Patient Forms

Contact Us



Please enter in the characters shown below. Having a hard time reading? Move your mouse over the speaker...

Note: Do not use this form for an emergency!

Home Change Text Size   A  A  A

Follow Us! facebook twitter linkedin google+

News | Radio | Internet | Television

Radio

SiriusXM/Doctor Radio

On Monday, October 24, 2011 Dr. Mark Fromer was interviewed live by SiriusXM/DoctorRadio after attending the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dr. Mark Fromer gave a brief review of the meeting and answered  callers’ questions nationwide.

Internet

THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 2011 (HealthDay News) -- People with diabetes are reporting fewer vision problems, a new U.S. government report shows.

Since 1997 the percentage of diabetics reporting vision problems dropped from 26 percent to 18.6 percent, researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found.

Part of the reason for this finding is better management of diabetes, adding that aging had little or no effect on the trend for fewer vision problems.

People with diabetes should see their doctor to find vision problems early and get early treatment.
Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, said that "the greatest problems diabetics have is swelling in the retina."

The condition, called diabetic macular edema, can cause distorted vision, he said. "That occurs because the blood vessels in the eye start to leak fluid into the retina," he explained.

If diabetes isn't controlled, another condition called diabetic retinopathy can develop, which can cause blood vessels in the eye to bleed into the eye, Fromer said.

The best way for diabetics to reduce the risk of vision problems is to control their blood sugar, Fromer said.
In addition, diabetics who have no vision problems should see an eye doctor once a year, he said.
"If there is any diabetic retinopathy, the patient should probably come in about every six months," Fromer said.

More serious retina swelling is treated with laser or the cancer drug Avastin, he said.

Fromer noted that in his practice he is seeing more diabetic patients before they develop vision problems. "General practitioners are recognizing that diabetics need to be seen early," he said.

"Not only that, we have different diagnostic tests to diagnose the problem earlier," Fromer said. "If patients are getting treatment earlier, and with better treatment options, the conditions will improve."

 

MONDAY, Aug. 8, 2011 (HealthDay News) -- Frequent visual field testing may help doctors detect progression of the eye disease glaucoma at an earlier stage, a new study says.

"Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide," noted Dr. Mark Fromer, an ophthalmologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. "Left untreated, patients will suffer a permanent loss of vision. This disease is treatable with both topical medications, laser therapy and microsurgery."

He said the new study "has wide implications for the detection of disease in millions of patients."

It's important to identify patients whose disease is progressing faster so that they can receive more aggressive treatment or more frequent follow-up, the researchers explained.

Their study, published online Aug. 8 in the journal Archives of Ophthalmology, included 381 glaucoma patients, aged 35 to 80, who were followed for anywhere from about 3 to 13 years. Glaucoma progression was more likely to be detected in patients who had more visual field tests (a median of 20) than in those with fewer tests (a median of 12).

"In summary, we found that a twice-yearly schedule of visual field testing resulted in earlier detection of glaucoma progression compared with a yearly schedule, especially with global trend analyses," wrote Dr. Kouros Nouri-Mahdavi and colleagues at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, in a journal news release.

"Validation of these findings in other patient populations would be desirable. Our results have significant health care policy implications with regard to determining the frequency of visual field testing in patients with glaucoma," they added.

^ back to top

 

 

Television

Doctor advises vision exam before students go back to school

News 12 The Bronx(08/22/11) THE BRONX - A Bronx doctor says all students should get a thorough eye exam before heading back to school.

According to Dr. Mark Former, poor vision problems are often misdiagnosed as a behavioral issue. Doctors say a child with undetected vision problems can be frustrated or bored in school because he or she can't see the board or read a book easily.

Eye doctors say warning signs for vision problems are squinting often, tilting their head or appearing disinterested at the back of the class.

 

 

On June 24, 2011, Dr. Jay Adlersberg, the health and medical reporter of ABC 7's Eyewitness News interviewed Dr. Mark Fromer on Dry Eye.

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Eyes that burn, feel gritty or become red might all be signs of a serious problem. However, many times, it is only a very common problem called dry eyes.

 
Click image to play video
 
 
Detecting and treating
Macular Degeneration

This happens when not enough tears are keeping the cornea moist and protected something that many of us are at risk for.
A film of tears over the front of the eye is the first thing that light passes through in order to start the focusing process. Lack of that film off and on during the day can cause intermittent blurred vision.
The diagnosis? Dry eyes. Staring at monitors all day reduces normal blinking, and bright lights and blowing air conditioners also can cause symptoms of burning. It may feel as if an eyelash is caught under the eyelid. Another symptom that comes and goes is blurred vision.
Women are more at risk than men, especially around menopause. The cure is simple - many times, it is over-the-counter artificial tears.
For some patients, rather than using artificial tears, a simple procedure allows a patient's own tears to do the job.
Julie Ho was having off-and-on blurred vision in one eye. One doctor thought it was nerve damage.
"I was concerned that it was serious but it turned out it was just dry eye," said Ho.
Ho is having a procedure today that will plug the drainage of her own tears so they will build up to normal - kind of like plugging your sink or tub. However, if you use drops for dry eyes, know when to see the doctor.
"If dry eyes persist, it is worth seeing a eye care professional to see if there are other solutions or an underlying disorder that needs to be treated," warns Dr. Mark Fromer of Fromer Eye Centers.
These disorders include serious issues such as thyroid disease, arthritis or illnesses that cause inflammation of the eyes. Another simple protection is to wear sunglasses in order to keep wind and particles from getting in your eyes. If standard artificial tears cause irritation, it may be helpful to try some that contain no preservatives.

^ back to top

 

 

On March 18, 2011, Dr. Jay Adlersberg, the health and medical reporter of ABC 7's Eyewitness News interviewed Dr. Mark Fromer on dietary omega-3 fatty acid intake associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration. To view on Channel 7 WABC or go to www.7online.com/health after 6:05pm.


 
Click image to play video
 
 
Detecting and treating
Macular Degeneration

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Our eyes and our vision are very precious to all of us, but we need to be weary of the fact that age can take a toll on both.
One possible problem for aging eyes is Macular Degeneration. The Macular is the part of the retina we use to read print, knit and do anything else involving close-up work.
As we age, we are more at risk for Macular Degeneration, or M-D.

Related Content

More: Get Health E-News
Fortunately, a new study shows steps we can take to prevent M-D from occurring. Certain vitamins can reduce the risk for M-D. Fish and fish oils can also reduce the risk.
There is a test for Macular Degeneration. It's called an Amsler Grid. The way it works is the patients put the grid on their refrigerator and look at it every day. Doctors are testing to see if the patient sees any change in the grid such as a wavy line, spot, or any other change in the little boxes that make up the grid. If they do, that is a sign that they have M-D.
Milagros Tenreiro is an eighty-one year old patient who has Macular Degeneration. Tenreiro's eye doctor caught the disease during a routine exam. She wasn't even showing any symptoms.
"You notice nothing. That's what's so serious about this condition," Tenreiro said.
Macular Degeneration is a serious condition, but eating fish or taking Omega 3 fish oils can greatly reduce your risk of getting the disorder because the vitamin capsules from the Omega 3 contain Vitamins A, C and E. Omega 3 also contains zinc and copper, which help fight off M-D.
Dr. Mark Fromer of Lenox Hill Hospital recommends additional steps to prevent M-D.
"There are things commonly found in the diet, such as green leafy vegetables, and nuts, which are very high in the kinds of vitamins you need to protect your retina," Fromer said.
The Macular is located in the center of the retina. The most common type of M-D is Dry Macular Degeneration. This is where waste products are deposited in the Macular.
Another type of M-D is Wet Macular Degeneration. This form of M-D occurs when there is bleeding in the Macular.
There is a treatment called Avastin, which is used for Wet Macular Degeneration. Doctors inject the medicine directly into the eye to stop abnormal blood vessels from growing and bleeding in the retina.
"You really don't feel anything at all," Fromer said.
Milagros Tenreiro is living proof that the treatment works. It stopped her disease.
Unfortunately, Dry Macular Degeneration is the form that accounts for ninety percent of M-D cases, and at present time, there is no effective treatment for it.
Caucasians are more likely than African Americans to get M-D. Other risk factors include obesity, family history, and something controllable - smoking.
Another controllable tip to prevent M-D is wear sunglasses.
UV light can affect the retina and increase the risk of developing M-D, so people can reduce their risk by wearing shades.

^ back to top

 

 

CBS News

  • More fish could mean better vision as you age, December 1, 2010,
     
    Click image to play video
     
     
    CBS News
    More fish could mean better
    vision as you age.
     
     

    Joelle Anderson has trouble seeing. As she gets older, macular degeneration is damaging her retinas.
    "It's almost like a little gray cloud that's in the side of the eye," she said.
    Now a new study shows that diet may play a role in macular degeneration. Doctors find that people who eat fish regularly lower their risk for the disease.
    "We've looked at individuals who eat more omega-3 fatty acids in their diet and those individuals have better looking retinas, and less macular degeneration," said Dr. Mark Fromer of Lenox Hill Hospital.
    Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in the U.S. Close to 2 million Americans have the disorder and that number is expected to grow to 3 million in the coming decade.
    Researchers based their study on the eating habits of more than 2,500 seniors in Maryland. Those who had advanced macular degeneration were significantly less likely to have eaten shellfish or fish like tuna or salmon regularly. Fromer says a healthy diet equals healthy eyes.
    "Colorful vegetables, fish and nuts... those specific food products contain a lot of nutrients that very healthy for the retina," Fromer said.
    Joelle Anderson is now being treated for her eye trouble and now she's thinking twice about her diet.
    It's unclear if taking omega-3 supplements will have the same effect on eyesight as eating fatty fish.

^ back to top


  • Sandra Hughes, CBS News Published: May 7, 2010
    HOLLYWOOD - If you haven’t seen a 3-D movie this year, you’re in the minority. The new technology is behind the biggest blockbusters this year. You might want to think twice before putting those 3-d glasses on. Hollywood’s cashing in on 3-D. Avatar, Alice in Wonderland, and Clash of the Titans are some of the biggest box office hits of 2010.
    But while audiences seem wild for the films; a new study suggests that 3-D can have side effects; like headaches and eye strain. Dr. Mark Fromer agrees, saying your chances of feeling symptoms increase the longer you wear the 3-D glasses.
    “When we look at a 3d movie, the image is actually in two different places, it’s behind in one area, in front in another area and our brain is not used to assimilating those two images together, so it takes a new talent that we don’t normally have,” Dr. Mark Fromer said 3-D is not just on the big screen. Television manufacturers are embracing the technology and now 3D is available at home.But the small screen doesn’t eliminate the side effects. Samsung has put warnings on their 3-D TV’s saying pregnant women, children, teenagers the sleep deprived; or anyone with a history of epilepsy or strokes or under the influence of alcohol should avoid 3-D.
    George Sifontes remembers when he watched Avatar. “I remember I got kind of dizzy and a little bit of headache and that’s why I don’t watch those kinds of movies anymore,” Sifontes said.
    The side effects aren’t permanent. “The fatigue, blurred vision, headache will go away over time but there’s definitely a sensory overload to the brain,” Dr. Fromer said.
    So it’s up to audiences to decide if this is worth the potential headache.
    Sandra Hughes, CBS News, Hollywood.


  • WebMD Health News, is 3D TV bad for you?  April 21st 2010
     
    Click image to play video
     
     
    CBS News
    Could 3D Movies Impact Your Health?

    Samsung warns of epilepsy and stroke risk for some viewers and says 3D TV is not for you if you’ve been drinking

    By Tim Locke

    3D TV is claimed to be the next big thing in home entertainment, but concerns are being raised about health risks for some people watching the new sets.
    There’s a buzz about 3D. 3D films are already proving popular, with Avatar breaking box office records, while Sky is showing premier league football in 3D in some pubs before the 3D service launches for the home viewer.
    One TV manufacturer has issued warnings that the 3D images could trigger epileptic seizures or strokes and .... Read More...

^ back to top

CBS17 News - Texas

  •  
    Click image to play video
     
     
    CBS17 News
    Smart shades for summer rays
    July 5, 2010, Smart shades for summer rays: When it comes to sunglasses, finding the right protection for your eyes should be top priority. CBS 19's Amanda Roberson has more on what you should look for in your shades this summer.
    Doctors say looking for a pair of glasses with 99 percent to 100 percent UV protection is the most important factor people should consider when buying a pair of glasses, but eye protection doesn't .... Read More...

New York Daily News

  • On July 7, 2010, Dr. Mark Fromer was interviewed about the circle contact lenses that are worn by pop star Lady Gaga in her "Bad Romance" video and how young women are trying to copy the pop star. The circle contact lens cover not only the iris, but part of the whites in your eye to make your eyes appear bigger and anime-looking. Dr. Fromer discusses how these types of lenses can contribute to vision loss and infection. Click here to read the article.

 

Channel 12 News, Bronx

^ back to top

^ back to top

 

Cyrus TV

HITN (Hispanic Information & Telecommunications Network)

  • On June 26th 2007, Dr. Mark Fromer was interviewed live on HITN (Hispanic information & Telecommunications Network), by Malin Falu. On this program Dr. Fromer answered the callers’ questions regarding eye disease.

 

Televisa Station

Viva America

^ back to top

 

WB11 News, New York

 

Discovery Health Channel

  • Dr. Mark Fromer was on December 29th of 2000. Dr. Fromer was followed for three months on a daily basis to gain insight into the day in the life of one of New York City’s most respected eye surgeons.

    For any questions/comments please click here to contact us.

^ back to top