Randall V. Wong, M.D., Retinal Specialist
Another fake shipment of Avastin was discovered in late March. The first episode occurred in early February. In both instances, the bogus drug was purchased from a manufacturer in Turkey, then distributed eventually to the U.S. by a string of suppliers. The brand name "Altuzan" is used for the drug manufactured in Turkey. Apparently the packaging of "Altuzan" … [Read more...]
Iluvien continues to make progress outside the US for treatment of macular edema due to diabetic retinopathy. Iluvien, a sustained release drug delivery system from Alimera Sciences, is a proprietary intraocular injection for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Iluvien releases a steroid for up to 36 months and may be a significant treatment for the most common … [Read more...]
Last week we left for Chicago to share my views on social media and medicine. The round-table was fun. I enjoyed sharing my views (and I have many) with the other participants: two related to the business of medicine (Allergan), two practice administrators and two doctors. My co-participants all have some experience communicating with patients digitally. None … [Read more...]
I'm going to Chicago this weekend to talk about Social Media and medicine! The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) has its annual meeting this year in Chicago. Ophthalmology Management, an ophthalmology business development company, and Allergan are hosting a "roundtable" discussion on the use of social media in ophthalmology. Allergan has a … [Read more...]
Cataract surgery does not cause macular degeneration. Macular degeneration, however, is often discovered just after cataract surgery when the vision fails to improve as hoped, causing many patients (and their frustrated families) to wonder if the cataract surgery caused macular degeneration. Failure for Vision to Improve In most cases of cataract surgery, vision gets … [Read more...]
Most of the kids are on Spring Break. Amy and I took a few days off and are not making lots of plans, but, instead, are taking day trips if we can. The two college kids had their respective breaks 2 -3 weeks ago and each have come and gone back to school. With so many kids of different ages, we've never had the luxury of having the whole family on break … [Read more...]
Routine eye examinations looking for retinal detachments are not necessary. Unlike diabetic retinopathy where the probability is quite high that every patient with diabetes develops the disease, a detachment does not happen often in the general population and usually is associated with symptoms. Patients are often worried about developing a retinal detachment. … [Read more...]
Routine eye examinations for macular degeneration in patients without symptoms are probably not necessary. Unlike conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, where the disease is likely to occur yet still be asymptomatic, macular degeneration is not "silent" and does have associated symptoms. Once diagnosed with macular degeneration; however, routine examinations … [Read more...]
All patients with diabetes should get checked for diabetic retinopathy at least annually. This recommendation is supported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Optometric Association. Diabetic Retinopathy Occurs in Everyone It is likely almost every patient with diabetes will develop some diabetic retinopathy....even if the sugar is well controlled … [Read more...]
Drusen are not diagnostic of macular degeneration. These whitish/yellow spots of the retina can be a normal finding and their presence does not mean you will develop macular degeneration (ARMD). There are other criteria necessary to make the diagnosis of ARMD. "Druse" may occur in 3 locations within the eye; The Macula The Peripheral … [Read more...]
I am a retina specialist (ophthalmologist) practicing in Fairfax, Virginia, just about 20 minutes from Washington D.C. I started this blog about 3 years ago and use it for educational purposes to … [Read More...]
