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...]
Laser Treatment Still The Best
November 13, 2009 By 1 Comment
Laser treatment for diabetic macular edema is still the preferred treatment for most patients with diabetic retinopathy. Despite all the recent news about intraocular injections of anti-VEGF and steroid medications, the laser remains the mainstay. The most common manifestation of diabetic retinopathy is the development of macular edema (also known as diabetic macular edema (DME) or clinically … [Read more...]
Diabetic Retinopathy: Have You Lost Vision from Diabetic Retinopathy?
October 15, 2009 By 2 Comments
There are 4 stages of diabetic retinopathy. Each stage is based upon the appearance of the retinas at the time of examination and are not based upon a patient's symptoms, including vision. Many people with early diabetic retinopathy have no symptoms. Therefore, regardless of whether you are experiencing symptoms, it is imperative that if you have diabetes you schedule regular eye exams. If … [Read more...]
Ozurdex Implant Likely to Help Diabetic Macular Edema
September 8, 2009 By
There is a new implant available to us in the United States for treatment of macular swelling (edema). The implant, Ozurdex®, is a product of Allergan Pharmaceuticals and received FDA approval in June 2009 for treatment of macular edema caused by retinal vascular occlusions. Ozurdex® is now available for your doctor to use when indicated. What does Ozurdex have to do with diabetic … [Read more...]
Study Compares Laser Treatment Against Steroids for Diabetic Macular Edema
August 10, 2009 By Leave a Comment
As reported in the Archives of Ophthalmology, a 3 year study finds that laser photocoagulation is just as effective as intravitreal steroid injection for the treatment of clinically significant macular edema (CSME), aka diabetic macular edema (DME). This DRCR.net study compared standard laser photocoagulation against intravitreal steroids given in two different strengths. The study involved … [Read more...]
More Good News About Avastin and Diabetic Retinopathy
August 3, 2009 By 1 Comment
The anti-VEGF drug, Avastin® (bevacizumab), was used to treat patients with diabetic macular edema. The study found that over 50% of patients receiving the drug noted improved vision. Overall, 97% of patients were either stabilized or noted improvement over the two year study period. In the study, patients received between 1 and 15 injections over the two year period. Avastin® has been … [Read more...]
