Edwin M. Schottenstein, M.D., F.A.C.S.?

Edwin M. Schottenstein, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Ophthalmologist

140 W 71st St Suite 1c New York NY, 10023 Show map

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About

Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein is one of New York City's top board-certified ophthalmologists. His status as board certified means that he has completed years of rigorous training in specialized surgery, vision preservation, and restoration. He is accepted as a diplomat by the prestigious American Board of Ophthalmology. He is also a respected fellow of the American College of Surgeons, a designation given to accomplished surgeons. His private practice, located on Manhattan's Upper West Side, focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and helping patients with ophthalmic manifestations of diabetes. He has practiced ophthalmology in Manhattan since 1985. For over 35 years, Dr. Schottenstein has provided compassionate and thorough care for his patients. His attention to detail and willingness to spend the extra time with patients to resolve their needs is the guiding principle of his entire staff and truly sets his practice apart from others. Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein is one of New York City’s top board-certified ophthalmologists, completing years of rigorous training in specialized surgery, vision preservation, and restoration. His private practice, located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and helping patients with ophthalmic manifestations of diabetes. Visit his website at www.eyedoctornycnow.com for more information.

Education and Training

Leland Stanford Jr. University A.B. 1975

Medical College Of Ohio M.D. 1978

Board Certification

OphthalmologyAmerican Board of OphthalmologyABO

Provider Details

Male English, Spanish

Edwin M. Schottenstein, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Edwin M. Schottenstein, M.D., F.A.C.S.'s Expert Contributions

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Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery, or FLACS, replaces many of the steps during cataract surgery that requires a blade and softens the cataract, reducing effective phaco energy, which allows for easier and smoother removal of the cataract. The femtosecond laser provides an unparalleled...
Durysta Glaucoma Treatment
What Is Durysta?At the office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein, our mission is to help our patients maintain healthy vision over a lifetime. We hope to provide the highest quality treatment for our patients and keep them up to date on all new procedures, treatments, and medications as your New York...
Eye Care During COVID-19
At the office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein, we believe that everyone deserves a healthy, clear vision, and our mission is to help our patients maintain healthy vision over a lifetime. In the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), our office has instituted safety measures for patients to...
LipiFlow
At the office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein, we believe everyone deserves a healthy, clear vision, and our mission is to help our patients maintain healthy vision over a lifetime. While we’re proud to offer both prevention and treatment for a wide range of eye diseases at our NYC eye clinic, one...

Eye swollen?
You appear to have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is a common eye condition, yet many people don't realize they have it. You get it when there's a problem with a few dozen tiny glands in your eyelids that help make the oil layer of your tears. What Happens These Meibomian glands, named after the German doctor who studied them, make an oil called meibum. There are approximately 31 Meibomian glands in your upper eyelid and about 26 glands in the lower eyelid. The glands in the upper eyelid are longer and produce more oil, or meibum, than the ones in the lower eyelid. There are three layers to your tear film. The oily outermost layer, produced by special glands (Meibomian glands) within the eyelid, serves to prevent evaporation of the saltwater middle layer of the tears and perform barrier functions. The inner layer against the eyeball is made of mucus secreted from cells on the front surface of the eye and is important in helping the saltwater layer spread evenly across the surface of the eye. As you can see, any dysfunction in the layers of the tears can be problematic, and we especially see this with an increase in evaporation from MGD. Each gland contains little pockets called acini that act like an oil factory, producing the meibum. Meibum, water, and mucus form the three layers of tear film, the fluid that keeps your eyes moist. As previously mentioned, the oil helps prevent the water layer on the eye surface from evaporating or drying out too quickly. Changes to the amount or quality of the oil, or to the glands themselves, can lead to MGD. It's often the result of a combination of things. The most common type, obstructive MGD, happens when the gland openings get clogged, and less and less oil reaches the eye surface. Your eye doctor will tailor treatment based on the stage of your MGD as well as any underlying medical condition you have. MGD may lead to dry eye syndrome. In fact, 86% of dry eye patients have MGD. You may have dry eyes or dry eye syndrome if you’re suffering from some of the following symptoms: Dry-feeling eyes A burning or stinging sensation in your eyes Eye redness or a bloodshot appearance A sandy or gritty feeling under your eyelids Itchy eyes Tired eyes Increased sensitivity to the light Blurred vision Discomfort wearing contact lenses If you’re experiencing some of these symptoms, I highly suggest scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor. Making sure that your moisture levels are normal and you have proper tear function is a vital part of keeping your body healthy and your immune system balanced. Causes In a healthy eye, pressure from a blink expresses a small amount of oil from the Meibomian glands which is then distributed over the ocular surface as the eye opens. The ocular surface is the foundation for ocular comfort and visual quality. Other causes of MGD are hormone fluctuations, especially androgen deficiency, as well as other conditions such as demodex eyelash mites, rosacea, and other seborrheic skin conditions. Treatment of MGD LipiFlow is an in-office treatment that we offer that combines warm compress therapy and pulsed pressure to reduce dry eye syndrome and correct the balance of oils in the tear film. LipiFlow applies controlled heat to the inner eyelid and applies mild, intermittent pressure. This pressure will open and clear the blocked glands in order to allow the body to produce its natural production of oils. This will cause your eyes to stop being dry and alleviate the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome. The unique mechanism of action of the LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System has been shown to improve gland function in patients with MGD. By simultaneous application of heat and peristaltic motion to the eyelid, obstructed meibum is safely liquefied and pushed out of the gland orifices. Subsequent to Lipiflow treatment, application of a natural substance, called Avenova, has been shown to be beneficial and extend the beneficial effect to the treatment. This natural substance is produced by neutrophils in the body in response to bacterial invaders and inflammation. It works to fight off microorganisms on the skin and mucous membranes, ensuring that the affected area is clean, and it also lowers the melting point of the meibum lipid, much like salt on snow. It is well known that clean eyelids can help alleviate the signs and symptoms of dry eyes and meibomian gland dysfunction. The office of Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein has available this lid and lash antimicrobial spray solution, Avenova, which is designed to remove bacteria and debris around the eyes. Avenova also kills the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 on hard surfaces. Long-term effects of untreated MGD If left untreated, obstructed glands will reduce oil production, atrophy, and eventually drop out. Once a gland has atrophied completely, function is lost permanently, which leads to chronic discomfort and potentially sight-threatening damage to the ocular surface. Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein READ MORE
Will I still be nearsighted after cataract surgery?
There are several factors which may impact your need to wear glasses after cataract surgery. These include: Your overall eye health Whether you have astigmatism Your current eyeglass prescription The type of intraocular lens (IOL) used during your procedure The IOL you choose matters.Traditional IOLs are monofocal. This means that they are only able to focus clearly at one visual point. If you choose a monofocal IOL, you may see clearly at distance, but still require glasses for near vision tasks after cataract surgery. Also, Traditional IOLs do not correct for astigmatism, which occurs if there is an irregular curvature of the cornea (the clear front cover of the eye over the lens, the iris and the pupil), causing vision problems. In other words, your nearsightedness can be corrected, but you may see blurry and still require glasses to focus your vision for both distance and near and vision tasks after cataract surgery. However, recent advances in IOL technology have resulted in a wide range of High Tech IOL options. Many High Tech IOLs are multifocal and provide you with the ability to focus clearly at multiple distances. In many instances, the use of a High Tech IOLs will reduce, if not eliminate entirely, your need for glasses after cataract surgery. Astigmatism can also be treated with laser assistance during cataract surgery. Other benefits of using High Tech (multifocal) IOLs include: Better range of vision Improved vision in a wide range of lighting conditions Improved ability to read and perform other near vision tasks Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein offers several High Tech IOL options in addition to traditional monofocal IOLs. These include: Toric IOLs — Toric IOLs are an excellent option if you have astigmatism, a condition that occurs as a result of having a cornea that is oval-shaped instead of round. Prior to the development of toric IOLs, patients with astigmatism always needed glasses after cataract surgery. By choosing a toric IOL, you may be able to eliminate your dependence on distance glasses after surgery, but you still will require glasses for near vision tasks. Multifocal IOLs — Multifocal IOLs allow you to focus clearly at multiple distances. Not only will these IOLs be able to potentially eliminate the need for glasses after cataract surgery, but they are also an excellent option to combat the near vision issues associated with presbyopia. Toric Multifocal IOLs — Toric multifocal IOLs are one of the newest and most advanced options available. They provide clear focus at all distances while allowing you to simultaneously correct for astigmatism. It’s important to understand that High Tech IOLs are more expensive than traditional monofocal IOLs. Therefore, you’ll need to weigh the increased cost against the convenience benefits you’ll experience by reducing or eliminating your dependence on glasses. Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein is one of New York City’s top board-certified ophthalmologists, completing years of rigorous training in specialized surgery, vision preservation, and restoration. His private practice, located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, and helping patients with ophthalmic manifestations of diabetes. Visit his website at www.eyedoctornycnow.com for more information. READ MORE
How long after cataract surgery can I sleep on my side?
Cataract surgery should not affect how you sleep, aside from wearing the protective eye shield to avoid rubbing the operated eye. Rubbing your eye or even splashing water in your eye can increase the chance of acquiring a postoperative infection. You may also want to avoid sleeping on the side of the operated eye for the first 24 hours. Cataract surgery is generally an outpatient procedure, completed in under an hour. Cataract surgery is highly successful in improving your eyesight and should allow you to return to your normal activities, like driving, following a few simple weeks of recovery. Newer techniques, such as laser assistance, have made the procedure even more gentle, precise and customizable. Your cataract surgery recovery begins immediately following your procedure. At the completion of your cataract surgery, a lightweight protective shield will be placed over your eyes and held in place with surgical tape. This shield will decrease the risk of injury from inadvertently rubbing or accidentally bumping your eye. Most patients are able to go home within a few hours of arrival at the outpatient facility. You will be required to have a friend or family member drive you home following surgery. In general, you should be able to watch TV, do some light computer work and shower or bathe within a few hours of returning home after your procedure. While at home, you may be allowed to remove your eye shield, but you should wear it when sleeping for at least a week to prevent eye injury. Full recovery from cataract surgery should be complete in about a month, although it can take up to three months for your eye to be completely healed. Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein READ MORE
What surgery can treat glaucoma?
If glaucoma medicines and laser treatment haven’t helped to treat your glaucoma, you may need surgery. Surgery can not cure glaucoma or undo vision loss, but it can help protect your vision and stop it from getting worse by reducing your eye pressure . There are a few different types of surgery for glaucoma that can help lower the pressure in your eye: 1)Trabeculectomy 2) Glaucoma Implant Surgery 3) Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS). Surgery is generally performed on one eye at a time even if you need glaucoma surgery in both eyes. Trabeculectomy With this type of surgery, the ophthalmologist will create a tiny one way valve opening in the top of your eye, under your eyelid where no one will see it. This valve opening permits your excess eye fluid to drain away, lowering your eye pressure. Usually, you will be awake during this procedure, but you will get local numbing medicine and systemic relaxing medicine. You should plan to have someone to drive you home the same day. Glaucoma Implant Surgery? With this type of surgery, the ophthalmologist implants a tiny tube or shunt onto your eye. The tube helps extra fluid drain out of your eye, lowering your eye pressure. With this procedure as well, usually you will be awake, but you will get local numbing medicine and systemic relaxing medicine. You should also ask someone to drive you home the same day. Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS)? The MIGS group of operations have been developed to reduce some of the complications of the previously aforementioned glaucoma surgeries. This group of distinctly different procedures also lowers eye pressure and are generally for mild glaucoma. MIGS procedures work by using microscopic-sized equipment and tiny incisions. While they are safer and help you recover faster, some degree of effectiveness is also traded for the increased safety. What happens after surgery? Eye drops are prescribed to be taken for several weeks after surgery to help prevent infections and swelling. These eye drops are not the other glaucoma eye drops you may already be using, and in many cases those drops may be stopped. While you recover, you may need to follow-up with your ophthalmologist to make sure your eye is healing well and avoid some activities, like heavy lifting. For some people, the effect of surgery lasts a long time. For others, scarring requires that a surgery be performed again. You will need regular follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist. Glaucoma surgery can have side effects, just like any operation. These side effects may include cataract, problems with the cornea (the clear surface layer of your eye), eye pressure becoming too low, and vision loss. Discuss surgery with your ophthalmologist. Together, you can make a treatment plan that’s right for you. READ MORE
Do I have to buy glasses after an eye test?
The short answer is no. At a comprehensive eye examination, your ophthalmologist, which is a medical eye doctor, evaluates the health of your eyes, looking for eye manifestations of conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, or systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. He or she should evaluate your vision, check how well your eyes move and if they are aligned correctly, check your side (peripheral) vision, the loss of which is easy to miss in everyday life but is a symptom of several eye conditions, including glaucoma. Your doctor should check the pressure inside your eye, look at your pupils to see if they react to light properly, inspect your corneas, and peer into the back of your eye to evaluate the optic nerve and retina at a comprehensive eye examination. Each part of the exam evaluates a different part of your eye. Eye exams are important for ensuring both your eye health and your overall health. Buying a new pair of glasses may or may not be part of this process. READ MORE
How do you relax tired eyes?
Take breaks from your screens. Between TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones, screen exposure is at an all-time high and that takes a toll on your eyes. To avoid tired eyes, take both mini and longer breaks from your computers and digital devices to allow your eyes to rest. Apply warm and cool compresses. Tired eyes often can be relieved with warm and cool compresses placed on your eyes. This remedy will not only improve the appearance of your eyes, but it feels great and gives you a chance to pamper yourself. Address Allergies. If allergies are the cause of your tired eyes, take a topical antihistamine, which reduces redness, swelling and itchy feeling. Avoid other allergy triggers, like driving with your windows down or spending time outdoors during allergy season, to keep your eyes from looking and feeling tired. Address dry eye syndrome. Your tired eyes may just be dry, and there are some easy things you can do to keep your eyes hydrated. Dry Eyes can be caused by several factors, including age, certain medications and too much screen time, all of which can make it difficult for your eyes to stay moist. Make sure your prescription is updated. Your tired eyes may be the result of an outdated vision prescription. If it’s been a while since you had your eyes checked, find an eye doctor near you and book an appointment. Outside of the last cause, the other causes of tires eyes are the result of dry eyes most often caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. The Meibomian glands are what produce the lipids necessary for maintaining a proper amount of lubrication for your eyes. If these glands are malfunctioning, blocked, or just dying off, a severe case of dry eyes can set in. A treatment called LipiFlow is effective, and it can treat Meibomian Gland Dysfunction with immediate results. Dr. Schottenstein will often recommend LipiFlow treatment, especially if a patient has tried other dry tired eye treatments with little to no success—as he has seen great results from using LipiFlow treatment. An individual treatment session with LipiFlow usually takes 10-15 minutes, and depending on your situation, a single LipiFlow treatment can remain effective for up to two years. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Dry Eye SyndromeRefractive Cataract and Implant SurgeryGlaucoma Surgery

Faculty Titles & Positions

Senior Attending Surgeon The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai 2005 - Present
Assistant Clinical Professor New York University 2010 - Present

Awards

Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification 2012 Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Fellow (FACS) 2005 American College of Surgeons
Fellow (FAAO) 1985 American Academy of Ophthalmology
President's List 1974 Stanford University

Treatments

Cataracts
Diabetes
Macular Degeneration
Glaucoma
Diabetic Retinopathy
Macular Hole
Uveitis
Type 2 Diabetes
Astigmatism
Blepharitis
Chalazion

Professional Memberships

New York Glaucoma Society
American Academy of Ophthalmology
New York County Medical Society
American Glaucoma Society
New York State Medical Society
New York State Ophthalmologic Society
American College of Surgeons

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Maccabi European Games 2019

Treatments

LipiflowRefractive Cataract Extraction and Intraocular Implantation Micro Incisional Glaucoma SurgeryCataract and Implant Surgery Ophthalmic Laser and Microsurgery

Professional Affiliations

New York University Physicians NetworkStaff Society of The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Teaching and speaking

The American Academy of Ophthalmology New York University Department of OphthalmologyThe New York Eye and Ear InfirmaryJoint Commission n Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology

Areas of research

Glaucoma and Related Disorders

Cataract and Related Disorders

Dry Eye Syndrome and Related Disorders

Edwin M. Schottenstein, M.D., F.A.C.S.'s Practice location

140 W 71st St Suite 1c -
New York, NY 10023

Get Direction

New patients: 212-874-2300

Fax: 212-595-5798

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Edwin M. Schottenstein, who serves patients in New York, New York.

Having treated thousands of patients with high-quality visual care, Dr. Edwin Schottenstein is one of New York City’s top board-certified ophthalmologists. He can provide patients with a comprehensive selection of eye care services that can improve their vision, boost their visual health, and even provide them with a higher quality of life.

Having been practicing ophthalmology in Manhattan since 1985, his private practice in the Upper West Side focuses on comprehensive eye exams, cataract surgery, Implant Surgery, Femtosecond Laser Assisted Phacoemulsification, Refractive Intraocular lens Implantation, YAG capsulotomy, glaucoma treatment, Microsurgical Glaucoma Surgery, Durysta Glaucoma Implantation, Lipiflow Dry Eye Treatment and other dry eye procedures, limbal relaxing incisions, refractive cataract surgery, and treatment of ophthalmic manifestations of diabetes. He provides compassionate and thorough care for his patients, with attention to detail and spends time with his patients to attend to their eye health. His attention to detail and willingness to spend the extra time with patients to resolve their needs is the guiding principle of his entire staff and truly sets his practice apart from others.

A trusted eye doctor in the community, he is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Attending Ophthalmologist at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine. He is also an Attending Surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, where he participates in their highly respected glaucoma and trauma services.

Born in 1953 in Columbus, Ohio, Dr. Schottenstein was influenced by his father, Harold Schottenstein, who graduated from Ohio State University at the age of 19 with a degree in pharmacy. Since at the time, the state of Ohio required that one be 21 to be a licensed pharmacist, Harold Schottenstein enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a medic, storming the beaches of Normandy on D Day, under the leadership of General George Patton and more directly under Colonel Dr. Robert Milton Zollinger, discoverer of a refractory ulcer disease called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

Pertaining to his educational background, Dr. Schottenstein graduated from Bexley High School, a public school with many notable alumni, one of which is Judah Folkman, M.D., whose sentinel research led to the discovery of bevacizumab (Avastin), treatment for colon cancer and a similar drug, Ranibizumab (Lucentis), treatment for macular degeneration. Subsequently, Dr. Schottenstein graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree from Leland Stanford Jr. University (Stanford University) in 1975. At Stanford, Dr. Schottenstein was mentored by Dr. Donald Kennedy, Professor and Chairman of his Major, Human Biology. While working with Dr. Kennedy, who subsequently went on to become President of Stanford University and editor of the Journal Science, Dr. Schottenstein presented his original research that led to the cure, without the use of pesticides, of cotton blight in the San Joaquin Valley of California. He earned a position on the prestigious President’s List of Stanford. Three years later, in 1978, he earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio (now University of Toledo). Furthering his training, he received his residency training in ophthalmology at Hahnemann University (now Drexel University) and also studied as a glaucoma subspecialist under Robert Ritch, M.D. by completing a fellowship at the prestigious The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai. As a private practitioner, Dr. Schottenstein collaborated with Dr. Ritch in writing two editions of a three-volume textbook entitled The Glaucomas, Mosby.

Staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field, he participates in thousands of hours of continuing education courses. He has completed extensive training and has experience in providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages from infants to seniors. Lecturing in ophthalmology to physicians in the medical community, Dr. Schottenstein has dedicated many years of his professional life to the continued education of both students and his fellow colleagues in ophthalmology. He not only stays current with the latest ophthalmologic advancement of knowledge and ophthalmic procedures, but he is also a mentor and a teacher to those who have followed him. Dr. Schottenstein has played an integral part in the training and development of over 400 ophthalmic surgeons, including the current Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai and current Chairperson of The Manhattan Eye Ear and Nose Hospital. In addition, he has written numerous articles for medical journals and chapters for textbooks about comprehensive ophthalmology and glaucoma care.

Committed to improving eyesight and ensuring optimal visual health, Dr. Schottenstein is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology. His status as board-certified means that he has completed years of rigorous training in specialized surgery, vision preservation, and restoration.

In good standing with several professional organizations, he is a member of the New York Glaucoma Society, the New York County Medical Society, the American Glaucoma Society, the New York State Medical Society, and the New York State Ophthalmological Society.

Maintaining fellowship status, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (FAAO). In his free time, he enjoys Traveling, Reading, Hiking, Tennis, Designing Houses, and Acting. He represented the United States in both singles and doubles in the Master’s Division of Team U.S.A. The Tennis Team in the European Maccabi Games held July 29-August 7, 2019 in Budapest, Hungary.

Dr. Schottenstein’s philosophy is to provide a careful, conservative, and thorough approach to delivering high quality eye care. He firmly believes that for many, there are alternative treatment methods available to preserve and restore optimum vision. Surgery is only considered if absolutely necessary. He seeks to provide each patient with the compassionate and personalized eye care they come to expect and deserve. He takes the time necessary to answer any questions you may have to ensure you have the necessary information to make an informed decision about your treatment. He will create a customized treatment plan to meet your individual needs and desires. He makes every effort to provide open communication. He promises to speak candidly with you about symptoms, your diagnosis, alternative treatments that may exist, and his recommendations. He wants to ensure you are thoroughly informed so you can make an educated decision about your treatment. Working together with his patients, he strives to achieve a true partnership, with one common goal – keeping your eyes healthy and your vision as clear and sharp as possible. His motto is “ If anyone can help you, he can.”

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

Dr. Schottenstein takes pride in the high standard of care that he strives to provide his patients each day and is confident that he will meet or exceed all your expectations. It is his mission to provide his patients with the most advanced and comprehensive and compassionate eye care available, and this is the reason why Dr. Schottenstein is recognized as a leader in providing high quality ophthalmic care to the residents and visitors of New York City.