Blind Spot - The Eye Doctor's Podcast

Implantable collamer lenses, or ICLs, have evolved from a niche alternative for extreme prescriptions into a mainstream refractive option that is increasingly being chosen over LASIK—even for some ideal LASIK candidates. In this episode, we explore what changed: the history of the procedure, how ICL surgery is performed, the real risks and safety considerations, and how the visual outcomes compare with LASIK. We also dive into higher-order aberrations, stability of refraction, regression, and whether ICLs may offer superior quality of vision in certain patients. Refractive surgery expert Dr. Avi Wallerstein joins the podcast. Dr. Avi Wallerstein is the co-founder of Vision Group - https://www.thevisiongroup.com/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

When a posterior capsule rupture occurs during cataract surgery, the standard teaching is that we do an anterior vitrectomy if the hyaloid face is broken and vitreous comes forward. But why is the anterior vitrectomy so important? Is it always 100% necessary? And what are some tips on performing the anterior vitrectomy as safely and effectively as possible. Dr. Uday Devgan, aka The Cataract Coach, joins the podcast. Check out The Cataract Coach at https://www.youtube.com/@UdayDevganThis episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.ca/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

In this episode of Blind Spot, Zale discusses the controversial topic of bilateral cataract surgery with Dr. Steve Arshinoff, a leading expert in the field. They explore the historical context, current debates, and the potential benefits and risks associated with performing cataract surgery on both eyes simultaneously. Dr. Arshinoff shares insights from his extensive research and experience, addressing common concerns such as infection risks and refractive surprises, and highlights the importance of evidence-based practice in ophthalmology.This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.caBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

In this episode, Zale sits down with Dr. Benny Jeng, head of the ZEDS study which investigated the role of longer time antiviral treatmetn for patients with HZO with ocular involvement. They review the results of the study and disuss whether long term oral antivirals reduces zoster recurrences and the severity and duration of post-herpetic neuralgia. This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.caBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

In this episode, Zale delves into the world of mental performance with Dr. Cassidy Preston, a renowned mental performance coach. Discover practical mental hacks and habits that can elevate your mindset and performance to enhance your surgical practice. Dr. Preston shares insights on the importance of an inside-out approach, the power of routines, and how to maintain focus and confidence in high-pressure situations. Tune in to learn how to harness your mental game for success in any field.Learn more about Dr. Cassidy Preston at https://drcassidypreston.com/This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.ca/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

With so may IOP-lowering drops on the market, it can be challenging to know which is the most appropriate drop to start a patient on for glaucoma. How does one choose between the variety of prostaglandin analogs, beta blockers, alpha agonists and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors that are available? When whould one choose monoterapy vs combination therapies? How do the drops' side effect profiles influence one's first choice on which drop to start? Glaucoma specialist Dr. Irfan Kherani joins the podcast.This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.ca Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) is one of the most dreaded diagnoses in ophthalmology; not only can it cause vision loss, but it can also be life threatening. So what is the threshold for going down the 'GCA diagnostic path'? When should one order an ESR and CRP? When is the concern high enough to warrant a temporal artery biopsy, and when should steroids be started? How is temporal artery biopsy changing our diagnostic alogirthm. Dr. Andrew Lee joins the podcast. This episode of the podcast is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.caBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

As preservative-free eye drops become more common, one has to wonder why it is so important to reduce our use of preservatives. What kind of toxicity do preservatives wreak on the eye? And without preservatives, are eye drops still as effective and resistant to infection? Especially in the realms of dry eye and glaucoma, how have preservative free drops started to change the landscape, and what can we expect moving forward? Denmark's Dr. Miriam Kolko joins the podcast. This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.caBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

For decades now, we have been able to offer anti-VEGF treatments to patients with wet AMD. Yet for dry AMD, there have been few options we can recommend to our patients outside of AREDS formulations and lifestyle modifications. But with newer scientific advances, there are indeed new classes of injectable medications that are now being offered to some patients wtih dry AMD. Retinal specialist Dr. Ashkan Abbey joins the podcast to share the latest research. This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.ca Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

One of the most common clinical presentations to ophthalmologist is 'the eyelid lesion'. While sometimes it might seem obvious what the diagnosis is, other times it's tough to make a spot diagnosis or even to decipher whether the lesion is concerning or not. So what are some helpful examination tips to help us discern the benign from the malignant? Oculoplastics specialist Dr. Lisa Jagan joins the podcast to share an effective approach on how to decide what types of eyelid lesions warrant a biopsy. This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma Canada - https://sunpharma.com/canada/Check out Lid Express to help expedite a patient's referral for an eyelid lesion - https://clarityeye.ca/services/lid-express/ Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

Cataracts and AMD are two of the most common ocular pathologies. But in patients who have both conditions, are there special considerations that should be taken into account? Should cataract surgey potentially be delayed in AMD patients because a protective effect of the cataract? Does cataract surgery exacerbate AMD and potentially lead to progression to geographic atrophy or conversion to wet AMD? Dr. Ashkan Abbey joins the podcast. This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma Canada - https://sunpharma.com/canada/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

July is Dry Eye Awareness month. In this episode, five cornea specialists each contribute a tip on how to better diagnose and manage dry eye. Speakers includ Dr. Clara Chan, Dr. Chris Rapuano, Dr. Ashley Brissette, Dr. Tanya Trinh, and host Dr. Zale Mednick. This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma CanadaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.

Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome (RCES) is an extremely uncomfortable condition for patients to live with. With so many management options, including ointments, bandage contact lenses, superficial keratectomy, anterior stromal puncture, and PTK, what actually works best? Wills Eye Hospital Cornea Specialst Dr. Chris Rapuano joins the podcast. This episode is sponsored by Sun Pharma Canada - https://sunpharma.com/canada/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.