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Home > DC Providers > Retina Specialists

Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD

(1 Rating)

Specializes in: Vitreoretinal Diseases (Retina and Vitreous) and General Ophthalmology

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2001)

Professional interests include: anisocoria, diabetic retinopathy, electroretinogram (ERG), and more.

110 Irving Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20010

(202) 877-7000

Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD is a retina specialist in Washington, DC specializing in vitreoretinal diseases (retina and vitreous) and general ophthalmology. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2001 and has 23 years of experience. Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD is affiliated with Inova, Inova Fair Oaks Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Health and THE RETINA GROUP OF WASHINGTON, PLLC.

Office Locations

Address:

110 Irving Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20010

Address:

5454 Wisconsin Avenue Suite 650
Chevy Chase, MD 20815

Address:

6354 Walker Lane 100
Alexandria, VA 22310

Address:

8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive 600
Fairfax, VA 22031

Some issues Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD can help you with:

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR)

Dacryocystorhinostomy, or DCR, is a surgical procedure used to bypass a blocked tear duct.

Normally, the tears that constantly bathe the eyes are drained through two tiny holes in the eyelid, where they run through a duct into the nose. This tear duct can become clogged or blocked, causing tears to back up and leading to watery eyes. Common causes of tear duct blockages include trauma, a facial tumor, and inflammation due to certain medical conditions, but usually the cause is not known. Clogged tear ducts are especially common in young children. If the blockage is permanent and located lower in the duct, near the nose, DCR may be performed to create a bypass and allow tears to drain freely again.

During DCR surgery, a small hole is made in the bone and tissue between the upper part of the tear duct and the nasal passage. Usually, a tiny plastic tube called a stent is placed into the opening to protect it and keep it open during healing. DCR may be performed through an open incision on the upper cheek near the nose, or it may be performed endoscopically using tiny instruments that are passed through the nostril. Open surgery is more common, and has a slightly higher success rate, although endoscopic surgery causes less pain and bleeding during recovery. DCR is able to correct the blockage and watering eyes in nearly 95% of cases.

The surgery itself takes only about half an hour. It is usually done under general anesthesia, which may require a short hospital stay while patients recover. Small amounts of bleeding from the nose are not uncommon for the first 24 hours, and bruising and swelling are expected for the first two weeks. Don't be alarmed if the eye continues to water at first. Swelling in the area due to surgery can cause the eye to water, but this should go away as patients heal.

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

LASIK

LASIK (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis) is a surgical procedure that improves vision by permanently correcting refractive vision errors. Refractive vision errors are sight problems (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism) that typically require patients to wear contact lenses or glasses. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurred vision at a distance, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes objects that are up close appear blurry. Astigmatism results in blurred vision at both near and far distances. Each eye is either nearsighted or farsighted, and can additionally have astigmatism. These refractive vision errors develop from imperfections in the curvature of the eye, which LASIK fixes through the use of a laser. The laser changes the shape of the eye by cutting away tissue from the cornea (clear outer layer of the eye).

LASIK is generally considered an elective procedure (not medically necessary) since patients can wear glasses or contact lenses instead of undergoing LASIK. Nevertheless, many people still elect to undergo LASIK to have better vision without having to wear corrective lenses. Certain professionals, such as pilots, military members, firefighters, and athletes, might particularly benefit from LASIK.

Ophthalmologists (eye doctors) evaluate patients before surgery, measuring the cornea and checking for any eye irregularities that would disqualify patients from LASIK. A special eye scanner is used to create a map of the cornea. This map guides the surgeon in developing an individualized LASIK treatment plan. Once approved for LASIK, contact-wearers are advised to switch to glasses for the three weeks leading up to their surgery.

LASIK is a brief procedure, lasting for about half an hour, depending on the state of a patient's eyes and the corneal reshaping required. Patients lie down on a reclining chair and have numbing eye drops applied to one or both eyes to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure. While the eyes are held open by a device, the eye surgeon raises a fixation light where patients direct their eyes. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to cut a precise circular incision in the cornea's surface. The surgeon then manually folds back the corneal flap to access the stroma (inner cornea).

An excimer laser is then used to remove certain amounts of corneal tissue. For patients with farsightedness, the laser cuts tissue on the outer regions of the cornea, making the central cornea more prominent. For patients with nearsightedness, the opposite is done; central corneal tissue is removed while the outer tissue is left alone, flattening the eye. In patients with astigmatism, the laser is used to even out the surface of the corneal tissue, making the eye more spherical. When the lasering process is complete, the ophthalmologist folds the corneal flap to its regular position. The flap quickly begins to heal and naturally reattach itself to the eye.

LASIK patients need someone to drive them home from the procedure and cannot drive for the following 24 hours. Recovery from LASIK lasts about five days. Patients typically notice improved vision within a day or two of surgery. Prescription eye drops are given to patients to alleviate discomfort and promote eye healing. During this recovery time, patients must be incredibly careful not to touch or rub their eyes. Ophthalmologists often instruct patients to wear protective glasses during the day and night to prevent potential damage from eye rubbing.

LASIK can improve the experience of certain activities such as swimming or reading, and in some cases, LASIK can be a life-changing procedure for those with severe refractive vision errors. LASIK may also save patients money by eliminating the recurring need for updated corrective lenses.

diagnostic imaging	28
doctor visit	312
eye procedures	7274
injections	834
photocoagulation	13
prophylaxis (preventive treatment)	13
ultrasound (sonogram)	28

**Gender**
Male	545
Female	803

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	969
Black	72
Hispanic	38
Asian	237
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	506
From 75 to 84	487
85 and over	326
Less than 65	29

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	29
Dementia	11
Cancer	11

diagnostic imaging	61
doctor visit	283
eye procedures	7474
injections	909
ultrasound (sonogram)	61

**Gender**
Male	586
Female	809

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	984
Black	66
Hispanic	0
Asian	266
Other	42
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	503
From 75 to 84	538
85 and over	326
Less than 65	28

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	14
Asthma	4
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	29
Dementia	11
Cancer	10

diagnostic imaging	63
doctor visit	317
eye procedures	8074
injections	1012
photocoagulation	11
prophylaxis (preventive treatment)	11
ultrasound (sonogram)	63

**Gender**
Male	1212
Female	1762

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	2024
Black	158
Hispanic	0
Asian	590
Other	114
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	1162
From 75 to 84	1106
85 and over	656
Less than 65	50

Hypertension	61
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	10
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	30
Dementia	9
Cancer	9

diagnostic imaging	48
doctor visit	262
eye procedures	8107
injections	960
ultrasound (sonogram)	48

**Gender**
Male	631
Female	887

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1023
Black	71
Hispanic	48
Asian	308
Other	68
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	599
From 75 to 84	527
85 and over	364
Less than 65	28

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	12
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	29
Dementia	10
Cancer	10

diagnostic imaging	37
doctor visit	365
eye procedures	8385
injections	1051
ultrasound (sonogram)	37

**Gender**
Male	638
Female	914

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1032
Black	75
Hispanic	0
Asian	335
Other	60
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	595
From 75 to 84	546
85 and over	384
Less than 65	27

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	26
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	3
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	29
Dementia	11
Cancer	9

diagnostic imaging	40
doctor visit	274
eye procedures	9684
injections	1366
photocoagulation	12
prophylaxis (preventive treatment)	12
ultrasound (sonogram)	40

**Gender**
Male	689
Female	980

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1075
Black	83
Hispanic	0
Asian	364
Other	91
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	653
From 75 to 84	599
85 and over	394
Less than 65	23

Hypertension	62
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	29
Dementia	11
Cancer	10

diagnostic imaging	41
doctor visit	237
eye procedures	10409
injections	1652
ultrasound (sonogram)	41

**Gender**
Male	696
Female	990

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1103
Black	77
Hispanic	0
Asian	352
Other	101
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	636
From 75 to 84	629
85 and over	399
Less than 65	22

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	14
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	7
Diabetes	29
Dementia	11
Cancer	10

diagnostic imaging	19
doctor visit	231
eye procedures	8559
injections	1696
ultrasound (sonogram)	19

**Gender**
Male	609
Female	871

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	1001
Black	73
Hispanic	40
Asian	280
Other	86
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	531
From 75 to 84	561
85 and over	370
Less than 65	18

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	13
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	6
Diabetes	29
Dementia	12
Cancer	10

diagnostic imaging	56
doctor visit	4393
eye procedures	15211
injections	3687
ultrasound (sonogram)	56

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD treated as a retina specialist in Washington, DC were eye procedures, injections, diagnostic imaging and ultrasound (sonogram).

diagnostic imaging	43
doctor visit	744
eye procedures	9246
injections	1463
photocoagulation	12
prophylaxis (preventive treatment)	12
ultrasound (sonogram)	43

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD.

**Gender**
Male	560
Female	801

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	67
Asian / Pacific Islander	273
Non-Hispanic White	921
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	12
Other	56

**Age**
75 to 84	499
85 and over	321
Less than 65	22
65 to 74	518

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	48
High Cholesterol	43
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	22
Depression	10
Chronic Kidney Disease	16
Asthma	4
Osteoporosis	9
Heart Failure	8
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	4
Diabetes	23
Atrial Fibrillation	8
Cancer	7
Dementia	8

Education & Training

Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD graduated from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2001. He completed residency at Johns Hopkins University Affiliated Hospitals. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology and has a state license in District of Columbia.

Medical School: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (2001)

Residency: Johns Hopkins University Affiliated Hospitals (2005)

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology

Licensed In: District of Columbia

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Inova

Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

MedStar Washington Hospital Center

MedStar Health

THE RETINA GROUP OF WASHINGTON, PLLC

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC.

Overall Rating

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Reviews Left On DocSpot

Overall Rating: 5.0 2021-08-02

Dr. Lai is highly knowledgeable and seems up to date in the most advanced treatments. He saved me from going blind by using advanced procedures recently developed. He has always kept me well informed of my situation through clear explanations. He is highly professional in his treatment of patients.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Genentech, Inc.	$4,925 SUSVIMO $4,647	LUCENTIS $142	Non-Covered Product $135
Allergan Inc.	$2,258 OZURDEX $1,170	NATRELLE IMPLANTS $21	BOTOX $20	$1,046
Genentech USA, Inc.	$977 LUCENTIS $610	VABYSMO $366
Alcon Laboratories Inc	$803 Simbrinza $213	Constellation $125	Durezol $109	Ilevro $95	ReSTOR $89	Other $172
Regeneron Healthcare Solutions, Inc.	$596 Eylea $341	EYLEA HD $136	EYLEA aflibercept injection $76	EYLEA (aflibercept) Injection $43
Other	$2,634 ForeseeHome $223	SYFOVRE $221	OZURDEX $174	AmnioGuard $173	JETREA $148	Other $1,695

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$6,618
Consulting Fee	$3,990
Travel and Lodging	$1,319
Education	$159
Entertainment	$107

Research Payments

Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD has received 108 research payments totaling $1,344,473.

Biography

Dr. Michael Lai is a general ophthalmology and vitreoretinal diseases (retina and vitreous) specialist. He is conversant in Chinese. These areas are among Dr. Lai's clinical interests: nystagmus, ectropion (outward-turned eyelid), and eye floater. His hospital/clinic affiliations include Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center. He attended medical school at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. For his residency, Dr. Lai trained at a hospital affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

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Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD can help you with:

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael Min-Shyue Lai, MD From 2013 - 2021

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Research Payments

Biography

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