A vitreous hemorrhage can result in sudden, painless loss of vision. In patients with diabetes, the cause may be due to either a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Remember, the proliferative phase of the diabetic retinopathy means that there are areas of neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel proliferation) on the surface of the retina. In … [Read more...]
Blood Thinners Don’t Cause Bleeding
February 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Patients with macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy commonly have "bleeding" inside the eye. These same patients may be taking "blood thinners" for other medical problems. If bleeding occurs in the eye, should we stop the blood thinners? What if you need surgery? Patients with diabetic retinopathy can have blood spots within the retina. These small spots are common and, in fact, … [Read more...]
“Top Ten” Eye Emergencies: Part 1
February 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Any vision loss can be scary. Sudden vision loss is even more frightening. There are really only a couple of "true" retinal eye emergencies. I've listed the "top ten," remember that there are many ways to define an emergency. All involve loss of vision, or at least a change in vision, and that alone probably qualifies as an "emergency." By the way, if you have sustained any of these … [Read more...]
Blood in the Eye: You Make the Call
January 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Last week another long time patient of mine (as most are with diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration) returned with complaints of the sudden onset of floaters in the left eye. The floaters had been present for about one month, they hadn't cleared and he made an appointment. I've added this illustration that resembles what I saw after dilating his pupils. What do you … [Read more...]
Sometimes You Just Need a Vitrectomy
December 10, 2009 By 16 Comments
A vitrectomy is an eye operation. It is performed by retina specialists for a variety of reasons. In patients with diabetic retinopathy, a vitrectomy may be useful to remove blood in the vitreous, aka a vitreous hemorrhage. There is no reason, to perform a vitrectomy in cases of macular degeneration. In cases of vitreous hemorrhage, bleeding has and blood remains suspended in the … [Read more...]
Here’s Blood in Your Eye!
November 6, 2009 By 2 Comments
Blood in your eye can mean many things to different people. The most common "blood" is the sudden appearance of fire engine red blood on the outside of the. It is called a subconjunctival hemorrhage. It is usually scary, painless, ugly and benign. As a black and blue bruise, it will clear in about 1-2 weeks. I am talking about blood inside your eye. Vitreous Hemorrhage - In patients … [Read more...]
Floaters, Are They Normal or due to Diabetic Retinopathy?
September 25, 2009 By 3 Comments
Floaters are generically defined as black spots in your vision. They move to and fro with eye movement. Most of the time they are small, tiny and black, but really can be large and translucent, too. From a doctor's standpoint, size does not matter. New floaters can mean a retinal tear and the development of a retinal detachment. Floaters can develop from a variety of causes such as a … [Read more...]
Successful Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
September 3, 2009 By 1 Comment
I have a patient, BG, with diabetes mellitus. BG has had diabetes for over 45 years. She is 60 years old. I saw her yesterday and will not see her for another 6 months. She has had a long course with proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Her vision is 20/25 in both eyes. BG has had multiple laser treatments and vitrectomy surgery. I want to share her success. I want to highlight … [Read more...]
Blood in a Baby’s Eye
May 6, 2009 By Leave a Comment
I have to cover the emergency room and hospital consults periodically at the hospital. It's really a pain. Most consults aren't really "emergency," but that's how it goes. When it comes to kids, though, the findings are usually pretty grave and I am only too happy to see them. I saw a young baby yesterday at the request of the pediatric service. There were concerns about the baby's … [Read more...]
