Jeffrey K. Luttrull, M.D.

Technology

Diagnostic Technologies

Dr. Luttrull’s practice employs the latest diagnostic technologies, including computerized digital fundus photography and fundus fluorescein and Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopic (SLO) indocyanine green angiography, ultrasonography (A and B Scan ), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). State-of-the-art high resolution vitreoretinal imaging using the new Heidelberg Spectralis (TM) system is employed offering the very best macular diagnostic testing available anywhere.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy before vitreous surgery.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy after vitreous surgery.

Optical Coherence Tomogram (OCT) with
vitreomacular traction syndrome.

B Scan ocular echogram (ultrasound) of vitreomacular traction.

Fundus photo of choroidal neovascularization in Age-Related Macular Degeneration (“wet form” of ARMD).

Early phase fluorescein angiogram.

Late phase fluorescein angiogram.

Therapeutic Technologies

In addition to invisible diode micropulse laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases, and the Pneumatically Stented Implant procedure for complicated glaucomas, Dr. Luttrull offers other state-of-the art treatments for other common retinal disorders, including "bypass" surgery for retinal vein occlusions, and new drug therapies for macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusions, and diabetic retinopathy.

Many new drug treatments are being developed, particularly for Age-related Macular Degeneration, and are available in Dr. Luttrull’s office.

Pegaptanib sodium, or "Macugen", by Eyetech and Pfizer pharmaceuticals, was the first of a class of bioengineered drugs called "VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) inhibitors" to receive FDA approval in January of 2005.
Although safe and effective, Macugen has been largely replaced by newer and more effective drugs.

"Lucentis", from Genentech, was approved by the FDA for treatment of age-related macular degeneration July of 2006. Lucentis, compared to Macugen, offers improved visual acuity results. Reflecting the rapid advances taking place in the field, bevacizumab sodium, or " Avastin", also by Genentech became available to vitreoretinal specialists in 2005. Avastin is also of benefit to patients with certain complications of diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular occlusions. While Avastin has not been submitted for approval by the FDA for ophthalmology use, it has been used in our practice and all over the world on millions patients with outstanding results. The CATT study of 2011 suggests that Lucentis and Avastin are equally safe and effective for treatment of "wet" macular degeneration.
However, Avastin is approximately 40 times less expensive than Lucentis.

In December of 2011, "Eyelea" (aflibercept) from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, was released for treatment of "wet" macular degeneration following unanimous approval by the FDA. Eyelea 2.0mg requires less frequent (bi-monthly vs. monthly) dosing than Avastin and Lucentis, and may be effective in patients who have become unresponsive to Avastin and/or Lucentis. Dr. Luttrull participated in the clinical trials that demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of Eyelea for macular degeneration.

Avastin and Lucentis may both be very useful for treatment of diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, and other retinal vascular disorders. The "Ozurdex" time-release dexamethasone implant is also available for treatment of retinal vein occlusion and ocular inflammation.

In the operating room, Dr. Luttrull employs the most advanced surgical techniques and tools, including "no stitch" 25 and 23 gauge vitreous surgery. He has been in the forefront of applying and introducing new techniques to Southern California, such as the use of perfluorocarbon liquids in vitreoretinal surgery developed by Dr. Stanley Chang of Columbia University.