A vitreous hemorrhage may be caused by a retinal tear. Sometimes there is so much blood in the eye that direct examination is impossible and we can only guess at the most likely cause. It is the most difficult situation for me to handle as a doctor. Patients lose significant vision as the blood in the middle of the eye physically blocks all light from hitting the retina. While this is … [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...]
Gas Injection for Retinal Detachments
April 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Injecting gas into the eye, called pneumatic retinopexy, is the fourth way to fix retinal detachments. Other methods include Scleral Buckle Vitrectomy Eye Surgery Combination of Scleral Buckle and Vitrectomy Gas Injection This procedure is performed in the office. Similar to other intraocular injections, except gas is introduced into the eye instead of anti-VEGF medications or … [Read more...]
Vitrectomy Surgery for Retinal Detachments
April 16, 2010 By 11 Comments
Vitrectomy eye surgery for repair of a retinal detachment can be an alternative or adjunct to scleral buckle. Vitrectomy surgery involves the removal of the vitreous from the eye. This procedure was introduced (i.e. invented) in the mid-1970's and enhanced our ability to treat retinal detachments. Retinal Tears Cause Retinal Detachments Remember that the culprit in "rhegmatogenous" retinal … [Read more...]
Scleral Buckle Surgery for Retinal Detachment
April 14, 2010 By 164 Comments
A scleral buckle is one of several ways to "fix" a retinal detachment. Other ways include vitrectomy eye surgery as well as a combination of scleral buckle and vitrectomy. An office procedure, called pneumatic retinopexy, is sometimes used as well. Scleral Buckles are "Oldies But Goodies" The scleral buckle has been employed for about 75 years. The principle behind a scleral buckle is to … [Read more...]
Sustained Release; Ozurdex Now Treats Diabetic Macular Edema?
April 7, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Ozurdex, a sustained release drug delivery system, may soon be used to treat diabetic macular edema. The sustained release intravitreal implant has been tested, with favorable results, for possible use in treating the common retinal swelling caused by diabetes. Results were published recently in the March issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology. Ozurdex was FDA approved for the treatment of … [Read more...]
Why Glasses Won’t Help You See
March 31, 2010 By 4 Comments
"Will glasses help?" We often wonder if "correction" will help decreased vision in the presence of retinal disease such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Spectacles can only help so much yet won't "reverse" the loss of vision from the disease. This is opposite to those people who claim they are "blind," yet with glasses see quite well. How do Glasses Work? The goal of … [Read more...]
