Latisse...Voluptuous Lashes Can Be Yours!

Do you wish you had long, beautiful eye lashes? Well it can be reality thanks to the makers of Botox, drug giant Allergan. Latisse is the first prescription product which has been approved by the FDA to grow thicker, fuller lashes in just 4 to 8 weeks of regular daily use.

If you love lash extensions and dye but are tired of spending an hour at the salon every month, Latisse is a better, safer and less expensive alternative. The result is a more natural look with all of the advantages of long, thick, full lashes.

Follow our blog to see how Latisse works as we will do our own demo on a lucky staff member!

For more information on Latisse, call Carolina Ophthalmology Associates at 945-3937.

If You've Had Vision Correction, You WANT to Read This

As technology evolves, we have discovered that it is crucial for refractive surgery patients (if you’ve had LASIK, PRK, etc) to keep a record of pre-operation information that will be needed for future eye surgery, such as cataract surgery.

Dr. Bryan has started giving his patients their surgical operative report with vital information such as their eyes’ pre-operative measurements. This is an essential part of your health files and should be kept in a safe place for future reference. If you’ve had one of these surgeries, including RK (radial keratotomy) with Dr. Bryan when he began at Durham Clinic in 1993 (which later changed their name to Regional Specialty Physicians), then call Pam now to get your information at 919-945-3937. Also note that Dr. Bryan was in practice with North Carolina Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat in 2000 before opening his private practice with Dr. Scroggs which is now Carolina Ophthalmology Associates.

This is yet another excellent reason why you made the decision to have YOUR surgery with Dr. Bryan and not the bargain basement down the street that no longer has your information after seven years or worse yet, has gone out of business.

Hello, I’m Shannon and I work as the Insurance Coordinator at Carolina Ophthalmology Associates.

I started working here as a receptionist in November 2006. For those of you that recognize me, I’m still here, just less visible since I’m no longer greeting you from the front desk.

Now, I’m using my 15+ years of experience in medical billing to better assist our patients. So, whether you have a question regarding your bill or need an insurance question answered, I can be reached by phone at 919-967-4836 or via e-mail at ShannonR@Carolina2020.com.

Baby Love

Congratulations to our technician Jeanette and her husband Robert on the arrival of a new baby boy!

Jacob Louis Clemons was born on May 18, 2009 at 8:10 pm weighing 7lbs and 4oz.

Carolina Ophthalmology Associates Voted Best Vision Center

Carolina Ophthalmology Associates was voted as the Best Vision Center by the readers of The Chapel Hill News paper. Dr. Mark Scroggs responds, “We are pleased to accept the 2009 Rose Award and would like to thank our patients that voted for us.”

For more information on our award winning practice, please visit our web site at www.carolina2020.com or call (919) 967-4836 for an appointment.

Eye Allergies

“I sing of brooks, of blossoms, birds, and bowers/Of April, May, of June, and July flowers”.

Although it may be beautiful outdoors, the signs and symptoms of pollen allergy are not. They can include: sneezing, runny or clogged nose, itchy throat, teary, itchy eyes, red-rimmed eyes, allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes caused by restricted blood flow near the sinuses) and the "allergic salute" (persistent upward rubbing of the nose that causes a crease mark across it).

Most allergens guilty for eye symptoms are airborne. There is no way to totally avoid the pollen, mold, dust, and animal dander that trigger our unpleasant symptoms. If not treated, an eye allergy can cause inflammation and irritation of eye tissue, leading to the condition allergic conjunctivitis.

As there is no cure for eye allergy here’s what you could do to keep the culprits out of your house and minimize the damage:

• AVOID RUBBING YOUR EYES! Cool compresses can help soothe
• Remove contact lenses as soon as symptoms appear.
• Stay indoors when the pollen counts are at its peak, or if it is windy outside.
• Keep windows shut and the air conditioner on
• Use artificial tears and/or make an eye appointment to get prescribed a liquid antihistamine to put in your eyes
• Wear glasses or sunglasses outdoors
• Minimize clutter, book collections, and anything that collects dust and pollens
• Keep pets outside or bathe them often and don't let them sleep in your bed
• Wash your hair every day to rinse off dust and pollen, and if you've been in the yard, leave shoes at the door and wash your clothes in hot water as soon as possible

For Severe Cases, in addition to above:

• Allergy-proof your home; put dust-mite-proof covers on bedding and pillows; clean surfaces with a damp mop, rag, or shampooer rather than dry sweeping or dusting.
• Purchase an air filter to clean out pollens, molds and dust
• Use a dehumidifier in damp areas like the basement
• Install wood, tile or vinyl floors rather than carpet because they can be mopped regularly. If you do have carpets, have someone else do the vacuuming
• Make an eye appointment before you experience problems. Oral antihistamines rarely help with ocular symptoms.

You won't be able to eliminate every allergen from your home, but with these steps you can make it a comfortable place even during the peak of allergy season.

On This Day, April 6th...

Happy Birthday

Dr. Scroggs

...We think you're awesome!

-COA Staff