Silicone oil is used for recurrent retinal detachments or complicated retinal detachments including PVR (proliferative vitreoretinopathy). It can be a valuable tool to prevent blindness. Most retinal detachments are caused by a retinal tear, or hole, in the retina. In either case, this allows for communication between the vitreous cavity and the potential space underneath the retina. … [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 some lessons, that will … [Read more...]
How to Diagnose Macular Degeneration
August 30, 2010 By 1 Comment
Unlike the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, a patient with macular degeneration must have symptoms of the disease for the diagnosis to be made. In most cases, the retina should have characteristic "damage," and, most importantly, the patient must be having symptoms, i.e. decreased vision and/or distortion. In Whom We Make the Diagnosis Patients afflicted with macular degeneration are almost … [Read more...]
Your Eye Treatments
July 13, 2010 By 5 Comments
Eye drops are the most common form of medication for your eyes. There are also ointments (aka salves), pills and injectable medicines. The eye is unique in the many ways. It can be treated directly with medicines. Eye drops and ointments are the most common. Medications given by mouth or intravenous usually don't get into the eye well, due to the blood brain barrier. Direct injection … [Read more...]
Iluvien Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema
July 1, 2010 By 9 Comments
Iluvien gets closer to FDA approval for treatment of diabetic macular edema. Earlier this week, I wrote about emerging treatments for diabetic retinopathy. Of the group, Iluvien is now the most likely to be available. Alimera Sciences has filed for NDA (New Drug Application) for Iluvien. In March, the company announced the favorable results in their clinical trials for the FDA. The NDA … [Read more...]
When To Stop Your Eye Treatment
June 18, 2010 By 1 Comment
The decision to stop your eye treatment for wet macular degeneration should be easy...and guilt free. The anti-VEGF injections (treatment for wet macular degeneration) require multiple injections and many trips to the office. Injections are often recommended for over a year. It can be a real hassle and becomes a hardship for the friends and family... and sometimes the goals of the … [Read more...]
Sudden Vision Loss is Painless
June 8, 2010 By 8 Comments
True sudden vision loss can occur from a variety of reasons and are considered emergencies. Most commonly retinal disease is the culprit. Almost all causes of are painless. While both macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy can lead to blindness, they both usually do so slowly. There are exceptions. Vision Loss from Diabetes Vision lost from diabetic retinopathy is usually due to … [Read more...]
Radiation and Lucentis Combined to Treat Macular Degeneration
May 25, 2010 By 2 Comments
External beam radiation and Lucentis may be combined to treat wet macular degeneration. The results showed the treatment may be very safe and, when combined with anti-VEGF injections such as Lucentis, may decrease the need for frequently repeated injections. Neovascularization, the growth of abnormal blood vessels, underneath the macular defines "wet macular degeneration." Radiation Kills … [Read more...]
Eye Surgery Removes Floaters
May 5, 2010 By 64 Comments
Persistent floaters that decrease vision can be removed. A vitrectomy, a retinal eye operation, can be used to successfully remove the vitreous and the "floaters" located within this gel-like tissue. Most Floaters are From a PVD Most new "spots" or "cob-webs" are due a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). A vitreous detachment increases the risk of a retinal tear and/or retinal detachment. … [Read more...]
