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

Common Concerns

At East Carolina Retina Consultants, we are committed to providing answers to you and your family regarding your retinal concerns. 

Once referred from your primary physician or eye care physician, we will perform a series of diagnostic tests and exams to rule out some conditions and discover the root of your retinal problem.  From that point we will discuss the nuances of the disease, and offer tangible treatment plans to help preserve your vision.

Follow the links below for introductory information regarding some of our most common patient concerns.  While the data provided in the links is factual, please note that reading it does not constitute a diagnosis from one of our licensed physicians.  If you have or feel you have a medical concern involving your retina and do not already have an appointment set up with our practice, see your regular physician for a referral.  If you are having an eye emergency, please dial 911 or go to your local hospital emergency room.

 

Retinal Detachments & Tears

Usually beginning as a retinal tear, retinal detachments can sometimes occur with no warning symptoms.  Individuals with long-term diabetes are at a greater risk of tears and detachments, as are those engaging in activities that expose the eyes to catching a small object, or would cause one to catch a blow to the eye. Read More


Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration involves the breakdown of the macula that leads to a loss of central vision and accounts for an overwhelming 90% of all new legal blindness in the nation.  While age is the primary risk factor, several others have been identified. Read More


Diabetic Retinopathy

One of the concerns associated with diabetes is the buildup of sugars within tiny blood vessels throughout the body.  This buildup validates concern for eyesight because some of the smallest blood vessels exist within the eye; specifically in the retina. Leakage of these weakened vessels can cause blurred vision, and even blindness if not treated promptly. Read More


Macular Puckers

A direct result of aging, a Macular Pucker occurs when a shrinking vitreous pulls on the retina and causes scar tissue to form.  The resulting tissue can cause vision blurriness or distorted vision, although unlike macular degeneration or retinal detachment, symptoms usually get worse more slowly. Macular Puckers rarely interfere with vision to the point of requiring surgical correction early, but little can be done to prevent them from forming. Read More

 

Vitreous Hemorrhage

A sudden bleed occurring in the back of the eye, a vitreous hemorrhage causes a change in vision by blocking light from reaching the retina.  The hemorrhage can result from an aneurysm in the back of the eye caused by trauma, a retinal detachment, or an underlying condition, such as diabetic retinopathy. Read More

 

Hypertensive Retinopathy

High blood pressure (hypertension) causes small vessels in the body to be lined with cholesterol and fat.  This is especially true for the small vessels in the retina.  If hypertension is not treated before vessel damage occurs, the resulting bleeding can cause blurry vision or permanently decreased vision. Typically, treatment is centered around keeping blood pressure in check with healthy lifestyle choices unless a rupture has occurred. Read More


Post-Cataract Problems

Occasionally, patients with other underlying eye conditions experience complications after having cataracts removed.  These can include infections, dislocated lenses, blurred vision, or the more severe, retinal detachment. Read More


Eye Trauma

Contrary to what you may think, eye conditions are not reserved for older adults.  Many conditions can affect individuals of all ages, especially when blunt trauma to the eye or systemic diseases like diabetes are involved. At East Carolina Retina, we’ve got the expertise to treat your retinal and back of the eye concerns most effectively. Read More


Endophthalmitis

A very uncommon bacterial infection, endophthalmitis most often occurs in post-operation cataract patients, but can be found in others that have bacterial infections in the bloodstream that travel to the eye. Immediate medical attention is needed to not only relieve painful symptoms, but preserve eyesight. Read More


Macular Hole

Macular holes occur in the macula, or the central part of the retina.  The occurrence of macular holes increases with age, with women being more prone to this.   Becuase macular holes rarely correct themselves, surgery is often needed to repair the damage and restore part of the vision that was lost or blurred. Read More