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.


...  more


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

Physician Resources

 


When To ReferDr. Peter Van Houten is a physician at East Carolina Retina Consultants

 At East Carolina Retina Consultants, we specialize in vitreo-retinal care only. If you have a patient that you feel can benefit from our state-of-the-art diagnostic, treatment, and disease management options, please contact us directly. Read More

 


Referral Process

If you are physician seeking to refer a patient to our practice, you or an authorized member of your practice staff may call our office directly at (252) 758-2402 and speak with one of our qualified staff. Read More

 

Case Studies

Dr. Van Houten remains committed to increasing his knowledge in the areas of ophthalmology and vitreo-retinal care.  Periodically, both he will conduct chart reviews to monitor outcomes, sharing the results of his findings in writing upon completion. Read More