Winter 2017

Thank you for the positive feedback we received about our first newsletter. Our goal is to provide our fellow Starling doctors with information that may be helpful to you and your patients.

Focus on Oculoplastics: Medical and Cosmetic Surgeries for the & Surrounding Areas Dr. Sarit Patel is our board-certified ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon. His treatments are both medical in nature to correct deformities and abnormalities, and cosmetic to rejuvenate the areas around the eyes. Because these types of surgeries can affect vision, ophthalmic plastic surgeons are uniquely qualified to perform these delicate procedures and provide any care that the eye itself needs. Common Conditions Oculoplastic surgery is performed to address a wide range of issues including: • Droopy upper • Eyelids that turn inward or outward • Eye problems caused by thyroid disease, such as Graves’ disease Sarit Patel, MD • Skin cancers or other growths in or around the eyes • Weakness around the eyes or eyelids caused by Bell’s palsy • Tear duct problems • Injuries to the eye or eye area • Birth defects of the eyes or the bone around the eyeball Before Types of Surgeries Dr. Patel operates either in the office or a day surgery center. All surgeries are done on an outpatient basis. Some of the most common surgeries include: • Blepharoplasty: eliminate excess skin and bags in the upper or lower eyelids After Blepharoplasty • Repair: correction of drooping upper eyelids • Repair: correction of that is rolled out away from the eye • Repair: correction of eyelid that is rolled inward toward the eye • Eye Growth: removal and reconstruction due to skin cancer or other damaged skin areas Before Ptosis Repair • Orbital Surgery: managing thyroid and eye disorders, tumors, and trauma • Tear Duct Surgery: correcting or creating a new drainage path for tears • Other Cosmetic Services: including Botox and dermal fillers for use around the eyes Dr. Patel is happy to provide details about treatment options and good surgical candidates. After Ptosis Repair Diabetics at Serious Risk Cancer Care Related Eye Issues Diabetes is the leading cause of new cases of blindness among adults aged In some cases, chemotherapy agents or 20 to 74 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately medications used to reduce side effects may contribute to the development of eye 11.0% of U.S. adults with diabetes have some form of visual impairment (3.8% problems. Cataracts, dry eye syndrome, and uncorrectable and 7.2% correctable). chemo-related itchy eyes are some examples • 4.2 million people with diabetes aged 40 years or older (28.5%) had of eye problems resulting from cancer diabetic retinopathy (DR) and, of these, 655,000 (4.4% of those with treatments. diabetes) had advanced DR that could lead to severe vision loss. Here are some possible eye complications to watch for: • DR is projected to affect 16 million people with diabetes by 2050. • Some medications such as bexarotene, • Other diseases, like cataracts and glaucoma, also are projected to dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, increase in this population. methylprednisone, prednisone, and tamoxifen The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that adults and (in very rare cases) may contribute to the development of cataracts. children aged 10 years or older with Type 1 diabetes should have an initial dilated comprehensive eye exam within 5 years after the onset of • Some medications such as capecitabine, carmustine, epirubicin, methotrexate, diabetes, and patients with Type 2 diabetes should undergo an examination and oprelvekin may contribute to the shortly after diagnosis of the disease. Yearly dilated eye exams are then development of conjunctivitis. recommended. Careful attention to good blood sugar levels and blood • Some medications such as isotretinoin and pressure control is paramount. tretinoin may contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome. Our Areas of Expertise • Some medications such as cytarabine, fluorouracil, isotretinoin, and tretinoin may contribute to the development of Alan L. Stern, MD Patricia A. McDonald, MD photophobia. Corneal Surgery Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery External Diseases • Some medications such as capecitabine, Laser Vision Correction cytarabine, doxorubicin, and fluorouracil may contribute to the development of Edward P. Fitzpatrick, MD Martin C. Seremet, MD watery eyes. Disease & Surgery of the Retina & Vitreous Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery We are here as a resource for cancer patients Diabetic Retinopathy Glaucoma Therapy & Surgery who may experience eye conditions as a result Macular Degeneration of treatment. Sarit M. Patel, MD Christopher J. Russo, MD Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery Cataract & Anterior Segment Surgery PATIENT RESOURCES: Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery The Starling : Eye Center Tracey L. Asmus, OD page has valuable information and many Routine Eye Exams videos about a wide range of conditions, Contact Lens Exams & Fittings diseases, and treatment options.

How to Reach Us Please identify yourself as a Starling Physicians provider when calling. One Lake Street, Building C, New Britain, CT 06052 • (860) 826-4460 641 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT 06010 • (860) 585-0000 55 Meriden Avenue, Suite 1G, Southington, CT 06489 • (860) 621-3723 3640 Main Street, Suite 102, Springfield, MA 01107 • (413) 214-6051