The iPad as a "low vision" tool.

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, etc)...but also allows access to everything on the internet! The user can then, with simple hand gestures on the touchscreen...enlarge the image to as large as is required! A new use for an already very brilliant device.

I seem to be resistant to Lucentis...am I unusual?

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 the drug in the eye requires injections approximately every four weeks...in most people. Every patient is however different in their response...your retinal specialist needs to monitor you very frequently...both via examination...and with imaging such as OCT and sometimes angiography...to determine whether additional treatment is required.

Do i have to pay for my own Lucentis if I go South for the winter?

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.

What is OCT and why is it necessary?

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, vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membranes and macular edema...are also best evaluated with OCT.

In Ontario...OCT is now covered by OHIP.

How soon after retinal surgery can I swim?

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.