Ophthalmology
Expert insights on ocular conditions, surgical techniques, retinal disease, and vision-related management.
Recent Discussions
How soon do you consider repeating external diode (CPC) for a patient who's IOP remains relatively unchanged and uncontrolled post-op after initial CPC?
My experience is that a reduction is usually apparent by 6-8 weeks. If not at target level IOP, repeat the procedure and adjust parameters of treatment accordingly (duration on, cycle frequencies/duty cycle).
What is your algorithm for transitioning a patient with chronic noninfectious posterior uveitis from corticosteroids to immunosuppressive therapy?
There are some forms of noninfectious posterior/panuveitis where it is known from the time of uveitis diagnosis that steroid-sparing immunosuppression (IMT) will be needed. For example, in birdshot retinochoroiditis or serpiginous choroidopathy, IMT is often initiated in concert with oral corticoste...
What is your approach to audiometric monitoring for patients on Teprotumumab and how do you discuss the possibility of irreversible hearing loss with your patients?
I have set up a connection with our institution’s ENT and audiometry service to do a baseline test for any patient who is a candidate for teprotumumab. If the patient already has abnormalities in the high and ultrahigh frequencies, would not proceed to treatment. Would also repeat the test if the pa...
How do you approach the management of a patient with psoriasis and chronic anterior uveitis who is unable to take DMARDs and has tried TNF inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors but has ongoing bilateral anterior uveitis?
Psoriasis is so common that it is possible that this is a chance association, but published studies do support the likelihood that there is a causal association between psoriasis and uveitis and a much stronger association between psoriatic arthritis and uveitis. The choice of therapy depends to a g...
Do you feel there is a role for capsulectomy for failed Ahmed implants and what is your preferred surgical approach?
There can be a role for capsulectomy after a failed Ahmed implant. In situations where a needling/5FU is insufficient, a capsulectomy provides a higher chance of success. Typically, I would dissect from the limbus backwards to the plate, excise as much capsule as possible, then close after ensuring ...
What concentration/dose of mitomycin C do you use for trabeculectomies and XENs and how do you titrate based on patient factors?
I use the mitosol kit and reconstitute at 0.2 mg/ml (0.02%). I inject the mitomycin at the end of the case, after ensuring watertight conjunctiva closure by raising a bleb via a corneal paracentesis. My standard dose then is 60 ug injected (0.3ml of 0.2 mg/ml), but I may titrate that dose/volume up ...
What is your approach to managing failed trabeculectomies with scarring but controlled IOP?
It's important to differentiate "controlled IOP" from the controlled rate of disease progression. If IOP is consistently 10-12 in the clinic and HVF and OCT are stable, close observation may be all that is needed. However if the IOP is "controlled" but the HVF shows evidence of progressive functiona...
Have you experienced any significant refractive regression years after the final lock-in for light adjustable lenses?
We have patients 18-24 months out. And the vast majority has no change in Mrx. No more than you would have with a multifocal or any other lens.
In eyes with chronic DME despite frequent anti-VEGF, what is your threshold to add or switch to intravitreal steroid therapy?
I’m quick to add steroids to anti-VEGF treatment. If there is little to no response to 3 anti-VEGF injections, adding a dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) can help a lot. I will usually do that before switching in class. I usually switch to a different anti-VEGF if there is good but incomplete response...
How does a history of malignant glaucoma in one eye influence your surgical approach to the fellow eye, particularly regarding prophylactic/intra-operative measures (i.e., iridotomy, IZH)?
Although this is not a common occurrence, a history of malignant glaucoma in one eye will affect my surgical planning in the fellow eye. I have performed a prophylactic IZH in the fellow eye during cataract surgery. Additionally, I make sure that when appropriate, all fellow eyes have received a las...