Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy
Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.A.C.R. What is Birdshot Retinochoroidopathy? Birdshot retinochoroidopathy, commonly referred to simply as “birdshot”, is a rare form of posterior uveitis which mainly affects the retina and choroid. The disease occurs in women more often than men, typically Caucasian, and most often between the ages of 30 and 60. […]
Cataract Surgery and Uveitis
Cataract Surgery and Uveitis C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.A.C.R. Cataract develops in patients with uveitis because of the uveitis itself and also because of the steroids which is the cornerstone of treating uveitis. Cataract developing in an eye with a history of chronic or recurrent uveitis has historically been called cataracta complicata, and, indeed, […]
Cataract Surgery in Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid
Cataract Surgery in Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.A.C.R. We reported the results of our experience with cataract surgery in 20 patients (26 eyes) with biopsy-proven cicatricial pemphigoid. All patients were on systemic immunosuppression at the time of surgery (dapsone, azathioprine, cyclophsophamide, or combinations) and were treated with peri-operative oral corticosteroids. Patients […]
Connection Between Arthritis and Ocular Disease
Connection Between Arthritis and Ocular Disease C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.A.C.R. The eye is made up primarily of collagen, as are ligaments, tendons, and tissue within joint spaces. It is, perhaps, primarily because of this similarity in composition that the eye is often affected by many of the same diseases which affect joints. Some […]
Connection Between Skin Disorders and Ocular Disease
Connection Between Skin Disorders and Ocular Disease C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S, F.A.C.R. Most individuals do not realize the extraordinary connection between skin and eye, much less the fact that many skin diseases have concomitant ocular manifestations. These may range from the relatively trivial, nuisance consequences of acne rosacea, with its associated chronic eye lid […]
Corneal Transplantation and Immunologic Tolerance
Corneal Transplantation and Immunologic Tolerance C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R. Corneal transplants, more often than not, are “tolerated (i.e., not rejected), unlike solid organ transplants such as heart, lung, kidney and skin. For 40 years it was imagined that this phenomenon occurred because of the lack of blood vessels and lymphatics in the cornea, […]
Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R. Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, and, indeed, in all developed countries. Sixteen million Americans have diabetes; only about half are aware that they have it. One type, Type 1, has its onset in childhood or young adulthood, and […]
Dry Eye
Dry Eye C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R. Dry Eye or Keratoconjunctivitis sicca syndrome (KCS or dry eye) is a problem of major epidemiologic importance. It affects literally millions of people around the globe, with women dramatically over represented, particularly those women who have entered menopause. The problem may accompany dry mouth, and may be […]
Episcleritis
Episcleritis C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R. What is episcleritis? Episcleritis is inflammation of the episclera, which is the thin vascular outer coating of the eye wall, the sclera. Episclera lies underneath the more superficial layers of conjunctiva and other connective tissues. Unlike the more severe disease scleritis, episcleritis is a benign condition and is […]
Herpes and the Eye
Herpes and the Eye C. Stephen Foster, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.C.R. Herpes! The first thought in most people’s mind is venereal disease, sexual transmitted disease (STD). But, in fact most instances of herpes, at least those affecting the eye, are not sexually transmitted, and are not even the type of herpes that is usually associated with […]