Ophthalmology
Expert insights on ocular conditions, surgical techniques, retinal disease, and vision-related management.
Recent Discussions
What is the best next surgical approach to manage severe inferior oblique overaction and superior oblique underaction after inferior oblique myectomy?
Persistent superior oblique (SO) muscle underaction after inferior oblique (IO) myectomy usually indicates an abnormal, loose, and floppy superior oblique tendon. At surgery, the first thing to do is traction testing of both oblique muscles to detect tightness or laxity. Videos of the "exaggerated t...
How do you approach cases of transient monocular vision loss when initial carotid imaging and cardiac workup are unrevealing?
As you eluded, it is essential to rule out amaurosis fugax in a case of TMVL, and carotid Doppler and cardiac echo are two essential tests to evaluate the two potential sources of embolization in this setting. I would also recommend an MRI of the brain (to check for possible evidence of other ischem...
How do you counsel patients with GCA on the benefits of steroids who have already experienced vision loss?
I first tell the patient they are at considerable risk for further visual loss in the same eye or the other eye over the next 1-2 weeks. I also let them know that, even though their risk of visual loss has been reduced, their best option for preventing further visual loss is immediately starting hig...
What specific exam findings or test changes prompt escalation of care when evaluating pediatric patients with optic disc drusen for possible increased intracranial pressure?
Both pediatric and adult patients with optic disc drusen can develop increased intracranial pressure, including IIH, like normal individuals. This is important to remember, especially if the symptoms and risk factors suggest elevated intracranial hypertension. In the pediatric group, especially youn...
What are the toxic effects of a small amount of intraocular perfluoron on the retina and cornea?
I have seen small amounts of PFO retained in the posterior pole and no inflammation was associated with it. But in some patients, particularly those with any subretinal PFO, retinal atrophy and chronic choroiditis can be seen. This will require surgical removal, especially if the PFO is trapped near...
How should ectasia risk be triaged using RSB, PTA, and tomography?
Randleman ectasia risk score is very helpful in assessing the risks. It takes into consideration RSB PTA topography, CT, and age. Randleman Ectasia Risk Factor Score System
What clinical and diagnostic factors best predict who will benefit from intervention versus observation for patients with visually significant floaters?
There are no clinical or diagnostic factors that predict who will benefit from an intervention for vitreous floaters. Symptomatology from vitreous floaters is subjective. Patient-reported outcome measures after floaterectomy are also subjective. The improvement in symptoms following vitrectomy (I do...
How do you approach diagnosis and management of orbital myositis?
Orbital myositis is an umbrella diagnosis that includes a wide range of potential underlying conditions. Patients with this presentation are often first evaluated by neuro-ophthalmology to exclude causes such as isolated orbital myositis, myasthenia gravis, thyroid eye disease, infection, and diabet...
For patients with evidence of prior bilateral uveitis (PS, pupillary membranes, inactive KP, no view posteriorly) who reports no prior symptoms and who has had negative lab work-up, when do you consider repeat work-up and which labs would you repeat?
This is a difficult question to answer succinctly, as so much information is missing to provide a complete response. However, it does raise some important points that are worth mentioning:There is a prevailing tenet, which I was taught as a resident and hear often from residents today, that 1st epis...
Do you modify your cataract surgery (i.e., biometry, phaco parameters, post-operative regimen) in any way for patients with prior glaucoma surgeries and/or severe glaucoma?
I generally do not modify my cataract surgery settings or pre-op planning. For patients with filtering blebs, I review the risks that cataract surgery could cause increased IOP and in some cases, bleb failure. For patients with filtering blebs who might be on one or more drops, I might consider bleb...