**Ophthalmology Expert at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Offers Insights into Modern Eye Care Practices** This title emphasizes the expertise and insights of Dr. Daphna Mezad-Koursh, highlighting her professional

Leading Ophthalmologist, Dr. Daphna Mezad-Koursh, Drives Vision Care in New York

New York, NY – Dr. Daphna Mezad-Koursh, a distinguished Doctor of Medicine, is making significant contributions to the field of Ophthalmology as a specialist at CUIMC/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley children’s Hospital.Her commitment focuses on delivering advanced eye care services to patients in the New York area and beyond.

A Focus on Specialized Vision Treatment

Dr. Mezad-Koursh’s expertise centers on thorough ophthalmic care, addressing a wide range of visual needs and conditions. The specialist’s dedication to pediatric ophthalmology ensures children receive tailored attention for their unique eye health requirements. According to the National Eye Institute, nearly one in five children in the U.S. experience vision problems, highlighting the critical role of specialists like Dr. Mezad-Koursh.

Her work extends beyond general eye care; She is devoted to handling complex cases, ensuring access to the highest standards of medical attention. The specialist consistently stays abreast of the latest advancements in ophthalmology to provide innovative and effective treatment plans.

The Growing Need for Ophthalmology Services

The demand for skilled ophthalmologists is steadily increasing, driven by an aging population and rising rates of eye diseases like macular degeneration and glaucoma. A recent report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology projects a 50% increase in the number of Americans aged 60 and older by 2030, further fueling the need for specialized eye care professionals.

Here’s a quick comparison of common eye conditions and their prevalence:

condition	Estimated Prevalence (US)
Age-Related Macular Degeneration	11 Million Americans
Glaucoma	3 Million Americans
Diabetic Retinopathy	8 Million Americans
Cataracts	Over 24 Million Americans

Did you Know? early detection and treatment are crucial for managing most eye conditions and preserving vision.

Dr. Mezad-Koursh’s practice proactively emphasizes preventative care, promoting regular eye exams to identify potential issues early on. this holistic approach underscores her commitment to long-term patient well-being.

Pro Tip: Schedule comprehensive eye exams annually, or more frequently if you have a family history of eye disease.

Looking Ahead: Advancements in Eye Care

the future of ophthalmology is bright, with ongoing research leading to groundbreaking treatments for previously untreatable conditions. Gene therapy, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis, and minimally invasive surgical techniques are poised to revolutionize the field. Dr. Mezad-Koursh and her colleagues are at the forefront of integrating these innovations into patient care.

Are you prioritizing your eye health? What steps are you taking to protect your vision?

What innovations in eye care are you most excited about?

Understanding Common Eye Conditions

Maintaining good eye health is crucial for a high quality of life. Conditions like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are common refractive errors that can be corrected with glasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.However, more serious conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration require specialized medical intervention. Regular checkups are the best way to ensure early detection and effective management of any eye health concerns.

frequently Asked Questions About Ophthalmology

• what does an ophthalmologist do? An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specializing in eye and vision care, diagnosing and treating all eye diseases, performing eye surgery, and prescribing and fitting eyeglasses and contact lenses.
• How often should I get an eye exam? Adults should get a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, while those with specific risk factors may need more frequent checkups. children should have their eyes examined regularly as recommended by their pediatrician.
• What are the early signs of glaucoma? early glaucoma frequently enough has no noticeable symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential for detecting glaucoma before significant vision loss occurs.
• What is the importance of pediatric ophthalmology? Pediatric ophthalmology focuses on the unique eye care needs of children, addressing conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) and strabismus (crossed eyes) that can impact visual development.
• Where is Dr. Mezad-Koursh located? Dr. Mezad-Koursh practices at CUIMC/NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New york.

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What systemic health factors are now considered during cataract evaluations at Columbia University Irving medical Centre/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, and how might these considerations impact treatment plans?

Ophthalmology Expert at Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Offers Insights into Modern Eye Care Practices

The Evolving Landscape of Cataract Surgery

Modern cataract surgery has moved far beyond simply restoring vision. Today, it’s a platform for vision correction and addressing co-existing conditions. At Columbia University Irving Medical Center/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, we’re seeing a growing body of research highlighting systemic links to eye health. For example, recent studies, like one published in Ophthalmology [https://www.aaojournal.org/article/S0161-6420(25)00130-7/fulltext], are investigating the correlation between cataracts and an increased risk of bone fracture. This underscores the importance of a holistic approach to patient care, considering overall health when evaluating and treating eye conditions.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): Offers increased precision in key steps of the procedure, potentially leading to faster recovery times and improved visual outcomes.

Advanced Intraocular lenses (IOLs): Beyond monofocal IOLs, we now routinely implant multifocal, extended depth of focus (EDOF), and toric iols to correct astigmatism and reduce dependence on glasses.

Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (MICS): Minimally invasive technique resulting in smaller incisions, faster healing, and reduced inflammation.

Glaucoma Management: Beyond Lowering Intraocular Pressure

Glaucoma remains a leading cause of irreversible blindness, but advancements in diagnosis and treatment are offering hope. The focus is shifting from solely lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) to neuroprotection and preserving retinal ganglion cells.

Early Detection is key: Regular extensive eye exams, including optic nerve evaluation and visual field testing, are crucial for early diagnosis.

Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS): A range of procedures designed to lower IOP with a less invasive approach than traditional glaucoma surgery. These are often suitable for mild to moderate glaucoma.

Advanced Imaging Technologies: Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) allows for detailed assessment of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, aiding in early detection and monitoring of glaucoma progression.

Pharmacogenomics in Glaucoma: Research is exploring how a patient’s genetic makeup influences their response to glaucoma medications, potentially leading to personalized treatment plans.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Proactive Management & New Therapies

Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, remains a important threat to vision.Early detection and proactive management are paramount.

Annual dilated Eye Exams: Essential for all individuals with diabetes, even in the absence of visual symptoms.

Panretinal Photocoagulation (PRP): A laser treatment used to reduce abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.

anti-VEGF Injections: Injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) medications directly into the eye can definitely help to reduce swelling and blood vessel leakage. These are now a mainstay of treatment for diabetic macular edema.

Wide-Field Imaging: Allows for visualization of the entire retina, detecting peripheral lesions that might be missed with traditional imaging techniques.

The Rise of Teleophthalmology & AI in Eye Care

Technology is transforming how we deliver eye care. Teleophthalmology is expanding access to specialists, particularly in underserved areas. Artificial intelligence (AI) is showing promise in assisting with diagnosis and treatment planning.

Remote Diabetic Retinopathy Screening: AI-powered systems can analyze retinal images remotely, identifying potential signs of diabetic retinopathy and prioritizing patients for further evaluation.

AI-Assisted Glaucoma Diagnosis: Algorithms are being developed to analyze OCT scans and visual field tests, aiding in the early detection and monitoring of glaucoma.

Virtual consultations: Teleophthalmology allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care.

wearable eye-Tracking Technology: Emerging technologies are using eye-tracking to monitor visual function and detect subtle changes that may indicate underlying eye conditions.

Corneal Health & Advanced Surface Treatments

Corneal diseases can significantly impact vision.Modern treatments are focused on restoring corneal clarity and function.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (CXL): A treatment for keratoconus and other corneal ectasias, strengthening the cornea and preventing further progression.

Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) & Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): Partial-thickness corneal transplants offering faster recovery times and reduced risk of rejection compared to full-thickness transplants.

**Artificial Cor