Gary Tracy OD

Here we go again. Another alert about an eye infection associated with the use of a contact lens solution. The CDC (Center of Disease Control) reports an outbreak of a serious eye infection, and found an association with Complete Moisture Plus TM Multi-Purpose Solution.

If you use this solution you should:

1. Stop using it immediately and discard the bottle, including any unopened ones.
2. Discard your current pair of soft lenses AND storage container
3. Stop by our office for an Opti-Free Replenish care kit (the most effective multi-purpose solution on the market)

If you've been using CompleteR and are experiencing any sign of an eye infection - eye pain, eye redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, sensation of something in the eye, or excessive tearing - please make an appointment with an eye doctor immediately.

This infection is caused by a micro-organism called Acanthomeba, and although extremely rare, can have devastating consequences if not treated early.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 01:09 PM | Permalink

Do allergies bother your eyes? (you're not alone; an estimated 80 million Americans are affected). The good news: new anti-allergy medications are making it easier to relieve symptoms.

1. Pataday: this new, more concentrated version of Patanol only requires one dosage a day - an especially big advantage for contact lens wearers. The manufacturer is offering a $10 rebate on their website.

2. Zaditor (similar to Patanol) is now available without a prescription - though it does require twice a day dosing to be effective. Another medication in this same category that was recently changed to over the counter (no prescription required) availability is Alaway.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 10:01 AM | Permalink

(If this article sounds familiar, it's because we it first ran in our newsletter last Spring. But worth repeating this time of year!)

Spring is here - and for some of my patients, that means allergies and symptoms ranging from mild congestion and nasal drip, to swelling, tearing and itching.

Fortunately, good treatments have been developed to provide relief:

For mild allergies, cold compresses on the eyelids can help. So can over-the-counter lubricating drops, which help flush out irritating particles. Artificial tears containing a mild anti-histamine are also now available. The "-A" after the brand name indicates the drops contain an anti-histamine (e.g. Opcon-A, Vasocon-A, Naphcon-A).

Moderate allergies can usually be controlled with more powerful prescription anti-histamine drops, which have a longer-lasting effect than those available over the counter.

Severe allergies require stronger prescription drops, combining anti-histamines and mast cell inhibitors if taken just before allergy season, they can even prevent the onset of reactions. For acute attacks (severely swollen and red lids with extreme itching), the temporary use of prescription steroids may be needed.

Keep in mind, other conditions can also cause these symptoms - although the more itching, the more
likely allergies are the cause.

Please consult with me so we can make a definite diagnosis and the best treatment plan, including prescription medication if called for. (Remember, most of these medications cannot be used while wearing your contact lenses.)

Contact us if you have any questions!

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:29 AM | Permalink

Last month I was interviewed by The West Side Spirit, our community newspaper - here's the story!

View image

Posted by Gary Tracy at 12:01 AM | Permalink

You'll want to consider three factors:

1. Quality: do they offer real UV protection?
2. Lens Color: which colors are most comfortable in bright light?
3. Style: Which frames look the best?

1. Protect Your Eyes: Buy auality lenses! Exposure to (UV) light can lead to serious damage like premature cataracts and macular degeneration.

But don't all dark color lenses help? No! In fact, cheap "street" sunglasses (never mind the "100% UV blocker" stickers) can make things worse, because the pupils get larger behind tinted lenses, allowing more harmful ultraviolet rays into the eyes.

Please buy quality sunglasses that offer true UV protection. Generally, you're safe with a name-brand pair. They don't have to cost a fortune. (All our sunglasses offer maximum UV protection, whether prescription or not).

Coming soon: How to pick the right lens color and frame

Posted by Gary Tracy at 11:28 AM | Permalink

Are your frames bent or misaligned? Is a screw loose or missing? Let us help. Bring them in and we'll fix them on the spot (no charge to clients). It's safer and more precise. Plastic frames, for example, need to be heated to bend without breaking. We have specialized tools to heat and adjust your frames, and to replace or tighten screws (those little eyeglass kits are OK in an emergency, but don’t always fit well).

Posted by Gary Tracy at 10:19 AM | Permalink

Daily disposable contact lenses can't be beat for convenience. Yet many patients have found daily disposables less comfortable than other lenses. But two new disposable brands on the market may change that.

I've been testing two brands of daily disposables -- Definition 1 Days (Optical Connection) and 2 Clear Dailies (Cooper Vision). The initial findings have been excellent: more comfortable, easier to handle, and less drying than the three current brands on the market (Vistacon's Acuvue Daily, CIBA's Focus Daily, and Bausch & Lomb's B&L Daily).

Based on these findings, I'm encouraging current daily disposable wearers to try these new brands. Please call us to make an appointment for a fitting.

Even if you're comfortable and happy with regular lenses, you may want to consider daily disposables for special occasions - say, for swimming, traveling, a bike ride or late night social event.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 10:12 AM | Permalink

We've recently partnered with Equinox Fitness, our long-time neighbor in the neighborhood, (thanks to Equinox manager Rachel Caplan). We've got free 3-day passes to use the club, just ask!

Posted by Gary Tracy at 10:05 AM | Permalink

With Quick Care off the market since last year, there are three main options:

1. Multipurpose Solutions like Opti-Free, Re-Nu, Complete and Aquify.

2. Hydrogen peroxide solutions like Ultra Care and Clear Care.

3. Using separate products for cleaning and rinsing/storing - e.g. CIBA's Pliagel cleaner with CIBA Softwear Saline.

A closer look at each below:

Option #1: Multipurposes Solutions - (Opti-Free, Re-Nu, Complete, Aquify)

Cleaning agents and disinfecting agents are all in the solution. They are being promoted as No-Rub, but are much more effective when used to rub the lenses. I think Opti-Free is the best of these, because of superior disinfecting properties and fewer problems with toxicity or allergic reactions to the chemicals. Opti-Free has been proven to work well with the new silicone based lenses. As of now Bausch & Lomb Re-Nu w/ MoistureLock is off the market because of an association with fungal infections.

Option #2: Hydrogen peroxide Solutions (Ultra Care, Clear Care, which replaced AoSept)

I would have normally recommended one of these systems as the first alternative to Quick Care, except that they have eliminated the daily cleaner from their kits. They both claim the cleaning agents they have added to the hydrogen peroxide solution do an adequate job of cleaning. I can't recommend to rub with the solution, as any slight residue on the fingers will severly sting and burn if transmitted to the eye. Each kit has a different way to neutralize the hydogen peroxide into water and oxygen, to render the solution essentially chemical free.

For extra cleaning power you could add a soft lens daily cleaner and saline rinsing to this system - using the Clear Care or the Ultra Care for disinfecting.

Option #3

The closest option to Quick Care is purchasing Pliagel (CIBA) daily cleaner separately and using CIBA Softwear Saline (the exact same product as Quick Care Finishing Solution) for rinsing and storing. Quick Care Starting Solution evolved from Pliagel, with a slightly increased alcohol content allowing it to pass FDA standards as a disinfectent. I cannot recommend this option because Pliagel hasn't been approved by the FDA as a disinfectant.

Recommendation:

At this time I am leaving it to each patient which option to select, depending on how much care you choose to take. If simplicity is the priority, try the Multipurpose (all-in-one) option, making sure to rub and rinse. If you choose not to rub the lens, make sure you rinse the lens as directed on the bottle, and be prepared to replace your lenses sooner. Most patients are using Multipurpose Solutions, with few problems. If one is willing to put more time into the care of their contact lenses, the most effective method is using separate daily cleaner, rinsing with saline, and then using a hydrogen peroxide system for disinfection purposes only.

The best care system for you depends on how willing you are to put extra time into caring for your lenses and on how often you would like to replace your lenses.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 10:00 AM | Permalink

Russell Clay and Stephanie Cowell share a marriage, a talent for writing...and an optometrist!

Russell is an award-winning poet whose book "Father Poems" explores the theme of having, losing, and being a father.

"When I moved to Manhattan from Atlanta in 1995, I needed a good optometrist, so Stephanie sent me to Dr. Tracy. During the exam, Dr. Tracy asked 'How long have you been in New York?' I replied, 'About 3 weeks.' 'Well,' said the doc, 'You've already been here longer than 80 percent of the population - you are definitely a New Yorker!' And that helped me feel at home. Thanks to Dr. Tracy, I can actually see the words I pen!

Stephanie is a historical novelist whose latest work, "Marrying Mozart," received widespread acclaim:

"Russell and I live on the Upper West Side with thousands of books and all the music Mozart ever wrote...Dr. Tracy is an incredibly caring, congenial, and gifted doctor. Russell and I are fortunate to know him."

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:40 AM | Permalink

Active New Yorkers love Rudy Project, with good reason - these are serious sports glasses that double as stylish street wear. Excellent lens (prescription option too), lightweight, strong, protective. Highly recommended. Stop by, check out the latest models.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:33 AM | Permalink

Bausch & Lomb's ReNu Multipurpose Softlens Solution (the top selling brand) has been in the news lately because of its link with a recent outbreak of fungal corneal ulcers - and today the company announced that it has suspended shipments.

It's not clear yet from the stories I've read whether the suspected problem has to do with contaminated solutions, or ReNu's inability to properly kill this fungus.

In any case, fungal infections (characterized by a constant scratchy to painful feeling, extra redness, and excessive sticky secretions) are extremely rare, and usually stem from accidental scratches on the cornea.

Follow recommended hygiene and you shouldn't have a problem:

- Wash hands
- soak overnight in a proper disinfecting solution
- replace your case at regular intervals
- replace your contact lenses in a timely manner

Which product should you use instead?

We're recommending Alcon Opti-Free, a multi-purpose one step soft lens solution. Stop by our office for a free Opti-Free starter kit.

Other good products include Complete and CIBA Aquify. By the way, CIBA's Quick Care - a two-step kit I've recommended for years because of its strong cleaning and disinfecting qualities - has also been discontinued. It seems the public greatly prefers simplicity over effectiveness.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:28 AM | Permalink

More folks travel when the weather turns warmer. Here's some common-sense tips:
1. Carry a spare pair of contacts or glasses in case you lose or damage contacts.
2 Carry lubricating drops for windy cars and plane cabins, where eyes can easily dry out.
3. Call us if you need replacement contacts while traveling - we can arrange for overnight shipping.

ravelling and Contact Lenses

With the warm weather coming up, so does an increase in travelling. Proper planning can result in a more enjoyable trip with your contact lenses and vision. Be sure to take a spare pair of contact lenses with you, in case of loss or damage to your primary pair. Be sure to pack an extra pair of glasses, in case you are unable to wear your contact lenses due to an eye infection or injury.

Airplanes - Airplane cabins are notoriously dry. Sometimes the best of contact lens wearers feel their contact lenses dry out. Make sure you have your case and an extra pair of glasses handy if the contact lenses become dry. A bottle of lubricating drops can come in handy.

Car Trips - Fast-moving air increases evaporation and can cause contact lenses to dry out. Keep the windows up, especially on dusty roads. Aim heating or air conditioning vents away from the eyes. Keep a bottle of lubricating drops handy.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:25 AM | Permalink

I'm proud to have clients like Pamela Yates, an Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker who makes human-rights and social-issue films.

We caught up with her at a recent screening of her current film, State of Fear:

"Gary Tracy's been my eye doctor ever since I came to New York more than 20 years ago. As a visual artist, film director and president of a company celebrating 25 years of human rights filmmaking, I rely on Gary to keep my sight sharp. He always knows about and can discuss the latest technology and innovations in the field."

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:21 AM | Permalink

Many patients ask me about Lasik surgery. I'm naturally conservative when it comes to surgery; I think that altering any body tissues should never be taken lightly.

Lasik is considered elective surgery and there are risks. Much of the marketing and public relations downplay or ignore the risks and side effects. You're much more likely to hear from successful patients than from those experiencing problems.

That said, there are several factors I consider when discussing Lasik with patients:

Realistic expectations: Even with the best testing and surgeons, perfect prescriptions are not asssured, and glasses or contact lenses may still be needed.

Prescription: Good candidates should have stable prescriptions that haven't changed much in several years. Even so, there are no guarantees that your prescription won't change years after surgery. I've also found that myopia (nearsightedness) comes out better than farsightedness and moderate to high amounts of astigmatism. Patients with very high prescriptions have a higher risk of side effects, and there's more tendency for the prescription to change over time.

Type of visual system: I find that some patients have very "precise" vision, and small changes and variances affect them greatly. These patients are more likely to be disappointed by Lasik. Patients who can tolerate a range of prescriptions have a higher chance of being pleased with the results, even if not perfect.

Anatomical considerations: patients with dry eye and/or large pupils are much more likely to experience post-surgical symptoms.

Dependence on precise vision for work: A micro-surgeon who needs precise depth perception to perform his duties would have more trouble than a singer should the results be less than perfect.

Age: Although Lasik is approved for anyone over age 18, many younger patients' prescriptions continue to change in their twenties. I think that mid to late 20's should be the earliest age to consider surgery.

Separate prescription: If you need a separate prescription for close-up work than for distance, as becomes common after age 40, Lasik can correct only one of these. Unless one has even more risky monovision surgery, one pair of glasses will still be needed.

When I'm sure the patient is a good candidate for Lasik and has realistic expectations, I recommend they have it performed by an experienced surgeon, preferably with credentials as a corneal or anterior segment specialist.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:12 AM | Permalink

One of our favorite items in the store is Allyn Scura's line of gorgeous frames based on classic and vintage designs. They're in demand world-wide, but not easy to find in New York. Proud to say we're the exclusive distributors on the Upper West Side. Come in, try them on! The new Spring '06 line is coming soon, and we're also happy to custom order frames from their catalogue.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:09 AM | Permalink

That's right, even Santas need eyecare! And not just any Santa, but actor Roger Franklin, ranked New York's top-rated Santa by The Daily News for his beloved appearances at the South Street Seaport.

Roger's been a client and friend since the 1970s, when he dropped by my first store on Columbus Avenue. Roger was a West Side institution even then, having played Officer Krupke in the original Broadway production of West Side Story, and roles in other classics like The Sound of Music and the King and I.

Now Roger's got a new generation of fans as Santa. And one of the most fun parts of working with a Santa is helping him choose his glasses! Roger's are based on an authentic 17th century design.

Getting to meet and serve people like Roger Franklin is one of the reasons why I love working in New York — where else could you find so many fascinating clients?!

Posted by Gary Tracy at 09:06 AM | Permalink

As many types of contact lens care systems are becoming harder to find, wearers are turning to All-in-One Multipurpose Solutions. "No rub" is usually written prominently on the bottle. But when it comes to cleaning your contacts thoroughly, there's still no substitute for rubbing.

No matter what the bottle says, here's what to do: Take your lens, add a couple of drops of the solution, and rub the surface for a few seconds — either between thumb and forefinger, or by placing on your palm and rubbing with forefinger. Be sure to rub both sides before rinsing well with your multipurpose solution or saline.

Posted by Gary Tracy at 08:56 AM | Permalink

Len Mitchell came to me last year after several ophthalmologists told him his vision couldn't be improved. He had many problems, including a detached retina, glaucoma and need for a corneal transplant. He could only see the biggest letters on the vision. We went to work, with an exhaustive series of tests. The result? Len's vision went from from 20/100 to 20/50 - twice as good. It felt really good to help give a patient their vision back.

"Dr. Tracy's prescription improved my vision substantially. His support staff was equally proficient. I enthusiastically recommend him."
- Len Mitchell

Posted by Gary Tracy at 07:14 PM | Permalink

There's no such thing yet as a 100% scratch-proof lens. But there are products available to keep scratches to a minimum. We've assembled a compact kit of our favorite products - including spray, cleaning cloth and a "tip sheet" - that's free with the purchase of any complete pair of glasses, or available for sale at a modest cost.

More about eyeglasses...

Posted by Gary Tracy at 07:06 PM | Permalink

How often should you change your case? A good rule of thumb is at least every three months. Over time, cases can develop a film and dirt that harbor hard-to-remove bacteria.

Drop by the office and pick up a free case in a variety of cool styles and colors (while supplies last).

More about contact lens...

Posted by Gary Tracy at 06:57 PM | Permalink