Retina Institute of the Carolinas and the Macular Degeneration Center

05/03/2023

Congratulations to Nasi Samiy, MD and the Retina Institute of the Carolinas and the Macular Degeneration Center team for catching a patient’s wet conversion with ForeseeHome!

Patient was referred with 20/20-2 vision and the conversion was caught at 20/25-2.

The Notal Vision Monitoring Center is proud to partner with Dr. Samiy and his team to catch their patients’ wet early enough to help maintain functional vision.

03/24/2023

To our patients:

Please be aware of these brands of eye drops which have been recently recalled. Specifically discard EzriCare preservative free tears, due to contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a total of 68 infections have been reported as of March 14. Three people have died, eight have lost vision, and four have had an eye surgically removed.

Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by EzriCare, LLC and DELSAM Pharma. On Feb. 2, the FDA issued a warning not to use EzriCare Artificial Tears because of potential bacterial contamination. The over-the-counter product was associated with severe eye infections in 55 patients, including one death. The infections were caused by a drug-resistant bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%. Apotex Corp. initiated a voluntary recall for six lots of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution on March 1 due to cracks in the caps. The prescription drops are used for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. No infections have been associated with the product.

Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops. The FDA announced on March 3 that Pharmedica USA was voluntarily recalling two lots of Purely Soothing Drops. This over-the-counter product is being recalled due to non-sterility. There have not been reports of illness or infection related to the product.

In addition to drops, the FDA has also recalled Global Pharma Healthcare Artificial Eye Ointment due to possible bacterial contamination. No infections have been associated with this over-the-counter product.

Here’s how to tell whether your eye drops are safe to use and how to recognize a potential infection

02/11/2023

The Retina Institute is happy to support local community fundraisers in benefit of local charities. This year's Dancing With The Stars of Charlotte raised one million dollars for the Go Jen Go Foundation and Carolina Breast Friends Pink House. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this important community event and congratulations to all the participants and winners.

01/01/2023

Wishing everyone a happy and prosperous new year!

12/14/2022

Thank you to our thoughtful patient, Margaret who made these beautiful Christmas stockings for our doctors and staff. Merry Christmas everyone!

10/31/2022

Happy Halloween from the team at Retina Institute of the Carolinas! Have a fun and safe holiday!

09/26/2022

We are proud supporters of the Muggsy Bogues family foundation. The MBFF empowers at risk youth and families to improve their quality of life by addressing food insecurity, access to education and job training.
Check out their website here if you wish to learn more. 🏌️‍♂️⛳
boguesfoundation.org

09/26/2022

People who follow a Mediterranean diet have slower progression on Geographic Atrophy associated with Dry Macular Degeneration. Mediterranean diets consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, healthy fats, nuts, and seeds. A moderate to high consumption of fish is recommended. Processed foods, added sugars, and refined grains should be avoided. Check out Cook with doc for more information at www.CookWithDoc.com

https://www.ophthalmologyretina.org/article/S2468-6530(22)00152-X/fulltext

To determine whether closer adherence to a Mediterranean diet was associated with altered speed of geographic atrophy (GA) enlargement.

08/07/2022

UV rays can hurt your eyes. Remember to protect your eyes from the sun. Use sunblock and remember to wear sunglasses. 😎 Follow the link for more information.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun

05/13/2022

Webinar: Diabetes + Your Eyes: A Conversation Around Patient-centered Care

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MQR804pJReyBeagY-_DCTg

Date/Time: Wednesday, May 25, 2022 - 6:00-7:00 pm Eastern

Are you living with diabetes and wondered how your health care providers work together to maintain your eyesight? Prevent Blindness will be hosting a FREE webinar which will explain how health care providers coordinate care for persons with diabetes, talk with each other, and consider your needs as a patient. We will hear from a person living with diabetes who has diabetes-related eye disease, along with leading doctors from throughout the U.S. who care for individuals with diabetes.

In this webinar you will learn:
What patient-centered care is and why it’s important in maintaining your eye health.
Learn about the different types of health care providers and supporting health professionals care for people with diabetes and eye health.
Understand how improved care coordination and communication among your health care providers is important for your overall health.
You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the experts.

Panelists include:
Patient: Tamica Nelson
Ophthalmologist: Kristen Nwanyanwu, MD, MBA, MHS, Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale University
Primary care physician: Michael Barnett, MD, Assistant Professor, Health Policy and Management, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health
Vision rehabilitation specialist: Susan A. Primo, OD, MPH, FAAO; Director, Optometry and Vision Rehabilitation Service, Emory Eye Center; Professor, Department of Ophthalmology Emory University School of Medicine
Diabetes research & education: Patricia Grant, MS, PhD, Vice President of Research, The Chicago Lighthouse; Visiting Research Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago
Moderator: Jeff Todd, President and CEO at Prevent Blindness

For more information, visit: https://preventblindness.org/events/webinar-diabetes-your-eyes-2022/.

03/30/2022

A new drug called VUITY™ (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) has recently gained attention as an eye drop that can improve near (close up) vision in individuals over 40. It does not, however, change the condition of the retina. The drug, made by Allergan, works as advertised, but it should not be expected to treat age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
More information here:

Does VUITY™ Treat AMD? Posted on March 20, 2022 by Dan Roberts A new drug called VUITY™ (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) has recently gained attention as an eye drop that can improve near (close up) vision in individuals over 40. It does not, however, change the condition of the r...