Randall V. Wong, M.D., Retinal Specialist
There are two conditions where laser treatment is needed in patients with diabetic retinopathy: macular edema and evidence of proliferative retinopathy. In cases where macular edema, swelling of the retina in the macular area, is present, "focal" photocoagulation is needed. In cases of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, "pan-retinal photocoagulation," or PRP, is … [Read more...]
Below is an addendum to yesterday's post. I omitted a "comment" about the 4 stages of diabetic retinopathy. I highlighted the change and pasted in the original post. Sorry. Comments: a) Macular edema can be present in any 4 of the stages. It is usually treated with laser treatment, but steroids or anti-VEGF medications may be useful, too. Macular edema, … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Did you ever hear that diabetes is a disease of blood vessels? Most people think that the definition of diabetes is simply uncontrolled blood sugar, but, in reality, diabetes may be thought of as a vascular disease. Diabetes can be a very nasty disease affecting most organs in the body. Common problems caused by diabetes include peripheral neuropathy, kidney failure … [Read more...]
The macula is a place. It is the functional center of the retina. The term macular is an adjective. "Macular" is not a disease. Too many patients also believe that "macular" and macular degeneration are synonyms. They are not. Definition - The macula is the most sensitive area of your retina. It is approximately 1.5 mm x 1.5 mm. It provides us with our … [Read more...]
Alimera Sciences hopes that its Iluvien ™ insert will be effective against diabetic macular edema. Iluvien™ will release a steroid called fluocinalone acetonide (FA) after insertion into the eye. The Iluvien™ system will deliver the steroid for up to 3 years. It is anticipated that intraocular steroid release may control macular edema and improve vision. The … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
I am asked this question all the time. A friend encouraged me to readdress the subject. How do patients with diabetes avoid diabetic retinopathy? First, let me offer some caution; there is a lot of bad information about diabetic retinopathy out there! Let's consider some points; 1. The incidence of diabetes mellitus continues to rise in the United States. … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Fluorescein angiography is a time-stamped test for evaluating the health of the macula in any suspected disease state. It is particularly useful for patients with macular degeneration (ARMD). It can detect vascular problems, swelling, neovascularization, macular degeneration and inherited/congenital retinal disorders. It is a very helpful test. When do we use … [Read more...]
I am a retina specialist (ophthalmologist) practicing in Fairfax, Virginia, just about 20 minutes from Washington D.C. I started this blog about 3 years ago and use it for educational purposes to … [Read More...]
