James C. Lai, MD, an attending ophthalmologist of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish (LIJ) Health System, is the first surgeon in the tri-state area to implant a new product that delivers vision-restoring medication directly inside the eye.The implant, which delivers medication for up to 2 1Ž2 years, is the first and only treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the blinding condition called chronic non infectious uveitis. The condition causes inflammation in the back of the eye, where blood vessels are located and are critical for vision. Previously, patients with this condition were treated either with systemic steroids, immunosuppressives, or repeated injections of steroids in the eye. All of these treatments had potentially serious complicationsThe new device, Retisert, is about the size of a grain of rice. Developed by Bausch & Lomb, it consists of a tiny drug reservoir designed to deliver sustained levels of an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid directly to the back of the eye. It is implanted in the eye during outpatient surgery. The steroid controls the inflammation, reduces the rate of disease recurrence, and often allows patients to stop their systemic steroids or repeated injections into the eye."Chronic non infectious uveitus can be devastating and has a significant impact on patients' quality of life," said Dr. Lai. "Retisert is an effective surgical option that offers relief and better vision without the debilitating side effects of older treatments."Dr. Lai's patient, Carole Aaronson, 67, of Coram, received the implant in her left eye at Syosset Hospital. Mrs. Aaronson went blind in her right eye 30 years ago from uveitis and was diagnosed with uveitis in the left eye 10 years ago during a routine eye exam. For the past three years, she has been receiving a steroid injection in the eye every three months to control the inflammation. Since the procedure in August, her vision has stabilized and she no longer needs any steroid injections into the eye."My vision has remained steady in my left eye," said Mrs. Aaronson.Chronic non infectious uveitis affects an estimated 175,000 people in the United States. It primarily afflicts people between the ages of 20 and 50. Symptoms of uveitis may include eye redness and irritation, blurred vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light and floaters.For more information, contact Dr. Lai at Long Island & Queens Vitreo-Retinal Consultants at (516) 466-0390.
Look good... feel better
"Look good... feel better," a free program to teach women how to cope with the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment, will be held at Franklin Hospital on Monday, Dec. 12 from 1to 3 p.m. in the Greenberg conference room. Professional cosmetologists will teach special techniques to minimize the effects of skin changes and hair loss, including application of makeup, use of turban and scarves to best advantage and appropriate choice and care of wigs. The program is offered in partnership with the American Cancer Society, National Cosmetology Association, and The Cosmetic Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) Foundation. The program will be offered bi-monthly at Franklin.Seating is limited and reservations are required. For further information or to reserve a space for the program, please call coordinator Meg Wehrum, R.N., at (516) 256-6509.
