New Treatment for Macular holes

Recent approval of Jetrea (Ocriplasmin) to treat symptomatic VMA (Vitreo Macular Adhesion) has opened up a new era in non surgical management of macular holes. Previously only a hospital based surgery was able to reverse the process of macular hole development but now a new drug can be injected into the eye painlessly in the office and within a few weeks the process reverses back to more normal vision levels....  more


FDA Approves ASRS Leader's ArgusŪ II Artificial Retina

On February 14, the FDA approved the Argus II artificial retina developed by ASRS Executive Committee and Board Member Mark S. Humayun, MD, PhD.

This breakthrough technology is the first ever to offer limited vision to patients with late-stage retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

 Second Sight Medical Products (Sylmar, CA) manufactures the Argus II implant, which has 60 electrodes and a tiny camera mounted on eyeglasses to capture images.

 The FDA approved Argus II for adults age 25 years or older with severe to profound RP. About 10,000 to 15,000 of the 100,000 Americans with RP will qualify for Argus II. Up to 4,000 patients a year can be treated with the device.


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Macular degeneration and Aspirin?

Aspirin and Macular degeneration... is there an increase in the wet form of macular degeneration in those patients taking aspirin? The wet form develops quicker than the dry form. It may only be related to the fact that you are more likely to take aspirin if you have medical problems like stroke or heart attacks in the past and these conditions are more commonly associated with wet age related macular degeneration. ...  more

Case Studies

Cigarettes and sodas (carbonated beverages of all types) could lead to severe eye damage. In age related macular degeneration we have found a 90% relationship between smoking one pack a day for 10 years any time in the patient's life and the onset of wet macular degeneration. In diabetes, drinking one 12 oz diet or sugared soda will cause the need for twice as many laser treatments for macular edema. At East Carolina Retina Consultants, Dr. Van Houten is committed to not only continuously expanding his knowledge in the area of vitreo-retina care, but keeping patients informed about his discoveries. We review charts and how patients fare to find better ways of delivering heath care. The review is done protecting patient confidentiality, trying to find ways of improving outcomes. The doctors at East Carolina Retina Consultants feel that it is not enough to just provde the best care possible but also to keep improving that care. 

 

Dr. Van Houten has completed several case studies which examine the short and long term effects of common behaviors on eyesight. Read below to discover more.  As always, please refer any immediate health concerns to your primary care physician or your specialist at East Carolina Retina Consultants.

 

Smoking: A Threat To Eye Health by Peter A. Van Houten, MD (click to read more)