YAG laser vitreolysis vs. pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous floaters

Welcome to another edition of CEDARS/ASPENS Debates. CEDARS/ASPENS is a joint society of cornea, cataract and refractive surgery specialists, here to discuss some of the latest hot topics in ophthalmology.Vitreous floaters remain frustrating to many patients. Not only may these be visually debilitating, but also there are few effective treatment options available. In general, patients are forced to “live with it.” This month, Karl G. Stonecipher, MD, and Shachar Tauber, MD, two of my fellow Tulane alums, discuss the options of YAG laser vitreolysis and pars plana vitrectomy for the (Read more...)

Infant presents with tearing, discharge from both eyes

A 4-month-old previously healthy full-term infant presented to her pediatrician with tearing and discharge from both eyes. The mother noted this had been present since birth and did not note any associated symptoms. On exam, the pediatrician noted normal development and bilateral tearing. The infant was diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Warm compresses and nasolacrimal massage were recommended.The patient was sent home; however, a week later she returned to the emergency department with right eye injection and mild edema around the right eye. She was playful on exam and had (Read more...)

Dry eye can be a surgical disease

For some reason I get all confessional with you here. Doubtless it has something to do with our shared experience in the trenches, stomping out dry eye wherever it threatens our patients. Here is my latest: I would really rather be in the operating roo…