- Primary CareKinnari Patel, O.D. is an Optometrist & Primary Care Eye Doctor at Coastal Jersey Eye Center serving the eyecare needs of patients throughout southern NJ. Dr. Patel received her Doctorate of Optometry at Pennsylvania College of Optometry.
- Emergency Care
- GlaucomaGlaucoma is a complex eye disease that is most commonly associated with an elevated pressure inside the eye- Intraocular Pressure (IOP)- that damages the optic nerve and causes loss of vision. Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in people above age 40. More than three million Americans are living with glaucoma, 2.7 million of whom-aged 40 and older-are affected by its most common form, Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) which begins without any symptoms or obvious loss of vision. It is critical to diagnose and treat glaucoma as early as possible through regular eye exams in order to prevent vision loss. With early detection, diagnosis & treatment, in the vast majority of cases, glaucoma vision loss can be controlled or prevented.
- Ophthalmology– This site was compiled originally on behalf of the Association of Vision Science Librarians by the Librarian at the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. It contains a comprehensive directory of links to websites that contain eye information.
- Macular DegenerationAge Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 in which the central portion of the retina, called the macula, is damaged as a result of the hardening of the small arteries supplying oxygen and nutrients to the retinal tissue. There are two main types of Age Related Macular Degeneration: Dry Macular Degeneration and Wet Macular Degeneration. Dry Macular Degeneration is the most common type of Age Related Macular Degeneration making up 85-90% of cases, resulting in a slow progressive loss of vision. Typically, we see small, yellow colored deposits between the retinal layers, which are called drusen. Many people 50 years of age or older have some drusen as they age and may be asked to schedule eye exams more frequently in order to monitor them as there is some possibility that Dry Macular Degeneration will progress to Wet Macular Degeneration. We need to detect Wet Macular Degeneration quickly as it has far more serious consequences for vision loss. Wet Macular Degeneration is characterized by an abnormal growth of new blood vessels under the retina, called “neovascularization,” which is prone to be leaky and can easily break and bleed. If leakage occurs, the macula may actually begin to swell, bleed and scar causing severe loss of central vision, which may be irreversible.
- CataractsCataracts are a problem experienced by a great number of people just like you. Cataracts are a common cause of vision problems among people in their 50’s and 60’s and they are actually a major cause of senior eye problems and vision loss. More than 20 million Americans age 40 and older have cataracts and more than half of all Americans develop cataracts by age 80. A cataract is a clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye preventing light rays from passing through it easily. This results in a clouding and blurring of vision. For many patients, cataracts start out slowly and have little effect on vision at first. But, as the cataract becomes denser, so does the impact on vision.
- Cataract Surgery“I had cataract surgery. I am thrilled with the results! The day after the second surgery I was actually sitting watching television and tears came to my eyes, my vision was so clear. It’s just been a wonderful experience and everyone has been so kind and caring.” –
- Eye ExamAll patients should see their eye doctor for a comprehensive eye exam every one to three years depending on their age, risk of disease, family history and overall physician condition.
- Internal MedicineStephen Uretsky, M.D. is a Comprehensive Ophthalmologist & Cataract Surgeon and is the Founder and Medical Director of Coastal Jersey Eye Center. Dr. Uretsky earned his medical degree at George Washington University School of Medicine where he was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, followed by an internship in Internal Medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital of Boston, and then his residency in Ophthalmology at the Eye and Ear Hospital of Pittsburgh. Dr. Uretsky founded Coastal Jersey Eye Center, a trusted source for eye care in southern New Jersey, in 1983.
- Diabetes Care
- Diabetic RetinopathyDiabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a complication of Diabetes Mellitus that left undetected and treated can lead to severe and catastrophic vision loss. All patients with diabetes should have regular eye exams and diagnostic testing in order to detect changes in the small blood vessels of the retina that may indicate the need for treatment-even if there is no vision loss!
- UltrasoundBe performed to help us with your examination. In most patients we will use eye drops to dilate the pupil to permit a thorough evaluation of the back of the eye including the health of the retina and optic nerve. For all patients we will perform a quick painless tonometry eye pressure test for glaucoma. For some patients we may need to order additional testing including visual field testing, optic nerve and retinal imaging corneal pachymetry thickness measurements, retina, optic nerve or external photography and ophthalmic ultrasound-all of which are performed in the comfort and convenience of our office. The doctors and staff at Coastal Jersey Eye Center will take the time necessary to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Allergies