Randall V. Wong, M.D., Retinal Specialist
The original AREDS study (Age-Related Eye Disease Study) was published in 2001 and concluded that a combination of vitamins and supplements, the "AREDS Formula," consisting of vitamin C, vitamin E, B-Carotene, zinc and copper could reduce the risk of developing advanced ARMD. The "AREDS Formula" has been recommended for patients with intermediate or high risk ARMD. … [Read more...]
The best treatment for wet macular degeneration is a treatment which efficacious, has no complications and is effective. Actually, these are the three attributes of any "best" treatment. The best treatment for wet macular degeneration comes close to meeting these criteria. At present, anti-VEGF treatments; Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea and Macugen are commonly used for … [Read more...]
Avastin injections, used for wet ARMD, are again linked to eye infections. At least five patients have developed intraocular eye infections after receiving Avastin injections distributed by the same compounding pharmacy located in Augusta, Georgia. A voluntary recall of all sterile products from Clinical Specialities, Inc., has been issued. Most of their drugs are … [Read more...]
VisionCare increases provider locations for implantation of the CentraSight telescope for macular degeneration. The telescope, indicated for patients with end stage (advanced) macular, was FDA approved last fall for use in selected patients suffering from the blinding disease. The device and implantation is covered by Medicare for those who meet certain … [Read more...]
My patient, Dick Marquis, has had wet macular degeneration affect both eyes. While now legally blind, the iPad has allowed him to remain as functional as possible. I asked him to write this article to serve as an inspiration to others. - Randy Before Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration (Wet ARMD) struck me, I was an avid reader. My morning ritual was coffee and the … [Read more...]
A fluorescein angiogram is a diagnostic test used to evaluate the health and blood flow of the retina. It can be a diagnostic tool and is used primarily by retinal specialists. Inject Dye into the Arm A small amount (3-5 cc) of fluorescein dye is injected into your arm. The dye will travel to your retina in about 12-15 seconds (depending upon your heart). A … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
