Blind Spot - The Eye Doctor's Podcast

Епизоде

• 49. ICL vs LASIK - Is Implantable Lens Surgery Better for High Prescriptions? (Dr. Avi Wallerstein) 26.05.2026 40мин

  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.
• 48. Should Intracameral Antibiotics Be Used in Cataract Surgery? (Dr. Steve Arshinoff) 06.04.2026 30мин

  The use of intracameral antibiotics - specifically intracameral moxifloxacin - has become relatively mainstream practice in cataract surgery. But how effective is it in preventing endophthalmitis? Are ophthalmologists administering it correctly?  And what are some of the potential adverse effects that can result from intracameral moxifloxacin? Leading expert in the field, Dr. Steve Arshinoff, 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.
• Anterior Vitrectomy (Dr. Uday Devgan - The Cataract Coach) 22.03.2026 29мин

  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.
• 47. Multifocal Intraocular Lenses (Dr. Elizabeth Yeu) 02.03.2026 47мин

  In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Yeu shares her expertise on multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), discussing patient communication, surgical considerations, optics, and personality traits that influence candidacy. Whether you're an ophthalmologist or optometrist, gain practical tips to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.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.
• 46. Bilateral Cataract Surgery - A Good Idea? (Dr. Steve Arshinoff) 15.01.2026 36мин

  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.
• 45. The Essence of Invention (Dr. Kieran Murphy) 18.11.2025 46мин

  In this episode of Blind Spot, Zale sits down with Dr. Kieran Murphy, a renowned inventor and professor of radiology, to explore the essence of invention and creativity in medicine. Dr. Murphy shares his journey from medical innovations to his thoughts on the socio-economic factors that influence creativity. Discover how invention is not just about genius but a mindset, and learn about the challenges and triumphs in the world of medical creativity. Dr. Murphy's Book 'The Essence of Invention' https://www.amazon.ca/Essence-Invention-Medicine-Joy-Creativity/dp/1459754034This 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.
• 44. The ZEDS Trial - How Should We Treat Zoster? (Dr. Benny Jeng) 19.10.2025 34мин

  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.
• 43. Floaters - To Treat or Not to Treat? (Dr. Matthew Tenant) 25.09.2025 30мин

  In this episode, Dr. Matthew Tennant discusses the common issue of floaters in ophthalmology, exploring their physiological basis, patient experiences, and the limitations of current treatment options. The conversation delves into traditional methods like vitrectomy and YAG vitreolysis, highlighting their risks and effectiveness. Dr. Tennant also introduces PulseMedica, a startup developing innovative technology aimed at providing a safer, non-invasive solution for treating floaters, emphasizing the potential of femto laser technology. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of floater treatment and the ongoing challenges faced by both patients and clinicians.This episode is sponsored by Thea Pharma Canada - https://www.theapharma.caLearn more about PulseMedica at https://www.pulsemedica.com/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.
• 42. Surgical Excellence - Mental Strategies for Peak Performance (Dr. Cassidy Preston) 20.08.2025 47мин

  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.
• 41. Fuchs Dystrophy (Dr. Guillermo Rocha) 25.06.2025 53мин

  Fuchs Dystrophy is an important condition to be aware before operating on any patient.  Cataract surgery, in particular, can cause someone with otherwise asymptomatic Fuchs to develop debilitating corneal edema.  Then again, not everyone with Fuchs Dystrophy is destined to develop corneal swelling.  So how do we determine which patients are at increased risk of corneal decompensation?  How do we know which Fuchs patients warrant combined cataract surgery and endothelial keratoplasty?  And as an alternative to corneal transplantation, how do procedures such as DSO or potentially even endothelial cell injection, factor into our treatment of the condition? Dr. Guillermo Rocha joins the podcast. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.
• 40. Choosing a Glaucoma Drop (Dr. Irfan Kherani) 21.05.2025 26мин

  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.
• 39. Eyezirgan - How topical Ganciclovir is changing our treatment of HSV (Dr. Parwez Hossain) 15.04.2025 32мин

  With the arrival of Eyezirgan (commercial available topical ganciclovir), we now have a more readily accessible preservative-free option for treatment of HSV.  So why is Eyezirgan a potentially important new player on the market?  How does one decide between oral or topical treatments for HSV, and is there a longer-term role for antivirals in the treatment of Zoster, in addition to just HSV? Dr. Parwez Hossain 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.
• 38. Giant Cell Arteritis (Dr. Andrew Lee) 27.03.2025 22мин

  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.
• 37. Health Tech and AI in Oculoplastics (Dr. Lisa Jagan) 06.03.2025 27мин

  While the terms 'tech' and 'AI' might seem overwhelming to the average ophthalmologist and optometrist, the reality is that the future of medicine will certainly be intertwined with these technologies.  So what exactly is 'health tech' in the context of eye care?  Dr. Lisa Jagan is the founder of Lid Express, an online platform that allows patients to submit photos of eyelid lesions to be reviewed by a team of oculopplastic surgeons in an expedited fashion.  She joins the podcast to share her experience developing an oculoplastics tech platform and the lessons she has learned along the way.  Lid ExpressWebsite - https://clarityeye.ca/services/lid-express/Email - lidexpress@clarityeye.caInstagram @lidexpressThis 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.
• 36. Preservative Free Eye Drops (Dr. Miriam Kolko) 12.02.2025 30мин

  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.
• 35. Acanthamoeba Keratitis (Dr. Chris Rapuano) 29.01.2025 31мин

  Acanthamoeba keratitis can be one of the most devastating diagnoses in ophthalmology, as it can wreak havoc on the cornea unlike few other microbes.  On the same token, if caught early, acanthamoeba can be treated quite efficiently and effectively, and patients can have minimal, if any, long-term visual sequelae.  Given acanthamoeba is such a dreaded diagnosis, just the thought of it can invoke fear into the ophthalmologist.  And while many of us might have a basic approach to acanthamoeba, we also surely have blind spots in our diagnosis and management of this condition, as evidenced by many patients being diagnosed weeks after it occurs. Dr. Chris Rapuano joins the podcast to discuss this important condition. 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.
• 34. A Treatment for Dry AMD? (Dr. Ashkan Abbey) 08.01.2025 22мин

  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.
• 33. The Light Adjustable Lens (Dr. Ralph Chu) 13.11.2024 28мин

  The Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) has taken the refractive world by storm over the past couple of years, with an excitement that rivals the enthusaism for the latest multifocals or EDOFs to come on the market.  So what's all the hype?  How does this lens actually work?  And even if the refractive results are impressive, do patients really want to wear UV-blocking lenses for weeks following surgery?  Is the time and cost investment worth it for patietns? Dr. Ralph Chu joins the podcast.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/blind-spot-the-eye-doctor-s-podcast--5819306/support.
• 32. Eyelid Lesions (Dr. Lisa Jagan) 10.10.2024 36мин

  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.
• 31. EDOF Intraocuar Lenses (Dr. Eric Donnenfeld) 11.09.2024 25мин

  Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses have transofmed the intraocular lens (IOL) landscape.  As opposed to the binary choice of a monofocal or a multifocal IOL, there is an 'in-between' option that allows for more intermediate vision than monofocal lenses but less dysphotopsias than the mutifocal lenses.  How do these lenses work, how should we explain them to patients, and what are the factors that guide our decisions on lens selection? Dr. Eric Donnenfeld joins the podcast.This episode is sponsored by SunPharma 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.