Flomax ® is taken by most men for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). For several years, it has been implicated in causing intraoperative complications with cataract surgery. The study found that patients that took Flomax (tamsulosin) within two weeks prior to cataract surgery had an increased risk of serious complications after cataract surgery. Tamsulosin is a type of drug that inhibits … [Read more...]
When is a Cataract “Ripe?”
May 27, 2009 By 1 Comment
I have always felt that this is a lousy analogy although used by many, many eye doctors. It puts the patient in a more passive mode and relinquishes decision making to the doctor. It sounds like there is a finite time to have cataract surgery and only the doctor can tell. It is similar to going to the market and figuring out if a melon is ripe. Does it feel right? Does it smell right? … [Read more...]
Keeping Your Sugar Low Reduces Chances of Heart Attack
May 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I read a study this AM reporting about the effects of keeping low sugar control in Type II diabetics. The findings may surprise you. The researchers found that keeping good control, or tight control, of your blood sugar may reduce the rate of heart attack, but not the rate of stroke or over all death. Patients also had 2x the frequency of hypoglycemic episodes and had more weight … [Read more...]
Who’s the “Best Doctor?”
May 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Who is the best doctor? Well, there can't be only one or the rest of us would out of business. My definition of the "best" doctor is someone you can believe and trust. Simple. Nothing more. How do we find the best doctor? We usually choose a doctor after reviewing our trusted sources of information; friends, magazines and the like. Really kind of a shot in the dark. Though we … [Read more...]
You Never Have to “Sell” Good News
May 21, 2009 By 2 Comments
I fear the upset and frustrated patient. They can ruin my day. They can bring the whole office down. They don't care how many people still need to be seen, they don't care about appointment times or schedules and they certainly want to be heard. They are angry. Why? Patients get angry when they don't understand why they can't see. Patients get angry when they are not heard. They … [Read more...]
Vitrectomy: One Patient’s Perspective
May 17, 2009 By 1 Comment
About a week after my recent cataract surgery, a very small blackout zone expanded to cover the lower half of my visual perspective over a period of about five hours. My optometrist said this was a common symptom of retinal detachment and I should come in for an examination first thing in the morning. The exam confirmed this and he scheduled me for a surgery by Dr. Wong three hours … [Read more...]
Dr. Wong, Thanks!
May 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Dr. Wong, Just a quick note to thank you how grateful I am for the awesome care you gave me when you fixed my detached retina. All I know when we met was that I was very concerned (read scared) about losing some of my peripheral vision in my left eye. I've seen too many people lose their zest for life when one of their senses is taken away and I did not want that. But from the … [Read more...]
My Opinion About 2nd Opinions
May 12, 2009 By 2 Comments
I like second opinions. I believe they can be very helpful to both my patients and me. I have been in private practice for about 16 years. I used to practice in Baltimore, Maryland, very close to the Johns Hopkins University, which is home to the best (for this arguments sake) ophthalmology department in the universe. In the beginning, consumed with establishing myself and developing a … [Read more...]
My Recent Surgery
May 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Two weeks ago I learned through a routine eye exam that I had some issue with my right retina. At that time I was referred to Dr. Wong and his associates. During the first consultation with him comfort zone was immediate. I was educated regarding a "wrinkle" of the right retina and my options. However, he felt, as did I, that the matter should be resolved as soon as possible. … [Read more...]
New Category for Patient’s Comments
May 9, 2009 By 1 Comment
I have received a few posts from some of my patient's and welcome the feedback and comments. As of this morning, I have yet to learn how to move comments from category to category. I will do my best to maintain anonymity. Randy Randall V. Wong, M.D. Retina Specialist/ Ophthalmologist www.TotalRetina.com … [Read more...]
