivity and application of artificial tears to help with dry eye conditions and eye irritation. There are also various drug therapies that can be used, but most patients do not respond well to medication.

For most individuals, drugs provide unpredictable and partial relief, but it depends on the seriousness of the condition. Drugs can be helpful to reduce anxiety and blood pressure. The National Eye Institute estimates that oral medication helps about 15 percent of the patients who try this type of therapy.

Botulinum Toxin Treatment

The most effective treatment for Bleparospasm is the Botulinum toxin A, the active ingredient in Botox. This FDA approved method for helping Bleparospasm sufferers brings significant improvement in almost every case. Tiny doses of the toxin are injected into the affected muscle. The amount of toxin and the location of the injections depend upon the individual situation. This toxin interferes with the release of acetylcholine (ACh) from the nerves. This causes the muscles to relax and blocks the nerve impulses, which stops the involuntary spasms. Spasms result when the nerves send faulty signals to the muscles.

The effect of the Botox depends on the dosage used, but generally, the patient receives relief within a few days. This relief lasts for about three months. Patients can then receive additional treatments as needed.

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Blocked Tear Ducts

Posted on April 4, 2012 by admin

Blocked tear ducts can be painful and dangerous, not to mention annoying. To better understand the blockage of tear ducts you need to know the causes. Blockage of your tear ducts can be caused at birth due to a congenital condition. Alternatively, it can be caused by a disease or injury. The latter is known as acquired blockage. Both result in the tear duct being unable to function appropriately. The tear duct, also known as the lacrimal duct, is responsible for tears draining into the nose through the sinuses, which is why crying results in a runny nose.

The symptoms of a tear duct blockage are many and varied. Some symptoms included: eyelashes stuck in mucous, swollen tear ducts in the inner eye corner, pain in the corner of the eye, red eyes and irritation of the eye itself. The swelling is caused by an infection of the tear duct which in turn is caused by a blocked duct.

How to Treat a Congenital Obstruction

The first attempted treatment for a congenital blockage of the tear duct involves the gentle massage of the affected area. This pressure and motion should loosen and break up the blockage, which should allow tears and mucous to flow freely from the lacrimal duct. Massage is meant to continue until the ducts are emptied, to ensure a full clearing of the blocked duct.

If massage proves to be ineffective, it can be necessary to act more directly on the obstruction. More direct methods include the use of a small probe and irrigation to remove the blockage.

How to Treat an Acquired Obstruction

Treatment of a blocked tear duct caused by injury or illness depends on the injury or illness. In many cases the operation will be the same as for a congenital obstruction. In more extreme cases, surgery may be called for as the most likely option. This is unlikely, but still a possibility.

In any case, a blocked tear duct should be treated sooner rather than later to avoid the problem growing worse. A specialist can tell you if further treatment may be necessary.

Posted in Blepharoplasty, Blocked Tear Ducts, cataract surgery, Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, eye surgery, Eyelid Surgery | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

Exclusive Offer for New Procedures

Posted on March 15, 2012 by admin

Dr. Richard Roth is excited to introduce two new procedures to Philadelphia patients: CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing with Ellumine and Pelleve Skin Tightening

 

To celebrate these innovative procedures, we are offering 25% off CO2 Laser Resurfacing and Pelleve Skin Tightening packages for the first 25 patients. Offer expires April 15, 2012.

 

About Our New Procedures

Everyone wants to look and feel their best – but not everyone needs or wants to undergo surgery to correct signs of aging or sun damage. Now, Dr. Roth offers patients two new, non-surgical methods to turn back the clock and reveal younger, healthier looking skin.

 

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing with Ellumine

Dr. Roth performs Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing using Ellumine technology. This advanced treatment can improve a number of conditions including:

  • Reducing the appearance of fine lines
    and wrinkles
  • Improving skin tone, texture, and
    tightness
  • Treating age spots, sun spots and other
    skin discoloration
  • Minimizing the appearance of acne scars
    and other scars

 

Getting younger, healthier skin with Ellumine Laser Resurfacing
couldn’t be easier! Treatment generally takes less than an hour. Some patients have reported tenderness in the face and slight redness in the 4 – 7 days after treatment.

 

You can expect to see immediate results with CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing with continued improvement over time. Depending on your age and skin condition, Dr. Roth may recommend multiple laser treatments or a combination of therapies, such as Pelleve Skin Tightening or Botox, to achieve optimal results.

 

Pelleve Skin Tightening

PelleveSkin Tightening is one of the most exciting procedures available in cosmetic surgery. With this revolutionary procedure, Dr. Roth is able to tighten the skin without
performing surgery.

 

The Pelleve system uses continuous, gentle radiofrequency (RF) energy to deeply heat the skin, causing a contraction and stimulating collagen production. Most patients benefit from multiple treatments and see continued improvement in the weeks and months following the procedure.

 

Our patients in Philadelphia love Pelleve because it is quick and virtually painless. It is easy to fit Pelleve into a busy schedule. Treatment is performed in less than an hour and makeup can be applied immediately following the procedure.

 

More so, patients are happy with the natural looking results they achieve. They leave Dr. Roth looking younger and more refreshed – their friends and family often don’t even realize they’ve had a cosmetic procedure!

 

Get Younger, Healthier Looking Skin

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Do you wish you could go back 10, 15, maybe even 20 years? Contact Dr. Richard Roth at one of our convenient locations
throughout the Philadelphia area to find out if CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing or Pelleve is right for you.

 

Don’t forget to ask about our exciting offer and take 25% off your skin rejuvenation package!

Posted in Ellumine, Facial Rejuvenation, Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing, Pellevé Skin Tightening, Special Events and Promotions | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off

Facial Fillers: Naturally Enhance Your Look

Posted on March 4, 2012 by admin

The signs of aging include sagging skin, wrinkles and dullness that do not easily go away through natural methods such as diet and exercise. When it comes time to do more for the skin than try to get more sleep, individuals should consider facial fillers. This is a popular method that many people are using to help stop the look of aging, as it is minimally invasive and much less expensive than surgery.

Facial wrinkles have many causes; the sun, facial expressions, smoking and movement help break down tissues that keep the skin taut and smooth. Individuals in this situation who want a solution that is simple and not painful should consider facial fillers. Facial fillers are targeted to work on a particular problem in the skin, such as wrinkles around the mouth or thin lips. A dermatologist consultation can help a person determine the best type of facial filler for him or her.

Facial fillers are usually injected at the site that needs treatment with small needles. Once injected, the fillers begin to plump up the area, which provides a smooth look to the skin. In most cases this looks completely natural, unlike more serious procedures or surgery. This occurs in an office visit that lasts for an hour or so, and recovery time likely occurs within the next few days. Facial fillers work on the skin for multiple months up to a year, but need to be redone at that time to maintain a wrinkle-free appearance.

Electing to receive facial fillers has become commonplace in modern society. Celebrities have them done often, as do normal men and women looking to slightly alter the appearance of their skin. There are multiple brands available on the marketplace that can be used for this purpose. The exact cost and recovery time varies depending on the depth of the wrinkles and the amount of injections needed to create a smooth appearance. Individuals can talk to their doctor or face specialist to find out the exact costs for them. This is one of the most simple ways to change the skin’s appearance without electing for surgical treatments.

Posted in Dermal Fillers, Facial Rejuvenation | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Pellevé Skin Tightening

Posted on February 23, 2012 by admin

Would you like to have tighter smoother skin without having to deal with needles or go under the knife? Well, with the new non-invasive and FDA approved Pellevé Skin Tightening procedure, you have the opportunity to get firmer, younger looking skin, with no downtime and best of all virtually no pain!

This exciting new treatment is now available to the patients of Dr. Richard Roth. If you reside in or around Philadelphia, this innovative new procedure is available to you too.

How It Works

Using gentle radiofrequency energy, the skin is heated deep within. This process causes a contraction, which then stimulates your production of collagen.

Benefits Received from Pellevé Skin Tightening

• Most Importantly-Virtually painless, although some of the skin tightening procedures require anesthesia, Pellevé does not. In fact, the majority of patients say that Pellevé feels like a nice warm facial massage.

• Quick- Most of the Pellevé skin tightening procedures is performed in less than an hour.

• No Downtime-This procedure easily fits into the busiest of schedules. Some patients experience mild swelling with a slightly pink tone for a very minimal amount of time (2 to 24 hours); however, makeup will quickly and easily cover this.

This treatment causes no damage to the top layer of the skin (epidermis) whatsoever.

Immediate Results-Most of our patients see and feel improvements in the firmness of their skin after only one session. In the two treatments that follow, our patients continue seeing improvements over the next six months. This happens because your skin continues to produce more collagen over time.

The FDA Has Approved the Use of Pellevé

Pellevé has been cleared by the FDA to address mild to moderate wrinkles on the face. Off-label, it also produces desirable results on the chest, neck, and the backs of the hands. For many people, these are all key areas needing attention. Pellevé can be used on virtually any area of the body needing attention, including the stomach, knees and arms.

Maintaining Your New Youthful Appearance

After the first three procedures have been completed, you will need to return periodically to maintain your smooth, youthful appearance. At your appointment, Dr. Roth will evaluate you and offer you his recommendations.

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How to Look Years Younger in Under an Hour

Posted on February 15, 2012 by admin

Let the Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing System from Ellumine take years off your appearance. Dr. Richard Roth, a renowned specialist in facial and eyelid reconstruction and cosmetic surgery in the Philadelphia area, uses this latest technology in skin rejuvenation that is easy, convenient, and safe.

The procedure to wake up your face takes under an hour because only problem areas on the skin are treated. This makes the anti-aging process fit your schedule better than ever before, and it is a gentler and safer way to look years younger. Results are immediate, and with only some soreness and redness for 4-7 days after treatment, it will not leave you with much recovery time at all.

Fractional skin resurfacing can erase sun damage, age spots, fine lines and wrinkles, tighten the skin – you name it, Ellumine and Dr. Roth help you achieve it. Not only does this system correct a number of skin conditions and blemishes, but a wide range of skin types benefit from its treatment as well.

Maintenance for your new, youthful appearance

Time can take its toll on your skin. Use time to your advantage instead. Having a daily, skincare regimen at home will help to keep your skin looking and feeling its best. Dr. Roth recommends using professional skincare products, along with routine cosmetic procedures and aesthetic treatments to periodically touch up your skin. Pelleve skin tightening, dermal fillers and Botox® are performed by Dr. Roth, and are the perfect compliments to Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing.

Schedule a consultation

Forty can be the new 30, and 50 can be the new 40. Let Dr. Richard Roth take ten years off your look with any of his cosmetic procedures, including Fractional CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing. Schedule a consultation right now and find out all the ways that Dr. Roth can help you look and feel years younger in under an hour.

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“The Eye Rejuvenation of Blepharoplasty”

Posted on January 24, 2012 by admin

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon that decreases the appearance of droopy eyelids and bags underneath the eyes. The surgeon makes a laser incision in the natural crease of the upper eyelids or inside the lower eyelids to remove excess skin, muscle and fat deposits that have accumulated with age. Blepharoplasty can enhance the facial appearance by tightening the skin area around the eyes. This in turn allows the person to look more youthful and energetic.

The actual procedure may take up to three hours to complete and is normally performed on healthy adult women and men. Surgeons commonly use local anesthesia, meaning the person has been numbed and sedated, but is still awake during the procedure. General anesthesia is also used in certain cases. After surgery, the person remains in outpatient or hospital care a few hours for observation. Typically, the person is allowed to return home that same day.

During the healing process, there is a possibility of itching, burning, or dry eyes. Some people experience blurred vision or light sensitivity and others may have problems with the surgical stitches. There will be discoloration and bruising around the eyes. Use a cold compress to help alleviate any pain and swelling. The surgeon will prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection. All post-operative instructions should be followed to reduce any complications. Contact the surgeon for assistance if there are any issues that persist for more than a few days.

Surgical stitches are usually removed in one week. Afterwards, the swelling and bruising will continue to decrease. Be sure to use sunblock and sunglasses when outdoors to protect the eyes. Most people are able to resume normal physical activities within 10 days and strenuous activities within three weeks.

The cost for a Blepharoplasty procedure can range from $2,000 to $5,000. If it is performed for cosmetic reasons, insurance will not cover the costs. If the reason for Blepharoplasty is reconstructive surgery of the upper eyelids, then insurance may cover costs of the procedure. An ophthalmologist can determine if a person qualifies for reconstructive Blepharoplasty surgery.

Posted in Blepharoplasty, Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, Drooping Eyelids | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

Drooping Eyelids

Posted on January 13, 2012 by admin

Drooping eyelids, also known as ptosis, is the sagging of the upper eyelids, which may occur in either one or both eyes. It is possible for ptosis to cause an obstruction of vision, becoming an annoyance and a safety hazard. Many people find their drooping eyelids to be unsightly and seek treatment for them. Ptosis may be related to other health issues but they are most commonly signs of aging.

There are some common symptoms of ptosis which include difficulty keeping one or both eyes open. Some people find that their eyes always feel tired and strained, watering more than usual. Even the eyebrows may ache from constant muscle use. This can even lead to severe headaches.

Infants may be born with drooping eyelids but it is much more common for ptosis to develop as people age. The muscles in the eyelids, called levators, stretch over time. This causes the eyelids to fall over the eyes. Those who acquire ptosis experience muscles that become weak and easily tired. It is possible for acquired ptosis to result from nerve damage, diabetes, stroke or cancer. In order to ensure that ptosis is not related to a more severe health issue, a doctor is likely to perform diagnostic tests and a physical examination.

Surgery is a common treatment for drooping eyelids, which involves the reattachment of the upper lid to its original location. This surgery, called blepharoplasty, allows the patient to regain his or her full vision. Though this is a common surgery for adults, it is performed on children with congenital ptosis as well. The surgery is typically positive in restoring the look and feel of the eyelids.

After surgery, the patient should not have any problems raising the eyelids. As a result the patient should feel rejuvenated and awake, even younger. If the drooping eyelids are left untreated, especially in children, it can lead to a lazy eye. For the sake of appearance and function it is necessary to treat ptosis.

Posted in Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, Drooping Eyelids, eye surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Ptosis | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

Reconstructive Surgery for the Eyes

Posted on December 20, 2011 by admin

If you or your child have been in an accident and suffered trauma to the eyes or the area immediately surrounding them, Dr. Richard Roth is a facial reconstruction specialist who can help you. Dr. Roth also works with patients who have damaged eyelids, sockets and tear duct problems due to various diseases. Thyroid eye disease is a common issue that Dr. Roth helps to correct.

Dr. Roth is an oculoplastic surgeon, which means that he has advanced training in both plastic reconstructive surgery and opthamology. An oculoplastic surgeon must have precise skill and an understanding of both the intricacies of the surgery along with the patient’s aesthetic concerns at the same time. Dr. Roth has several years of experience performing surgeries on both children and adults when the structure of the patient’s eye is compromised due to disease or injury.

A less common condition that Dr. Roth treats is known as blepharospasm. Patients with this condition may blink excessively because the muscles surround the eyes involuntary close. Left untreated, blepharospasm can lead to a permanent loss of vision. If you wonder why you or a family member seems to be blinking more than normal, find out more about this condition and whether corrective surgery is the appropriate step for you.

An ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon typically focuses on fixing issues with the patient’s eyelid, orbit, tear system and areas on the face immediately surrounding the eyes. If you have drooping eyelids, blocked tear ducts or another eye condition, please contact Dr. Roth’s office to request a consultation about your medical issue. You can contact the office by telephone or fill out an information request on our website. In either case, we will promptly schedule you for a consultation with Dr. Roth so you can get your eye problem fixed as soon as possible.

Posted in Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery, eye surgery, Eyelid Surgery, Plastic Reconstructive Surgery | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

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Dr. Richard Roth specializes in all areas of reconstructive and cosmetic eyelid and facial surgery as well as tear duct surgery and orbital surgery.
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From Our Blog

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma is a condition that occurs when constant pressure is applied to the eyeball. If this condition is left untreated, it will eventually damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. In fact, glaucoma is the second leading cause … Continue reading →

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