Blog: How retina specialists can individualize patient care

Joshua Mali, MD, joined the host of bloggers for Healio.com/OSN in 2018. He writes about individualized patient care in a private retina practice setting.

Read his first five entries here:

BLOG: Differentiating steroid uses for individualized patient care and optimal outcomes

The most common cause of vision loss in diabetic patients is diabetic macular edema, a disease that continues to grow to epidemic proportions due to the steady rise of diabetes prevalence in the United States. Standard ocular therapy for DME typically involves anti-VEGF treatments, given that VEGF plays a key role in the advent of DME. Other pro-inflammatory factors, however, may also be involved. For the significant number of patients who suffer from persistent DME despite anti-VEGF treatments, corticosteroids are becoming a highly beneficial treatment option with viable results. However, there are several steroid options from which to choose when designing our treatment regimens for patients with DME. Read more.

BLOG: Telemonitoring allows for earlier detection and timely treatment of AMD

Recently, I have predicted that telemedicine is poised to become more routinely used in our management of age-related macular degeneration patients. We know that in order to make a significant difference in a patient’s quality of life, we must detect the progression from dry AMD to the wet form of the disease immediately after conversion. Read more.

BLOG: Putting technology to work for you: Monitoring AMD patients

Much of the emphasis in retinal diseases is on current drug treatment regimens, investigating new agents and evaluating potential drug delivery systems. Equally important, however, is maintaining a focus on risk reduction and early detection, especially when it comes to age-related macular degeneration. Read more.

BLOG: Artificial intelligence in early detection of wet AMD

It is crucial that we employ strategies to better detect intermediate age-related macular degeneration so we can begin treatment sooner and preserve functional vision to, ultimately, help our patients maintain their quality of life. Read more.

BLOG: Top five things to know about an innovative drug delivery system for DME

Standard therapy for the rising number of patients with diabetic macular edema typically consists of anti-VEGF treatments. However, a significant number of patients continue to suffer with persistent DME due to the involvement of pro-inflammatory factors. For these patients, corticosteroids can be a valuable and effective treatment modality. Read more.