January 2021
We wish you and your families a safe and healthy new year
Don't forget your eye health in 2021!
There is no better year to make a commitment to your health than in 2021. Caring for your eyes plays an important role in overall wellness. OCB continues to adhere to stringent Covid safety protocols, therefore there is no need to delay your eye exam. Your medical screenings are an important part of your preventative care and aging well. The Harvard Health Letter published an excellent article on this very topic. See Are You Risking Eye Damage by Putting Off that Eye Exam?
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January is #GlaucomaAwarenessMonth
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States. Glaucoma has no noticeable symptoms in its early stages, and vision loss progresses at such a gradual rate that people affected by the condition are often unaware of it until their sight has already been compromised.
Often referred to as “the silent thief of vision,” sight loss occurs in your peripheral vision first and eventually leads to tunnel vision as seen in this image. Glaucoma causes damage to your eye’s optic nerve.
This happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eye. That extra fluid increases the pressure (known as intraocular pressure or IOP) in your eye, damaging the optic nerve permanently. The only way to catch glaucoma in its early stage is through an eye exam. A regular eye exam is particularly important if you have a family history of glaucoma.
Learn more about the different types of glaucoma
New glaucoma treatment alternative eases eye drop burden
For many with glaucoma, properly using topical glaucoma drops can be a challenge. As a result, it is estimated that as many as 80 percent of glaucoma patients are not using their topical medications correctly, many without even realizing it. Poor adherence to these medications can result in disease progression and vision loss. Now, a new non-surgical treatment is available.
D URYSTA, manufactured by Allergan, is the first biodegradable implant indicated for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma, or ocular hypertension, by providing sustained release of a medication that lowers IOP. The tiny, 1 millimeter implant can be inserted by your doctor in the exam room. The implant provides sustained release doses of the medication for about three months.
The Food and Drug Administration approved DURYSTA in March 2020. Studies show that DURYSTA has lowered IOP in patients by approximately 30 percent. At this time, it is FDA approved to be implanted once in a patient's lifetime. If interested, contact your OCB eye doctor who can discuss whether this is a recommended option for you.
Learn more about our glaucoma services
Glaucoma eye drop tips
Eye drops can be difficult to administer. With glaucoma, it is extremely important that the full dose of medication is given with each dose. Here are a few tips to help troubleshoot some of the most common difficulties people have. Glaucoma Eye Drop Tips
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Dr. Stefater joins the OCB Retina Cape Cod Team
OCB is pleased to welcome vitreoretinal specialist James Anthony Stefater, MD, PhD to OCB's Cape Cod Retina Team. Dr. Stefater earned his medical and doctorate degree at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. He completed his ophthalmology residency and retina fellowship at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School. Dr. Stefater is practicing at OCB's Sandwich and Falmouth locations.
James Anthony Stefater, MD
OCB Eye Doctors Named Top Docs 2021
We congratulate our Boston area doctors, who were named Top Doctors 2021 by Boston Magazine including Husam Ansari, MD, Ann Bajart, MD, Miriam Englander, MD, Nicoletta Fynn Thompson, MD, Jeffrey Heier, MD, Bonnie An Henderson, MD, James Hung, MD Jody Judge, MD Michael Morley, MD, Michael Raizman, MD, Peter Rapoza, MD, Claudia Richter, MD, Bradford Shingleton, MD and Torsten Wiegand, MD.
Sign up for Patient Gateway!
Patient Gateway is a free online tool that is available to all OCB patients. It allows you to safely and securely view your test results, manage appointments and message your care team directly--all in one convenient location. It is even accessible on your smartphone via mobile app. Visit PatientGateway.com to enroll today!
*Patient Gateway is not intended for emergency situations.
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Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston provides specialized clinical and surgical outpatient eye care of the highest quality at a location close to your home.
Our ophthalmologists and optometrists, along with their highly skilled health care teams, are committed to offering you the finest care in a compassionate and comfortable environment. Schedule an appointment at one of OCB's convenient locations. Connect with us! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!