The era of intraocular drug delivery has started. A year ago, Allergan began shipping Ozurdex to the private sector. As with most of these “injections,” Ozurdex is injected into the vitreous cavity. Ozurdex releases the steroid dexamethasone for 4-6 months. Ozurdex for Retinal Vein Occlusions and Uveitis The mainstay of treatment for retinal vein occlusions … [Read more...]
Silicone Oil for Retinal Detachments
September 28, 2010 By 201 Comments
Silicone oil can be used to fix retinal detachments. Using the same principles of intraocular gas to repair a retinal detachment, oil can be thought of as a non-absorbable intraocular gas. It is a useful "tool" for difficult or recurrent retinal detachments. Both gas and oil may, or may not, be used in retinal detachment surgery (e.g. vitrectomy and scleral … [Read more...]
…and Often the Patient Wins
September 23, 2010 By 4 Comments
Many times our medical treatments and eye surgery work well and the patient "wins." Last post I wrote "Sometimes the Disease Wins" where I shared the disappointment and frustration of unexpected surgical results, highlighting the fact that surgical results are not guaranteed. A patient of mine, JF, just returned from Alaska (see pic). He and his wife spent 8 days … [Read more...]
Sometimes the Disease Wins
September 20, 2010 By 2 Comments
I have a patient, already blind in his right eye, who just suffered his third retinal detachment in the last 2 months in his remaining, left eye. I am operating, again, to try and prevent his going totally blind. I trained with a world famous and world class mentor, Steve Charles, M.D. of Memphis, TN. My fellowship lasted a year, where I learned my specialty, and … [Read more...]
Complications of Long Term Retinal Detachments
September 13, 2010 By 15 Comments
There are 3 reasons to have retinal detachment surgery. More than just to restore vision, there are emotional and physical factors that need consideration. There are complications to long term retinal detachments. Your doctor should prepare you for all of them. Saving Your Vision The most obvious reason for retinal detachment surgery is to save your vision. A … [Read more...]
Wong Turns 50!
September 7, 2010 By 9 Comments
I turned 50 this past Labor Day Weekend. It was a fun weekend of celebration. A couple parties Sunday and last night. I was able to celebrate with many people, those that live close and those that don't. I am probably younger than most of my readers (and followers). Retinal disease can hit all ages, but tends to concentrate more heavily on the > 50 age … [Read more...]
Iluvien Gets Closer to FDA for Diabetic Retinopathy
September 1, 2010 By 5 Comments
Iluvien, an injectable drug delivery system for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, gets closer to becoming FDA approved. Alimera Sciences announced this week that the FDA has given the investigational device "Priority Review" status. Priority Review status hastens the chances of full FDA endorsement from 10 months to 6 months. What is Iluvien? Iluvien is a … [Read more...]
