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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
JANUARY 2025
BRAILLE’S BRILLIANT REVOLUTION From Obstacle to Opportunity
History is full of extraordinary people, and I’d like to tell you about one who revolutionized literature, culture, and the world of vision care forever.
As I was preparing this cover article, I came across a heartwarming tale that speaks to the true magic of the braille phenomenon. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, a 7-year-old blind girl named Emrie experienced a Christmas she will never forget. She had long been a fan of the “Harry Potter” book series, which her father would read to her. Enthralled by the story of Harry and his wizard friends, she longed to read the books herself. Although they were available in braille, they were exceedingly expensive, ranging from $100 to $400 for a single edition. Undeterred, Emrie’s aunt launched a fundraiser on her Instagram, which yielded more than $4,000 in donations. In addition to providing the excited young girl with the complete series, the funds went toward purchasing more than 50 other braille books for libraries. That same year, LEGO introduced “Braille Bricks,” molded with studs corresponding to the braille system. This innovative development helps children who are blind learn how to use braille while playing with Legos.
At first glance, the late Louis Braille faced seemingly insurmountable odds. Born in 1809, he sustained an injury at 3 years old that resulted in complete blindness two years later. Living centuries before the advent of many technologies that assist the visually impaired today, he spent his early years struggling to adapt to the world around him. Fortunately, he wasn’t held back by his obstacles for long. Despite this disability, he enjoyed a full and adventurous life marked by breakthroughs and discoveries that benefit humanity to this day. While a 15-year-old student at Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles (The National Institute of Blind Youth) in Paris in 1824, he was introduced to “night writing,” a 12-dot tactile system invented by Charles Barbier de la Serre that was used primarily by soldiers to communicate with one another at night. Finding the system too complex, Louis developed a more straightforward six-dot system, allowing him to develop 63 unique letters and numbers. In 1854, two years after his death, “the braille system” became widely accepted as a method of reading and writing for the blind in most parts of the world. (Interestingly, it would take until 1932 for Great Britain and the U.S. to adopt a standardized English braille system.) It’s fascinating to consider that a teenager — blind since he was a toddler — came up with something 200 years ago that continues to help people around the globe. Not only was Louis Braille born in January, but the most recent World Braille Day was celebrated just a few days ago, on Jan. 4. Established in November 2018 by the United Nations General Assembly, World Braille Day raises awareness of braille and celebrates the remarkable young man who allowed us to help millions experience more enriching and fulfilling lives. As you begin working on all your New Year’s resolutions, keep Louis in mind whenever you need a reminder that anything is possible.
Just think of how many children will now experience the world of reading — all thanks to the ingenuity of a young man in Paris who wasn’t much older than them.
As an eye care professional, I understand how frustrating it can be for people with vision impairment. I hope that Louis Braille’s extraordinary story — along with the one of little Emrie — shines a light of hope on anyone struggling with disabilities of any kind. No matter what, there is always opportunity in adversity.
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EUROPE’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ESCAPES
THE HAPPINESS HACK WHY SMALL PLANS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable. WHAT DO YOU LOVE? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face.
PLAN IT. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you.
By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
FROM DROOPY TO DIVINE
Gail’s Seamless Eye Revival
Last September, I visited Dr. Scott at Eye Plastic Associates for his help to address a problem that had been bothering me for too long. I had droopy eyelids and fat on the bottom of my eyes, which made my eyes look really rough. I had been dealing with this problem for at least five years, to the point where my eyelids were falling into my eyes and affecting my vision. The bottoms were so fat that I always looked tired and bloated. I wanted to finally look — and see — better. My eye doctor referred me to Eye Plastic Associates. Dr. Scott was very thorough during our consultation. He measured my eyes and shared the pros and cons of surgery with me. I felt very comfortable with him, as he was very well-known. In addition to being very knowledgeable, he was empathetic and understood my desire to look better. I decided to move forward with surgery to correct the tops and bottoms of my eyes, as I didn’t think it made sense just to do the tops. The surgery was very successful, and I followed Dr. Scott’s instructions. I healed quickly, and the swelling was down within a week. By the second week,
I began seeing new definition in my eyes. I’m very satisfied with how the surgery went — to the point where I’m recommending Eye Plastic Associates to friends as far away as New York City! Best of all, I didn’t experience any pain after the surgery or during the healing process. I didn’t even have to take an aspirin! I couldn’t be happier with Dr. Scott’s care. I’m so glad I had him perform the surgery. I’d like to add that the entire staff at Eye Plastic Associates — especially Dawn — is awesome! They all made me very comfortable, and they were very responsive and kind. When I went to the hospital to have the surgery, I was very at ease knowing that Dr. Scott would be doing it for me.
Thank you, Dr. Scott, for everything you’ve done to make my eyes look the best they have in years!
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How to Manage Styes and Recurring Chalazions
You sleep well at night, exercise often, and maintain a positive outlook. But no matter what you do, your eyes still appear sad or tired. If you notice your eyelids still do not open fully after using your eye muscles to widen them, there is a strong chance that ptosis is to blame. Ptosis (pronounced toe-sis ) is short for blepharoptosis, a condition where the upper eyelid in one or both eyes do not open to their full and proper position. Ptosis can occur congenitally, but is more commonly a symptom of aging. The muscle that holds the upper eyelid in place can slip back as we age, affecting people in their 30s and upwards. The muscle may also weaken due to styes/ chalazions, or trauma. In moderate to severe cases, individuals often choose to correct their persistent “droopy” look. Occasionally ptosis can be due to a condition called Horner’s syndrome, myasthenia gravis, or a nerve palsy which results from a disruption of the neurologic signal to the eyelid. In the case of Horner’s syndrome, the pupil on the involved side is typically smaller and the patient has a reduction of sweating on the forehead on the same side. Before considering any form of repair, a comprehensive history and physical exam are required to determine the etiology of the ptosis. Different etiologies frequently require different approaches. For those seeking a non-surgical solution for ptosis, we have found the Upneeq brand of prescription eye drops effective in providing temporary relief. As mentioned in the October 2024 edition of this newsletter, these “Cinderella Eye Muscle Mastery
SOLUTIONS TO SAGGY EYELIDS
Drops” contain a gentle dose of oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which typically tightens the affected upper eyelid muscles and elevates upper eyelid position for up to eight hours. If a patient’s ptosis is severe enough to affect their appearance or daily activities such as driving or reading, surgery is often the best course of action. The most common procedure to correct ptosis involves tightening the muscle internally to return it to its original position. The main advantage of this procedure is it can be done without leaving an external scar and rarely results in any problems with eyelid closure. Complications are rare from the surgery, but can include an over-correction, or under-correction, contour asymmetry, difficulty closing of the eye, and ocular dryness from having a larger surface area to keep lubricated once the ptosis is repaired.
The cause of ptosis can range from typical age- related weakening, to an underlying neurologic or muscle condition, therefore, a comprehensive evaluation by an eyelid specialist is essential to identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment. If you’re done dealing with your droopy eyelids, please contact us today to put your eyelids — and your look — back where they belong.
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS •
DIRECTIONS 1. Cut roast in half. In a small bowl, combine oregano, ginger, and pepper; rub over pork. In a large skillet coated with oil, brown roast on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker; add onions. 2. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup
1 boneless pork sirloin roast (3–4 pounds) 2 tsp dried oregano 1/2 tsp ground ginger
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1 tsp pepper
2 medium onions, cut into thin wedges 1 cup plus 3 tbsp orange juice, divided
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orange juice, sugar, grapefruit juice, steak sauce, and soy sauce; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until meat is tender. Remove meat and onions to a platter.
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1 tbsp sugar
“Braille is knowledge, and knowledge is power.” –Louis Braille
1 tbsp grapefruit juice 1 tbsp steak sauce
1 tbsp reduced- sodium soy sauce
3. Transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan. Add orange zest and salt. Bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and remaining orange juice. Gradually stir into the pan for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork and noodles.
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1 tsp grated orange zest
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1 tsp salt
3 tbsp cornstarch Egg noodles, cooked
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3700 Joseph Siewick Dr., Suite 400 • Fairfax, VA 22033 (703) 620-4300 • EyePlasticMD.com
Inside This Issue
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Dots of Discovery
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The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To
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The Power of a Painless Lift
Elegant Eyelid Enhancements
Citrus-Herb Pork Roast
Remembering the Great French Mustache Strike
Workers usually go on strike to improve wages and working conditions. Leave it to the French to mount a historic strike for the right to grow a mustache. A full mustache was a prestigious mark of men’s social class in Europe in the early 20th century. Policemen were required to grow them to project authority and masculinity. Waiters rebelled when restaurant owners forced servers to shave their faces clean as a sign of their lower-class social status. During the dinner hour on April 17, 1907, an estimated 500 servers stopped dishing food, took off their aprons, and walked out, clustering on the street as diners looked on. The waiters also demanded a share of diners’ tips and the right to take one day off a week. They had support in Parliament, where one socialist deputy proposed a bill to outlaw mustache bans (which also applied to domestic servants and priests). The deputy called the restaurants’ mustache rule “grotesque and humiliating.” After 16 days, restaurant owners caved to servers’ mustache demands and implemented a fairer pay structure. The waiters, however, lost their bid for one day off each week.
The French have long been famously quick to stage work stoppages. At 112 days on average, the country leads the industrialized West in days lost to strikes each year. The nation’s strike culture is linked to its history of revolt, including the 1789 French Revolution. Withholding one’s labor is a constitutional right in France, whether you are a union member or not. And the mustache had long been a mark of status in Europe. Centuries earlier, Germany only permitted soldiers who had distinguished themselves in battle to grow mustaches. In France, the military requirement to wear mustaches became so strict that soldiers who couldn’t grow one had to wear a fake mustache. No wonder the French waiters took their facial hair so seriously. Being required to shave relegated them to the domestic servant class. As one French newspaper of the time declared, the waiters’ victory secured the right “to finally show that they are men, free men … who can wear at their ease this symbol of the all-powerful male, the mustache. Oh! The beautiful independence!”
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