Retina Health for Life Podcast

Welcome to ASRS's Retina Health for Life from the President's Corner podcast. Join host Dr. Timothy Murray, Past President of the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists, as he brings you inspiring conversations about your sight and the special role the retina plays in making healthy vision possible. Dr. Murray interviews expert retina specialists and patients alike to bring you vital information on the latest advances in retina care as well as tips for living life to the fullest with retinal disease. Listen today and learn how to safeguard your retina health for life.

Audio episodes are available on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and other podcast directories. Or visit our YouTube channel to watch the dynamic conversations in each episode.

Recent Episodes

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Sports Safety for Retina Health

Participating in sports can have a host of benefits, including enhanced physical and mental health. Along with the positive impact of playing sports, there is a risk of physical injury including those that can affect vision.

On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Timothy Murray is joined by Dr. Harry Flynn and Dr. Landon Rohowetz of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami to discuss the types of retina injuries that athletes often face and the treatments retina specialists can utilize to help preserve their vision.

Resources:

Access the Sports Safety for Retina Health patient guide in English or Spanish here: www.asrs.org/patients/patient-education-materials. 

Watch this episode on YouTube

Episode Summary: Diabetes and Your Vision: A Conversation with the National Eye Institute

People with diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic eye disease, which can result in vision loss and blindness. And people with early stages of diabetic eye disease may experience few if any symptoms. But losing sight from diabetes is far from a foregone conclusion, especially with regular dilated eye exams, early diagnosis, and treatment advances made possible by retina specialists.

On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray discusses the importance of diabetic eye disease awareness with two special guests: Dr. Emily Chew, the deputy clinical director at the National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Dr. Judy Kim, president of the American Society of Retina Specialists, and National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) Planning Group member.

Resources: 

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: AMD Awareness Month: A Conversation with the Macular Degeneration Association

February is age-related macular degeneration (AMD) awareness month, an opportunity to bring needed attention to this common retinal disease which impacts more than 11 million people in the US alone. On this episode of ASRS's Retina Health for Life, Dr. Joshua Mali, Medical Director of the Macular Degeneration Association (MDA) joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss the patient education and support offered by MDA to people diagnosed with AMD as well as the latest AMD treatment advances that are helping many with the condition see for a lifetime.

Resources:

Access a downloadable fact sheet on AMD at: www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/2/age-related-macular-degeneration

Macular Degeneration Association: MacularHope.org

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Understanding Diabetic Macular Edema

Diabetes is a major public health issue and every person diagnosed with diabetes is at risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Diabetic macular edema is a common complication of diabetic eye disease, which occurs when blood vessels in the retina are damaged and leak fluid into the macula causing blurry central vision. On this episode of ASRS's Retina Health for Life,  Dr. Diana Do of the Byers Eye Institute at the Stanford University School of Medicine joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss the importance of early diagnosis and immediate treatment of diabetic macular edema by a retina specialist which can prevent irreversible vision loss and blindness. 

Resources:

Access a downloadable fact sheet on Diabetic Macular Edema at: asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/20/macular-edema 

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Artificial Retina Restores Sight to the Blind

It seems like science fiction to restore the sight of a person who has been blind for years, but innovations in the field of retina have made the impossible possible. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Timothy Murray is joined by the co-inventor of the artificial retina Dr. Mark Humayun, co-Director of USC’s Roski Eye Institute and a world-renowned expert on vision restoration. Drs. Humayun and Murray discuss the development of this technological breakthrough, which has helped people with certain inherited retinal conditions almost miraculously regain some of their sight.

Resources:

Access a downloadable fact sheet about retinitis pigmentosa and retinal prosthesis at www.asrs.org/patients/retinal-diseases/8/retinitis-pigmentosa-and-retinal-prosthesis.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: The Patient’s Role in Maintaining Retinal Health 

Retina patients have a critical role to play in maintaining their retinal health by seeking out treatment from a retina specialist, becoming informed about their condition and following through on their treatment plan. On this episode of ASRS's Retina Health for Life,  Dr. J. Michael Jumper of West Coast Retina in San Francisco joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss how patients can partner with their retina specialist to help preserve their vision and improve treatment outcomes.

Resources:

Access a downloadable patient guide on healthy habits that support healthy retinas here. 

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Retina Basics for Patients

Did you know that your clear view of the world, the one that allows you to read, drive and recognize faces, relies on the health of your retinas? On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, retina specialist Dr. Ryan Rich of Retina Consultants of Southern Colorado joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss what the retina is, how they make healthy vision possible and common retinal conditions everyone should be aware of to preserve healthy vision.

Resources:

Access a downloadable patient guide on healthy habits that support healthy retinas here. 

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Retinopathy of Prematurity

Retinopathy of prematurity is a retinal condition that can affect premature infants, and is the most common cause of vision loss in children. On this episode of ASRS's Retina Health for Life,  Dr. R.V. Paul Chan of the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss why screening premature infants for the condition is critical to early diagnosis and personalized treatment that can help many children preserve their vision.  

Resources: 

Access a downloadable fact sheet on Retinopathy of Prematurity here. 

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: What is Uveal Melanoma?

Uveal melanoma, or ocular melanoma, is the most common eye cancer diagnosed in adults, affecting approximately 2,500 people in the United States each year. Unrelated to skin melanoma, uveal melanomas often have no signs or symptoms, underscoring the importance of regular dilated retina exams for early diagnosis and treatment to safeguard sight. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Prithvi Mruthyunjaya of Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss treatment advances made possible by retina specialists that are helping more people with the condition preserve their vision. 

Resources:

Access a downloadable fact sheet on uveal melanoma here. 

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Understanding Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a rare form of eye cancer that affects infants and small children. In recent years, significant advances have been made in retinoblastoma diagnosis and treatment, helping not only save children's lives but in many cases preserving vision in the eye affected by cancer. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Carol Shields of the Wills Eye Hospital  joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss the causes of the condition, symptoms parents should be aware of and the importance of early, personalized treatment to ensure the best outcomes for children and their families.

Resources:

Access a downloadable fact sheet on retinoblastoma here. 

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Easing Treatment Burden for Retinal Patients

Treatments for some retinal conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) require frequent appointments, which can be a burden for both patients and their families. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Jeffrey Heier of Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss the treatment burden that many patients experience with regular eye injections and how retina specialists are striving to reduce that burden while improving patients’ vision.

Resources:

  • Access a downloadable fact sheet about AMD here.
  • Access a downloadable fact sheet about intravitreal injections here.

 Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Episode Summary: Advanced Imaging for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Advanced imaging technologies have enhanced retina specialists’ ability to diagnose, manage and treat many retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Justis Ehlers of the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss these new imaging technologies that are less invasive, capture more of the retina and macula, and can even be used during surgery to help save sight. 

Resources:

  • Access a downloadable fact sheet on AMD at asrs.org/AMD.
  • Download our AMD infographic here.

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Current and Emerging Therapies

Advances made in the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the last two decades are among the most exciting in all of medicine. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Peter Kaiser of the Cole Eye Institute at the Cleveland Clinic joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss #AMD treatments on the horizon that may lead to even better outcomes, lower treatment burden and improved vision for millions. 

Resources:

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: AMD Update: What Patients Need to Know Now

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects 11 million Americans, but with early diagnosis and treatment by a retina specialist, vision loss from the wet form of AMD can be avoided. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, ASRS President Dr. Carl Awh of Tennessee Retina joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss all things AMD including imaging and treatment advances, as well as advice for maintaining retina health to help prevent AMD.

Resources:

  • Access a downloadable fact sheet on AMD at asrs.org/AMD.
  • Download our AMD infographic at here.

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Gene Therapy for Retinal Disease

On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray is joined by retina specialist Dr. Thomas Ciulla of the Midwest Eye Institute, a world's authority on gene therapy applied to the eye. Tune in to learn more about gene therapy breakthroughs that are saving and restoring vision for people with retinal conditions and what the future holds for this promising treatment advance.

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Clinical Trials for Retinal Disease

Clinical trials have ushered in sight-saving advances in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of retinal disease. On this episode, Dr. Charles Wykoff of Retina Consultants of Texas joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss promising clinical trials currently underway for retina conditions and the role patients play in making advances possible. 

Resources:

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Retinal Detachment

Retina specialist Dr. Jay Stallman of Georgia Retina and his patient David Bragg join Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss retinal detachment, an emergency situation in which the retina separates from the back wall of the eye. Tune in to hear David's experience with retinal detachment, the symptoms to watch for and the importance of prompt treatment by a retina specialist which can help preserve vision.

Resources:

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Sickle Cell Retinopathy

Retina specialist Dr. Adrienne Scott of the Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss sickle cell retinopathy, a condition present in some patients with sickle cell disease which can lead to vision loss. Tune in to learn more about the condition and how early diagnosis and treatment can help preserve vision.

Resources:

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: A Conversation about Diabetic Eye Disease with the American Diabetes Association

It’s possible to have a diabetes-related eye condition such as diabetic retinopathy and not even know it, as people with early stages of the disease may experience few, if any, symptoms. That’s why recognizing the risk, learning the symptoms and seeking early treatment from a retina specialist are critical to preserving and protecting vision. 

On this episode, Dr. Timothy Murray discusses the new American Diabetes Association® - Focus on Diabetes™ initiative with two special guests: ADA Chief Science and Medical Officer Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD; and ADA Healthy Vision Champion Natalie Karabel.

Resources: 

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Advances in Surgical Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy

Advances in the surgical treatment of diabetic retinopathy have increased the chances of preventing vision loss for many patients. On this episode of ASRS’s Retina Health for Life, Dr. Maria Berrocal joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss how surgical treatment for the condition has become quicker, safer and more effective. 

Resources:

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Diabetic Retinopathy: Risks, Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment

Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that can cause blindness, but with early detection and treatment by a retina specialist, disease-related vision loss can be avoided. Retina specialist Dr. Sophie Bakri of the Mayo Clinic joins Dr. Timothy Murray to discuss all things diabetic retinopathy including imaging and treatment advances that are helping save sight.

Resources:

 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Episode Summary: Patient's Guide to Eye Injections

Eye injections, also known as intravitreal injections, are a vital treatment option that retina specialists use to help save and improve people’s sight. Retina specialist Dr. Geoffrey Emerson of the Phillips Eye Institute and Retina Center of Minnesota joins Dr. Murray to discuss what patients can expect during eye injections and address common patient questions and concerns about this revolutionary treatment.

Resources: 

 Watch this episode now on YouTube. 

Episode Summary: Advances in Retinal Imaging

In the past decade, a revolution in retinal imaging has advanced the diagnosis, management and treatment of retinal conditions. Dr. Murray interviews retina specialist Dr. Christina Weng of the Baylor College of Medicine Cullen Eye Institute  to discuss how new imaging technologies have advanced retinal care.

Resources:

  • Visit the ASRS glossary for descriptions of a wide variety of imaging tools. 

 Watch this episode now on YouTube. 

Episode Summary: Medicare Open Enrollment

ASRS Past Presdient Dr. John Thompson and ASRS EVP Jill Blim join Dr. Murray to discuss Medicare Open Enrollment and what retina patients need to know in order to select a plan that’s right for them.

Resources:

 Watch this episode now on YouTube. 

Episode Summary: What is a Retina Specialist? 

Retina specialist Dr. Nina Berrocal of the University of Miami’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute joins Dr. Murray to discuss what a retina specialist is and when to seek their expert care. Tune in to learn about the symptoms and risk factors of retina diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy as well as how specialized care by a retina specialist can save and improve vision.

Resources:

 Watch this episode now on YouTube. 

Episode Summary: Healthy Retinas and Healthy Aging

Did you know that vision loss and blindness are not a normal part of aging?  Dr. Murray and retina specialist Dr. Judy Kim of the Medical College of Wisconsin Eye Institute discuss how healthy retinas make healthy vision possible and what we can all do to maintain retina health especially as we age.

Resources: 

 Watch this episode now on YouTube. 

Episode Summary: Using Mindfulness to Improve Health

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a challenging health diagnosis or medical condition? Did you know that lifestyle modifications and positive thinking can help? Dr. Murray interviews retina specialist Dr. Tara McCannel of the UCLA Stein Eye Institute about simple mindfulness and lifestyle habits we can all adopt to improve our overall health and wellbeing.

Resources: 

  • Meditation can help calm anxiety and increase overall wellness.  Many free apps are available to get you started including Calm, Headspace and InsightTimer.

Listen Now

Retina Health for Life from the President's Corner is made possible in part through generous support from the Foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists, Allergan, Genentech, Novartis, and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals.