Education & Training
Medical School
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Internship
Internal Medicine
- Trumbull Regional Medical Center
Residency
Ophthalmology
- University of Missouri School of Medicine
Fellowship
Vitreo - Retinal Disease
- University of Missouri School of Medicine
Boards
Insurances
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Academic Information
Research Profile
Vaishnavi Balendiran, MD is a fellowship-trained retina specialist with extensive training in the surgical and medical management of retinal disease. She performs retinal surgery using the latest small-gauge vitrectomy platforms and is well-versed in the placement of secondary intraocular lenses.
While at the School of Medicine, Dr. Balendiran has researched the outcomes of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus on retinal cells. She has also participated in clinical trials exploring novel treatments for both exudative (wet) and nonexudative (dry) macular degeneration.
Her prior work includes using rabbit models to evaluate the biocompatibility of various new intraocular lens prototypes.
Research Interests
- Retinal Detachment
- Diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Infectious retinal disease
Areas of Expertise
- Vitreoretinal diseases
- Dislocated intraocular lenses
- Epiretinal membranes and macular holes
Awards & Honors
- American Society of Retina Specialists, 2022
- Women in Ophthalmology, 2021
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2017
Publications
- Monu, M., Ahmad, F., Olson, R. M., Balendiran, V., & Singh, P. K. (2024).
SARS-CoV-2 infects cells lining the blood-retinal barrier and induces a hyperinflammatory immune response in the retina via systemic exposure.
PLoS Pathogens, 20(4), e1012156. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012156 - Balendiran, V., Landreneau, J., & An, J. (2023).
MicroPulse Transscleral Laser Therapy dosimetry utilizing the revised P3 delivery device: A randomized controlled trial.
Ophthalmology. Glaucoma, 6(3), 283–290. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogla.2022.09.004 - Gugiu, G. B., Goto, R. M., Bhattacharya, S., Delgado, M. K., Dalton, J., Balendiran, V., & Miller, M. M. (2023).
Mass spectrometry defines lysophospholipids as ligands for chicken MHCY class I molecules.
The Journal of Immunology, 210(1), 96–102. https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.2200066 - Balendiran, V., Werner, L., Ellis, N., Shumway, C., Jiang, B., Kamae, K., & Mamalis, N. (2020).
Uveal and capsular biocompatibility of a new hydrophobic acrylic microincision intraocular lens.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 46(3), 459–464. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000117 - Ellis, N., Werner, L., Balendiran, V., Shumway, C., Jiang, B., & Mamalis, N. (2020).
Posterior capsule opacification prevention by an intraocular lens incorporating a micropatterned membrane on the posterior surface.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 46(1), 102–107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrs.2019.08.003 - Balendiran, V., MacLean, K., Mamalis, N., Tetz, M., & Werner, L. (2019).
Localized calcification of hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses after posterior segment procedures.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 45(12), 1801–1807. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrs.2019.07.015 - Werner, L., Wallace, J. K., Balendiran, V., Shumway, C., Ellis, N., & Mamalis, N. (2019).
Surface deposits mimicking calcification on a hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens.
Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, 45(7), 1036–1039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrs.2019.03.005 - Sawaya, M. R., Verma, M., Balendiran, V., Rath, N. P., Cascio, D., & Balendiran, G. K. (2016).
Characterization of WY 14,643 and its Complex with Aldose Reductase.
Scientific Reports, 6(1), 34394. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep34394