Melanoma is not only a cancer of the skin. Melanoma can and frequently does affect the eye. There are multiple types of ocular melanoma. This cancer not only affects the skin around the eye and the eyelids but can appear on the white of the eye (conjunctiva) and in the structures inside the eye. Most dark spots are simply naevi (freckles) and are not a concern. They can also occur on the iris and in the retina. (It’s important for these to be noted and watched on your yearly eye exam.)

It is important to see an ophthalmologist if the freckle or brown spot on your eyelids or on the white of the eye changes – increases size or changes shape or color. Remember, early detection is key in treating this condition. A local excision may be curative before it has a chance to metastasize at which time the prognosis is grim. Sunglasses are important for many reasons (guarding against UV rays which cause cataracts and retinal disease for example) but especially for increasing the risk of ocular melanoma.

Eye melanoma symptoms:

• In the early stages the person may have no symptoms (the person will not know there is a melanoma in the eye till he/she has their eyes checked and looked into with the opthalmoscope by the optician/ opthalmologist/ optometrist)
• The benign form of eye melanoma is called a nevus. Regular checks and close watching on it are done to ensure that it doesn’t turn into a melanoma.
• When it grows larger – there may be blurred vision, double vision, decrease in vision, retinal detachment and loss of vision)
• If the melanoma is on the conjunctiva or the iris it will be seen as a blackish/brownish spot on the iris/conjunctiva.
• If not caught and treated early, eye melanomas can spread to other parts of the body, mainly the liver.

Treatments for eye melanoma?

• Cryotherapy and plaque therapy. (to freeze and/or burn the melanoma)
• Laser therapy.
• Surgery to remove the eye, this is called an enucleation.
• Surgery to remove part of the eye, such as iridectomy and iridocyclectomy.
• Chemotherapy.
• Radiotherapy.

To know more about the signs and symptoms of melanoma, click here.

Gotham LASIK Vision & Skincare covered in MedicalOfficeToday.com to vie the article onlineclick here

Gotham LASIK Vision is the first and only Lasik surgical center in New York City to house the Ziemer FEMTO LDV Femtosecond Surgical Laser, and is now being used exclusively by Medical Director and world-renowned Ophthalmologist, Dr. Brian Bonanni, to provide the highest quality Z-LASIK™ procedures to patients from New York, the tri-state region and around the world. Read more here…

By Alexis Wolfer–July 3, 2009– “One-stop-shop for your medical and cosmetic eye care needs”

Instead of going to a cosmetic surgeon for your sagging eyes and an opthamologist for your vision, it is now possible to one-stop-shop for all your eyecare needs at Dr. Bonanni’s new Gotham Lasik and Skincare.

Dr. Bonanni is a fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon as well as a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American and European Societies of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the International Society of Refractive Surgery. While the qualifications are impressive, he is most sought by celebrities, music moguls, models, and business executives for his unique approach to overall “eye rejuvenation.”

In addition to general ophthalmology, Lasik, and corneal procedures, Dr. Bonanni does Botox and restylane injections and various other eye-rejuvenation treatments. “In my practice, I have a lot of Lasik surgery patients who come back for their cosmetic needs like Botox and facial fillers,” Bonanni says. “As an ophthalmologist, my patients realize that I know the anatomy and function of the eye and face better than even a plastic surgeon would.”

Gotham Lasik and Skincare may not only be better qualified to address all your eye issues, but could also be a serious time saver for those on the run. I look forward to the day my dentist will give me Denise Richards’ lips after a teeth cleaning. It’s probably only a matter of time.

Visit StyleCaster’s “It’s a Beautiful Life” here.

NY Examiner- June 29th, Gabrielle Long- Beauty Secrets Examiner

One of the few surgeons in the world to have extensive experience with, and to be certified on, all the major laser platforms available in the country today, Dr. Bonanni is a fellowship-trained corneal and refractive surgeon who has performed over 35,000 successful laser refractive procedures. He is an expert in all types of laser vision correction; including LASIK, PRK, and LASEK, along with the new non-laser surgical modalities for refractive eye correction.

Dr. Bonanni has opened his own practice on West 56th – called Gotham Lasik and Skincare. Finally, there is a go-to doctor for lasik eye procedures. When people think of top derms, they think of Wexler, Brandt, etc., but there is not really a well known doctor for lasik…until now.

He is the sought after doctor for lasik surgery among celebs, models, business moguls, etc. His calming manner and charming personality make him the doctor of choice for New York’s elite J. He is also one of the only doctors in the state with Wavelight Allegretto Excimer, the type of surgery that does not require making cuts on the surface of the eye (although he offers that too for people who are not right for the newer technology.)

Besides his reputation and clientele, his overall approach to “eye rejuvenation” makes him unique. In addition to lasik (and general ophthalmology, corneal treatments, etc), he also does botox and restylane injections (amongst other kinds of injections) – his whole philosophy is that he offers a one-stop shop for your eyes – ditch the glasses and dry/red eyes from contacts and at the same time (if you want to) take off years with injections, etc. – a total eye makeover.

Visit NY Examiner Homepage here.

On Friday, January 11th, Level V held an exclusive lounge in NYC’s Meatpacking District to celebrate. See 2008, the annual star-studded party held by Gotham Lasik. Gotham Lasik’s large celebrity following made “See 2008″ the event to be seen at for 2008! The event was attended by Richie Rich, Lydia Hearst, Tinsley Mortimer, and countless TV stars and socialites. The crowd sipped cocktails from RioD and rose wine. Gotham Lasik’s Dr. Bonanni has been seen on ABC’s 20/20 and is considered to be the best Lasik Eye Surgeon in the world.

Full article at Blogspot.