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Rockyview Health Centre, 1011 Glenmore Trail SW Building #1 Suite 423, Calgary, AB T2V 4R6, Canada
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The Latest in Retina

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At EyedeologyTM, we believe in providing the most comprehensive eye examination to every one of our patients. That is why you may be asked to have a dilated eye exam so that we may examine the retina most thoroughly to rule out diseases such as macular degeneration, diabetes, hypertension, tumours and many other eye conditions. Exciting developments in retina research and clinical care are happening right now such as these headlines: “Blind man sees wife for first time in more than a decade with Bionic eye” “Blind Mother sees her baby for the first time” Imagine for someone who has lost his/her vision for years, not seeing faces of loved ones, grandchildren, not being able to do the daily activities most of us take for granted, such as going for walks, reading books. These headlines are exciting news for patients with certain retinal diseases such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt’s disease, ocular albinism, diabetic retinopathy, Leber’s optic neuropathy, cone-rod dystrophy and other low vision conditions. Three new revolutionary devices are allowing patients who have been legally blind for decades to see for the first time using today’s technology in electronics and eye surgery.

CentraSight

This device is a small telescope implanted inside a patient’s eye to improve vision and quality of life affected by end-stage Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). This technology reduces the impact of the severe central-vision blind spot caused by the disease. The telescope implant projects the objects that the patient is attempting to see onto the remaining healthy retina tissue that has not degenerated. About the size of a pea, the implant is surgically placed inside the crystalline lens of one eye while the other eye continues to give the patient peripheral vision. Patients chosen for this device include those who have best-corrected vision of 20/160 to 20/800 with irreversible, end-stage dry or wet AMD, and no previous cataract surgery in the chosen eye for this surgery. For further information, visit www.centrasight.com

E Sight Eyewear

E Sight eyewear is an innovative, wearable, electronic eyeglasses that enhances whatever the user is looking at to maximize the effectiveness of one’s remaining eyesight. For patients with low vision (meaning a patient’s best-possible corrected vision is 20/200) this can be life changing to allow them to shop independently, recognize faces, and become mobile again. The patient wears larger than normal glasses that combine a camera, display technology and advanced computing to deliver real-time video that is then projected onto a screen in front of the patient’s eyes. Users have complete control over the image they see, they can enhance contrast, magnify up to 14X and adjust the image to best interpret their world, whether walking, reading, or sitting. This will allow them to be able to do daily activities they may have lost such as walking, using computers, seeing faces, and attending sporting events. E Sight is a Canadian biotechnology company. The device is best for patients with best-corrected vision of 20/60 to 20/400 and costs $15,000 Kathy Beitz of Toronto, has Stargardt’s disease, a genetic condition that causes macular degeneration. With E Sight she was able to see her newborn son after many years without vision.

Argus II Retinal Prosthesis System

Second Sight Medical Products Inc has developed the first retinal prosthesis in the world, which is restoring some functional vision to blind patients. In Jan 2015 this has been approved by Health Canada for treatment of outer retinal degeneration, namely retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The Argus II has been implanted now in more than 100 patients worldwide. It works by inducing visual perception in blind patients by stimulating the retina’s remaining cells, resulting in a perception of light patterns in the brain. Images are captured by a small video camera mounted on the patient’s glasses, which are then converted into a series of small electrical pulses that are then transmitted wirelessly to an array of electrodes implanted on the surface of the retina. This allows patients to recognize shapes or large objects, locating people, identifying location of doorways. Allen Zderad, a 68-year-old man from Minnesota, has not seen his wife, children or grandchildren for the last ten years. Dr.Raymond Iezzi, a Mayo Clinic retinal surgeon, implanted the Argus II into Allen’s eyes. In an emotional video on YouTube, Allen showed excitement and jubilation as the image of his wife slowly came into view for the first time. His family and friends were in tears. What Allen can see now are pixelated images in black and white. He says “it’s crude, but it’s significant. It works”, smiling with tears running down his cheeks.

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Supporting Ocular Surface Healing and Comfort

The membrane contains natural growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. When placed over the cornea, it acts as a protective layer that supports healing and may help reduce inflammation.

Potential Benefits

  • Supports Healing: Helps promote natural healing of the eye’s surface.
  • Reduces Inflammation: Its natural properties may help calm inflammation.
  • Improves Comfort: May help relieve discomfort related to dry eye.
  • Supports Recovery: Helps support the healing of the ocular surface.

Who May Benefit?

Amniotic Membrane Therapy may be suitable for people with moderate to severe dry eye, particularly when conventional treatments have not provided enough relief. An eye care professional can assess your eyes and determine if this treatment is appropriate.

How Does It Work?

The amniotic membrane is the innermost layer of the placenta and contains growth factors and anti-inflammatory properties. During treatment, a specially prepared membrane is placed over the eye’s surface to act as a biological covering and support healing.

What to Expect

Before treatment, your optometrist will examine your eyes and determine whether Amniotic Membrane Therapy is suitable for you.

  • Before Treatment: The eye is numbed with topical anesthetic drops, and the area is prepared.
  • Membrane Placement: The preserved and sterilized membrane is placed over the cornea.
  • After Placement: A special contact lens may be used to hold the membrane in place.
  • Post-Treatment Care: Antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed when needed.
  • Follow-Up: Regular visits help monitor healing and the membrane’s absorption or integration.
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, a foreign body sensation, or temporary blurred vision after treatment. Improvement in symptoms may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the individual.

Understanding Dry Eye and Your Treatment Options

Dry eye can develop for several reasons, and understanding the underlying cause is an important part of managing symptoms. Our team can assess your eyes and help develop a management plan based on your individual needs.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye can affect both eyes and may cause different symptoms, including:

  • Stinging or Burning – A burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes.
  • Eye Redness – Red or irritated eyes.
  • Light Sensitivity – Increased sensitivity to light.
  • Excessive Watering – Eyes that water more than usual.
  • Blurred Vision or Eye Fatigue – Blurry vision or tired, strained eyes.
  • Foreign Body Sensation – A feeling that something is in your eye.

What Causes Dry Eye?

A healthy tear film has several components that work together to keep the surface of the eye comfortable and protected. Dry eye can occur when tear production decreases or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Several factors may contribute to dry eye, including:

  • Aging
  • Allergies
  • Hormonal changes
  • Eyelid problems
  • Gland dysfunction
  • Certain health conditions
  • Living in a dry climate
  • Extended screen time

One common factor is blockage of the Meibomian glands, which produce the lipid layer of the tear film. When these glands are not functioning properly, tear evaporation can increase and contribute to dry eye symptoms.

A Personalized Approach to Dry Eye Management

Managing dry eye involves more than simply using eye drops. Our team can help develop a personalized plan that may include targeted in-office treatments, nutritional guidance, and home care based on your needs. 

Home care may include:

  • Warm Compresses: Used as part of a regular eye-care routine.
  • Lid Hygiene: Keeping the eyelids and surrounding area clean.
  • Artificial Tears: May be recommended to help manage dryness and discomfort.

In-Office Treatment Options

For patients with more severe dry eye symptoms, targeted in-office treatments may be considered. Available options include:

  • Radiofrequency
  • Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)
  • LipiFlow Therapy

These treatments may be used as part of dry eye management for symptoms such as burning, itching, redness, and irritation. The appropriate approach depends on the underlying factors contributing to your symptoms.

Managing Your Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye can have several contributing factors, so treatment is not the same for everyone. A thorough assessment can help identify factors affecting your tear film and determine which management options may be appropriate.

If you are experiencing persistent dryness, irritation, redness, light sensitivity, or other symptoms, speak with our eye care team about your dry eye management options.

Deep Cleansing for Healthier Eyelids and Lashes

ZEST (Zocular Eyelid System Treatment) is an in-office eyelid cleaning and debridement treatment developed by Zocular®. It is designed to clean the eyelids and lashes while helping address concerns associated with dry eye, blepharitis, and demodex.

The treatment uses a natural, okra-based gel to remove oil, debris, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes. By improving eyelid hygiene, ZEST can help reduce the buildup that may contribute to irritation and inflammation around the eyes.

What Is ZEST?

ZEST works like a deep cleansing treatment for the eyelids and lashes. During the procedure, the okra-based gel is applied along the eyelid margins and lashes using a cotton swab. The gel is gently worked into a lather using circular motions before being rinsed away with saline solution.
The gel contains a refined extract of okra, an edible green seed pod. According to the provided product information, okra helps lift and clear oil, debris, and residue while being gentle around the eye area.

How Can ZEST Help?

Keeping the eyelids, eyelid margins, and lashes clean is an important part of eye hygiene. Buildup along the eyelid edges can contribute to symptoms such as itching, burning, gritty sensations, redness, and irritation.

ZEST is designed to address this buildup through thorough cleansing and debridement.

  • Removes Debris: Helps clear dirt, oil, and residue from the eyelid margins and lashes.
  • Supports Eyelid Hygiene: Provides a deeper cleansing treatment than routine eyelid cleaning.
    Addresses Demodex: The treatment is designed to help remove demodex mites and associated debris.
  • Helps Reduce Inflammation: Cleansing the eyelid area may help address buildup associated with irritation and inflammation.
  • Supports Dry Eye Care: ZEST may help relieve symptoms associated with dry eye and poor eyelid hygiene.

ZEST for Dry Eye, Blepharitis, and Demodex

Dry eye and blepharitis can be associated with inadequate eyelid hygiene. Debris along the eyelid margins can enter the tear film with blinking, potentially contributing to redness and irritation.

Demodex mites can also be present in the hair follicles around the eyelashes. According to the provided information, they may contribute to inflammation and dry eye symptoms by blocking the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes.

ZEST provides targeted cleansing of the eyelid margins and lashes to help remove this buildup and address demodex-related concerns.

A Simple In-Office Treatment

The ZEST procedure is performed in the office and involves applying the cleansing gel to the eyelid margins and lashes, working it into a lather, and then rinsing the area with saline solution. The treatment is designed to provide thorough eyelid and lash cleansing without requiring a lengthy procedure.

Is ZEST Right for You?

ZEST may be considered for patients experiencing symptoms associated with dry eye, blepharitis, demodex, or eyelid debris. An eye care professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether ZEST is appropriate for your eye care needs.
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