This article was published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports

Jea H. Yu
Esmeralda Gallemore
Jisoo K. Kim
Rocky Patel
Jorge Calderon
Ron P. Gallemore

Purpose: To report the transient resurgence of symptomatic silicone oil droplets following intravitreal bevacizumab injections.

Observations: We report seven patients presenting with silicone oil droplets following intravitreal bevacizumab injections. These were the first cases noted in 10 years using the same supplier of preloaded syringes in an estimated 90,413 injections performed by 7 physicians. They occurred during a 4 month period (06–10/2016), suggesting they may have been related to a batch or batches of syringes. Symptomatic floaters attributed to the droplets were noted on an average of 6.7 ± 1.5 days following the injection and followed an average of 10.4 ± 3.75 injections over a period of 3.4 ± 1.9 years and resolved in 5 of our 7 patients within 9 months.

Conclusions and Importance: Symptomatic intravitreal silicone oil droplets are a rare complication of intravitreal injections. Symptoms are generally transient and not clinically significant and hence the benefits of treating potentially blinding eye diseases in this fashion appear to outweigh the limited risk of the rare, temporary floaters. The current series may be related to a batch or batches of syringes.

Keywords: Silicone oil droplets, Intravitreal bevacizumab, Vitreous

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Watch Esmeralda Gallemore dominating the dance floor at the 30th Yuletide Ball

I realize this might seem like reaching for the impossible, but here’s the thing. …I don’t believe in impossible.

So, just a few months ago, I noticed my six-year-old son, Tiger’s, confidence skyrocket after starting Jujitsu. In the blink of an eye, Tiger went from being a shy wallflower at school to an outgoing and helpful initiator. I wasn’t quick to credit Jujitsu for all of his progress, but soon the evidence was too overwhelming to ignore. I had to understand the magic behind what I was witnessing. So, I decided to experience it for myself.

Confession: You know I’m not a stranger to pushing my energetic & physical limits but, for whatever reason, I had always seen martial arts as something out-of-reach. And, as a pro dancer, the last thing I needed was to get injured trying to do some “wax on, wax off” parlor trick…. So, believe me when I tell you that I entered into the endeavor cautiously.

It’s tempting to hide behind age, weight & current fitness levels when it comes to shifting our habits toward optimal living. Balancing love life, children and work is no easy task. And even though we know exercise is important, it can seem like the addition of another activity might just tip the scales rather than help. If you’re nodding your head at this, martial arts might just be your knight in shining armor.

Very early in my training, I learned that martial arts could never add to an imbalance, because the very nature of martial arts is to create balance. This was clear in the very first lesson and I have already gone on to apply it to every aspect of my life with plenty of success.

Martial arts and family:

Since starting martial arts, I have learned to see the world in slow motion. You may know from experience that inspiration strikes when you’ve slowed down enough to connect with the moment and fully absorb it. This is why slowing down to speed up is one of the very first things we’re taught in martial arts. The awareness that comes from slowing down, grounds us in the reality of the present and makes us much more sensitive to everything that comes our way. I have already seen this phenomenon enrich the time I spend with my kids, letting me be more receptive, intuitive, & patient in all interactions. And we all know that when mommy is in balance, everyone is

Martial arts and love life:

Another confession: I created many problems in my own relationship by prioritizing professional dancing over partnership. But, in my defense: not only did I want to maintain peak fitness, I didn’t want to give up my dancing titles! Should I have to?? Being a competitive athlete is not a fling for me – it’s part of who I am and makes me feel fulfilled. The way I see it, you should never be forced to sacrifice one true love for another. But, Martial Arts proves it’s possible to have your cake and eat it too! It has taught me to balance my time and make the best of each moment, whether it’s with my partner, children or friends. And that’s with plenty of time left for dancing. … and more martial arts. So. How does it work?

First: Wherever you are, really BE there – mentally, I mean. You need to turn your phone off PERIOD. Don’t divide your attention. It is amazing what you can accomplish with FULL focus.
Secondly: In conflict, don’t be right; be thoughtful. And let him (your opponent) win every once in a while. You are automatically the winner when you take one for the team. Trust me, if your partner is worth keeping, they’ll notice your ego sacrifice (even if they don’t say so).

Try it today. You can begin healing your relationship by facing your opponent (your partner), saluting, and understanding that you both want the same things… Well, he’ll probably always want sex (and so do we – but maybe not as often as they do…). But, my point is, we both want love, right? And we want what’s best for our children. And, of course, we both want to be happy. Sounds like plenty of common ground to me!

Martial arts and work:

As a successful business owner and writer, I thought I had it all covered… until martial arts happened… and now I humbly say, “boy, was I sooo wrong.” It’s at work that I feel I’ve gained the most groundedness, since this journey began. In fact, my confidence has actually been boosted by applying the art of listening to my communication with patients, clients, employees, etc. I’ve learned that true listening is an art and science; as is truly learning from what’s being said. And it requires slowing down. When we’re rushing around, we’re always 3 places at once and 3 steps ahead – which means we’re never in the scene at hand. And this makes us miss so much of the learning that’s available to us during interactions. Everyone wants to have a voice and everyone has something to teach you. This grounded listening is a foreign concept to most, but everyone is capable of it through disciplined practice. Also, what I said about relationships goes for business colleagues too. Learn to zip it, lock it and put it in your pocket. Choose your battles. This is the key to a successful business. Learn when to listen … you don’t always need the last word.

Martial arts as a professional dancer:

In dance, technique and flirtation rule how well I perform. In martial arts, connection to breath defines the performance. Martial Arts teaches us how to strengthen the relationship between body, mind and breath. It teaches that breath does not originate in our lungs or chest, but from The Mind. This is why a thought/idea and inhalation are both referred to as “inspiration”. No coincidence. Breath can root you in the moment and shoot you to the stars. If I really take the time to slow down and center myself every time I dance, I can find and root my breath, which fuels every movement and helps me fall in perfect flow with my dance partner. It makes me feel powerful, as it did my little Tiger at school. At this point, nothing is out-of-reach in my mind. …And you can be sure I try to be Bruce Lee every time I hit the dance floor.

To control the breath is to control the mind. And, when you can control the mind, you can move mountains. Or in my case… move competitors off the dance floor.

Just slow down…. And breathe.

By Esmie Gallemore

This article was published in the Dove Press Journal: Clinical Ophthalmology

Masumi G Asahi ¹
Andrew T Chon ¹
Esmeralda Gallemore ¹
Ron P Gallemore ^1,2

¹ Clinical Research Department, Retina Macula Institute, Torrance, CA, USA;
² Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

Purpose: To determine whether combination photodynamic therapy (PDT) and antivascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy is effective in the management of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) recalcitrant to conventional therapy.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of eight patients with chronic CSC unresponsive to topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, focal photocoagulation, anti-VEGF alone, or PDT alone. All patients were evaluated with a full ophthalmic examination, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), and most with indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) followed by treatment with half-fluence PDT and intravitreal anti-VEGF injection (seven bevacizumab, one aflibercept). Patients were seen in follow-up 1 month after treatment.

Results: All eight patients achieved complete resolution in subretinal fluid following combination treatment. Average duration of CSC prior to initiation of combination therapy was 7.5 months. Mean central macular thickness on OCT decreased significantly from 401.2 ±52.7 µm to 297.9±18.2 µm (p=0.0010) by 4 months after treatment (1.63±1.18 months). Seven of eight patients were followed up for an average of 13 months with no recurrence during that time. One case recurred at 8 months and was treated with repeat combination at that time. Frank choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was not identified in these cases on FA or ICGA studies. Eight of eight patients showed significant improvement in vision from a logMAR of 0.1125 ±0.099 to 0.0125±0.064 (p=0.019).

Conclusion: Combination PDT and anti-VEGF is effective for chronic CSC which has failed conventional therapy. Associated CNV and/or inflammation may be reasons for greater success in patients treated with combination therapy.

Keywords: anti-VEGF, chronic central serous chorioretinopathy, combination, photodynamic therapy, recalcitrant

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Watch Esmeralda Gallemore display her amazing skills in the Open Advanced Gold Latin class at the 2017 World Championships.

Esmeralda Gallemore wins 1st Place at the 2017 World Championship Embassy Ball with her amazing Argentine Tango performance.

I’ll let you answer for yourself….

It’s really not entirely clear why people are so bothered by Big Egos, but my understanding is that most individuals have been programmed to think that ego is a negative thing. And I believe this programming is getting in the way of individuals reaching their full potential.

“Egos have no amigos”. That is, egos are built for survival, competition & success. Most of us can sense a Huge Ego from the moment it steps into a room.  It announces itself without saying a word and passively demands attention. It’s assertive, focused and self-possessed when it needs to be, but also understands when to shut the hell up.  

It often takes a Big Ego to recognize and point a finger at the Huge Ego in the room – while all the Little Egos remain oblivious to “that special something” they sense but can’t name. The Big Egos are good at spotting the sneaky magnetism of the Huge Ego b/c it’s threatened by it. Because it’s in competition with it. More people than you probably know have Huge Egos – but only the highest achievers are labeled for it.  The sad fact is, from the moment a person finds success, their name will pop up on every hater’s Most Wanted list. 

High performers have a harder time denying their urge to be on top. They sense their calling and importance early on and know that they must get there at all costs. …whether as parents, siblings, professionals, athletes, or clergy. 

They all require Big Ego!

Some literature suggests that ego is synonymous with arrogance. I disagree. Arrogance is an expression of ego, yes. But, it’s an inferior expression. Arrogance is the lashing-out of an insecure and threatened ego. In fact, arrogant behavior is a tell-tale sign of an underlying inferiority complex. A healthy secure ego would have no reason to claim superiority over others, because it truly believes its own unique power and knows that everyone else has something unique to offer. …doesn’t mean we can’t play the game, though

Winning and losing gracefully both require a healthy amount of Ego. Whether it’s the drive needed to win, or the courage needed to risk failure and stand tall after a loss. 

Individuals with healthy egos (myself included) are often called “delusional” or “self-aggrandizing” — and this isn’t entirely incorrect. The truth is, it takes a measure of crazy to become great. And the reason is simple. You have to first believe, before you can achieve. 

By Google’s definition, to have an ego means to have passion, creativity, urge, uniqueness, excitement, structure and discipline…  

So how would YOU like to be labeled? Personally, I’d rather not be known for having a Big Ego…  I’d prefer to be known for having a HUGE EGO, and that’s the truth!!! You can embrace the ego and let it drive you to the top of your game or you can deny it and let it sabotage you every day of your life. The choice is yours. 

Let me put it in social media terms. Ego = followers.  Humans are actually quite easy to fool. If you tell them that you’re the greatest thing around and truly believe it yourself, chances are they’ll start believing it too.  Also, strong egos radiate the kind of energy that others will be drawn to.  Even if they’re antagonized by it at first, they’ll want to be associated with it. 

For those who aren’t able to embrace Big Egos, you can help them boost their own. Give them a voice.  Raise their consciousness. Inspire them to grow through your passion for life and demonstration of self-worth in walk and talk. You will only be growing your own ego larger-than-life in the process. And that’s a good thing, remember??

Now, a message from a self-proclaimed egoist, on how to boost your own ego…

Branding yourself: Beauty hurts. Exercise, run, bike, walk and be active. People who take care of their bodies are perceived to be of higher social standing. It’s the blunt truth. I have plenty of articles on how to stay active and sexy. Read them and get on the program. When you exercise you’re rehearsing for the competition of life. YOU are your brand!

Meditation: Quieting the mind through any meditation ritual helps balance the ego toward the best possible you. Let self-esteem be your focus. Through meditation, one can clear the noise of the world and connect with his/her true calling, breeding a renewed sense of purpose and self-worth. Feed your mind with positive thoughts about the extent of your powers – to advance your ideas, professions, and relationships with those around you. It is for the good of the whole. 

Sleep: Sleep is one of our primary needs, playing a high-stakes role in our physical and cognitive functions. Well-rested people are healthier, happier, more energetic and clearer thinkers. Sleep controls pretty much every aspect of your lives. So get to bed! Its your main mode of regeneration (i.e. fountain of youth!). IPhone has a sleeping alarm app to alert you to set bedtimes. Try it. We all need a minimum of 8 hours to function at full capacity. You will be amazed by how much you can achieve after a great night’s of sleep. Set your bedtime alarm one hour early and see how much you accomplish the next day. Here’s the math: Give up 1 hour of waking, for an extra hour of sleep, and get back 2 hours in terms of productivity the next day. Sounds like a deal to me! 

Healthy eating and vitamin supplementation: Good nutrition nourishes the body and enhances beauty. You need to be conscious of your weight – there is no way around it. Obesity is an illness. And change begins with healthy eating. In combination with a wise diet, consider the benefit of Veyetamins like URGE-Vite and Macula & Body Health Complete. In combination, these two powerful formulas compliment each other one nourishes the eyes and slows the progression of underlying ocular disease and the other elevates mood while increasing energy levels. This all food for a healthy ego!

Feed your ego and watch talent, optimal health and confidence emerge – the confidence to tell all your haters: 

Back away from my ego… mi amigo!!

By Esmeralda Gallemore at my Esmie’s corner blog page.

Watch Esmeralda Gallemore kill it on the dance floor at the 2017 World Championship Emerald Ball – International Latin Open Gold Pro Level

“A huge thank you to Jordi Caballero, for trusting me on the dance floor after only 3 weeks of practice. Jordi is a world renowned actor, choreographer and Tango coach. He has worked with some of the greatest including Madonna, J Lo, Shakira, Jessica Park and now me. I was up to the challenge only because I knew I could get my energy levels up with UrgeVite – 1st place is not a bad start!!”

-Esmeralda Gallemore

Esmeralda Gallemore, wins 1st place at the renown International Latin -The Royal Ball