Our doctors have witnessed the difference these advances can make for patients, and they strive to apply the knowledge they gain through their research to the needs of our patients every day. Through cutting edge clinical advances and state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment, we provide our patients with customized treatments to meet their individuals situations. The many research projects currently underway for macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, and dry eye disease rapidly impact patients' treatments and outcomes. 

The contributions of our doctors to the treatment of Wet Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma have been featured in the leading European Ophthalmology Journal: Euro Times, on the Macular Degeneration website: www.medpagetoday.com, www.mdsupport.org, as well as on the internationally recognized medical research website (Doctor's Guide): www.pslgroup.com where research was ranked as a key contribution of the year. Our Doctors value the continuation of education and embrace opportunities to present their findings to doctors from around the world at the annual meetings of the Associations for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology. Participants in clinical trials generally receive care and treatment at no cost and are usually compensated for their time. 

The benefits of research and clinical trials are evident in our every day lives. Our findings make a difference in not only in the field of Ophthalmology, but in the lives of our patients.  

Dr. Frenkel's discovery makes WET Macular degeneration treatments safer.
 
The newest treatments for wet macular degeneration involve injections of a medication in the eye.  We have found that in many patients, these injections may cause a significant, though transient, increase in eye pressure.  We are studying the long-term effects of this, and have recently developed ways to make these treatments safer for our patients, particularly those with glaucoma. Our research in this area has recently been published in the June, 2007 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology.  (Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology)
  
Avoiding blood pressure dips helps prevent worsening of glaucoma

Current risk factors for glaucoma include high eye pressure, age, family history, and thin corneas.  Through our research, we have discovered a new risk factor for glaucoma: nighttime dips in blood pressure.  By having patients wear a blood pressure monitor for a 24-hour period, we have found that patients with worsening glaucoma despite “controlled” eye pressures have significant drops in their blood pressure at night.  Decreased blood pressure causes decreased blood flow to the optic nerve, resulting in glaucomatous nerve damage. We work with patients’ medical doctors to diminish this risk so that glaucoma can be prevented or stabilized. (Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology)



For information on our current clinical trials, 
call 772-223-5990.