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

Patient Testimonials

At East Carolina Retina Consultants, we strive daily to provide every patient with the highest standards of vitreo-retinal care and treatment.  It is our hope that each individual leaves our practice with the knowledge that they were not only treated fairly and with respect, but that his or her physician provided the best options and treatments available to them.

Read below to see what some of our current and past patients have to say about our practice and physicians:

 

"Very satisfied!  Nothing but a good experience."

 

"Very satisfied!  He is the best." (Dr. Van Houten)

 

"The staff is excellent here, accomodating, caring & kind."

 

"Have never felt rushed or poorly informed."

 

"Overall, pleasant and nice group, well organized.  Thanks!"

 

"High level of confidence in Dr. Van Houten's medical skills, easy to

relate to and an all round people person.  Very good & confident at what he does.

Thank you."

 

"He is hitting a home run.  I really feel that he is concerned

about my well being."

 

"Everyone from the front door to the exit door were so nice and concerned.

Pleasant experience."

 

"I am pleased with the quality of your service."

 

"Everyone was very pleasant from the time I checked in until the time I

checked out!"

 

"Nurses are great, always professional, courteous and nice."

 

"There is nothing more you can do.  Service is already the best."

 

"I am very satisfied with this practice!"

 

"The doctor, staff, nurses & Technicians are super nice, helpful & courteous.

I wish all doctor's offices were this nice & friendly.  You all

deserve an A+."

 

"It's well worth the wait.  I couldn't ask for a more pleasant,

professional, knowledgeable doctor."