eye DOCTOR’S ORDERS

you asked, they answered!

Q: A:

“I am looking forward to improving my vision with cataract surgery, but I am nervous about the process. How do you make sure my eye stays open?”

It is very common to feel apprehensive or nervous prior to a procedure, especially when it involves the eyes! We have an excellent team of anesthesiologists, and you will receive sedating medication through an IV prior to the surgery. Although you are not completely asleep, you will be comfortable and free from pain. We use a small metal speculum to hold the eyelid open, so you won’t need to worry about keeping your eye open on your own. After the procedure, most patients are surprised to hear that the surgery has already finished, and they report that they had fun “watching the light show!”

Q: A: Q: A:

What are Inherited Retinal Diseases (IRDs), and how does genetic testing help?

IRDs are a group of disorders that cause vision loss, which may worsen over time, due to abnormalities in genes that control retinal function. Diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and Stargadt disease are common examples of IRDs. These conditions can affect patients of all ages.

Genetic testing has revolutionized the field of IRDs. In the early 2000s, around 50 genes were associated with IRDs. Today, over 300 genes have been discovered, and we can now detect causal genes in the majority of known IRDs. Identifying the genes that cause IRDs is tremendously important. It allows us to provide better prognosis and clinical management. Genetic testing also provides information that is relevant when planning a family, and, most importantly, identifies patients who can participate in clinical trials or receive new therapies as they become available.

Can glaucoma be treated with marijuana?

No. Marijuana is not effective for treating glaucoma. Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. It is characterized by progressive loss of nerve cells in the optic nerve, the cable transmitting the signal from the eye to the brain, and it is often but not always associated with increased pressure in the eye or intraocular pressure (IOP). Regardless, treatment of glaucoma is aimed at lowering IOP. While marijuana (specifically the psychoactive THC component) can marginally lower IOP, its effects last only 3-4 hours requiring dosing 6-8 times per day around the clock. Furthermore, unsafe lowering of blood pressure may occur with marijuana use, which can worsen glaucoma. Finally, all major, reputable eye care societies do not recommend marijuana for the treatment of glaucoma most notably the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.

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