Ociplasmin (marketed by Alcon under the name "Jetrea") is a new drug, which was approved by the FDA in the US in October 2012.  It is an enzyme (a "recombinant protease with activity against fibronectin and laminase") which helps separate the back of the vitreous gel from the retina.  In certain conditions...when there is a strong attachment of the vitreous gel to the retina...and when the vitreous collapses forward in the eye...the retina can be lifted up like a "tent" (as seen in the OCT picture above),  Such an elevation results in visual loss.  Until the availability o ..read more

On February 14, 2013...the FDA approved the "Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System".  This ingenious device was developed by "Second Sight" in California.  It consists of an intraocular portion and an extraocular portion. The intraocular portion consists of a pattern of electrodes which are implanted onto the surface of the retina...as well as a receiving and transmitting coil...implanted onto the surface of the eye...these transmitters are connected by a wire to the electrodes inside of the eye. The extraocular portion consists of a pair of glasses, onto which is mounted a camera. The ..read more

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There is no absolute answer. Lucentis...blocks a chemical called "VEGF" (vascular endothelial growth factor) which is secreted in excess by the body in wet macular degeneration. VEGF causes abnormal blood vessels to grow and bleed...while Lucentis is in the eye...it blocks VEGF...and stops bleeding...once Lucentis is absorbed...the blood vessels tend to grow and bleed. Different people however absorb Lucentis at different rates...so Lucentis stays inside the eye for different periods of time in different people. On average...Lucentis stays for approximately 28 days...so when Lucentis was firs ..read more

Apple's new iPad might prove to be the most brilliant, portable and cost-effective low vision tool ever! The iPad is extremely easy to use, portable (1.5 lbs) and relatively inexpensive (starting at $499)...when compared to very large, cumbersome and much more expensive CCD devices currently available to low vision patients. As opposed to conventional low vision aids...which require the user to place the reading material underneath the device in order for the printed material to be magnified...the iPad not only allows the fast and easy downloading of all printed material (books, magazines ..read more

Lucentis is not a cure...it must be considered a maintenance therapy. A person with "wet" macular degeneration really needs the Lucentis to be present in their eye "24 hours per day...FOREVER". While Lucentis is present in the eye...blood vessel growth and leakage is retarded...but as the Lucentis gets absorbed (by 4 weeks)...blood vessel growth and leakage resumes...in most people...usually quickly. One should therefore not feel that they are resistant to the Lucentis...it is unfortunately the nature of the drug. Lucentis is a terrific drug...but the nature of the disease and the duration of ..read more

If a resident of Ontario goes South for the winter...we can arrange with the Pharmacy supplying Lucentis to supply the drug while you are away...arrangements must be made with a retinal specialist at your destination to receive the drug and to administer the drug. Great care must be taken in the transportation process to ensure that the drug is maintained at the temperatures recommended by the manufacturer. As an Ontario resident...you are just as entitled to have an ODB covered drug such as Lucentis while you are away as you are entitled to have a drug that is taken orally ..read more

OCT stands for "Ocular Coherence Tomography". It is a brilliant new technology which allows for a very precise, non-invasive evaluation of the macula (central retina). Exquisite details of retinal structures can not only be seen...but measured very precisely...and monitored for change (improvement or worsening) over time. The most common use of OCT is for the evaluation of macular degeneration. Very subtle collections of fluid or blood can be detected...the OCT is key to the determination of whether additional treatment is or is not required. Many other problems...such as macular holes, vit ..read more

In general...it is recommended that one doesn't swim for at least a month after retinal surgery. The main concern is the risk of infection from the water. What would otherwise be a trivial case of "pink eye" can become a serious infection if a surgical wound has not completely healed ..read more

interview with Dr. Devenyi ..read more