What is Macular Pucker?

Macular pucker affects approximately 10 percent of people, particularly men and women over the age of 50. Based in the center of your retina, the macula is responsible for the part of your vision that allows you to see straight ahead. As you read the text on this page, you are using your macula. When the retinal surface forms an extra layer of tissue and contracts, distorting the retina, it is known as a macular pucker. They look like a piece of scotch tape and can distort the central vision. If you start to notice this, you should see a doctor for macular pucker as soon as possible.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a disease, which causes visual loss in patients over the age of 50. The vision loss is painless, usually gradual and not severe, but can be variable among patients. Macular degeneration is named for the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision. Peripheral vision is usually not affected by macular degeneration and often, this illness will go unnoticed until a patient engages in a task such as driving or reading, in which central vision is crucial. As the term “degeneration” implies, the illness becomes more noticeable over time and tends to get worse with or without treatment. Macular degeneration typically affects adults over 65 and the main risk factors for the disease are increasing age and genetics (family history of macular degeneration). Smoking, high cholesterol and hypertension are also risk factors. This disease does not cause total blindness and most macular degeneration patients can see well enough to care for themselves.

What is Retinal Tear and Retinal Detachment?

Retinal detachment is treatable when caught early. Treatment may or may not involve an in or outpatient surgical procedure. In cases that do require surgery, a patient may require immediate attention or the procedure may be postponed for days or even weeks depending on the condition’s severity. Two major retinal detachment surgeries include: Vitrectomy: In this procedure, the surgeon removes the vitreous jelly, which has pulled on the retina and caused retinal detachment. Usually, the doctor then replaces the fluid with a gas bubble, which the eye, in time, will absorb and replace with its natural fluids. Doctors may recommend this surgery in instances where:

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition where high blood sugars damage the blood vessels in the retina (the retina is the layer of cells in the back of the eye that transmit light to the brain to form images). There are two main types of diabetic retinopathy: non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

What is Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) and Macular Edema?

The retina is the light-sensing layer of cells that lines the inner wall of the back of the eye. The retina converts light into signals that are sent to the brain where they are recognized as images. What is Retinal Vein Occlusion? Your retinas require a rich supply of oxygenated blood. This blood is carried to the retina from the heart through arteries, while veins carry deoxygenated blood from the retina back to the heart via the optic nerves. The arteries that transport oxygen to your retina may stiffen and thicken over the years, especially in people with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. The retinal arteries and veins are close to the optic nerve and cross various locations on the retina’s surface. As arteries thicken, they can compress the retinal vein at artery-vein crossing points or in the optic nerve. This compression can be so severe that the veins become constricted and thus blood flow to the heart is reduced. The blood then backs up into the retina not unlike the water in a clogged bathtub. The pressure of blood in the veins causes swelling (called macular edema) and bleeding in the retina.

       
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The Top Questions For Your Retinal Specialist

California Retina Specialist

Each year, many people choose to make an appointment with their eye doctor to make sure their eyes are in good shape or to get a new prescription for their glasses. While many people leave these appointments with no surprising information, your eye doctor may recommend seeing a retina specialist. If you have never gone to see a retina specialist, it can help you to be prepared for your first appointment and know what to expect. Unlike an annual eye exam, you should know that you will likely be at your first appointment for a few hours, so make sure you set aside enough time for your driving as well as your exam.

What happens at my first exam?

Typically, you will start your appointment undergoing certain diagnostic testing. Expect that your pupils will be dilated and that you will need a friend or family member to drive you home from your appointment. After diagnostic testing, your doctor, like a California retina specialist from an office like the Retina Associates of Orange County will discuss your exam results and if any further testing is necessary.

What should I bring with me to my exam?

At your exam, it is good to have:

Any insurance cards and insurance information necessary for your appointment
Sunglasses
Eyeglasses, if you have them
A list of any known allergies you have to medication
A list of any medications you are on

What can retinal exams detect?

You may be wondering: what is the point of undergoing an exam like this? A simple retina exam can go a long way in ensuring your eyes are healthy. These exams can help to detect things like:

Glaucoma
Cancer
Macular degeneration
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal detachment

Particularly when it comes to your eyes, prevention is going to be key in ensuring they stay healthy. Your retinal specialist will be able to detect something early, especially if you get an exam annually. This can help show your eye’s health history over time and tell your specialist if there are any changes, good or bad. With a retinal exam, your doctor can tell you more about your eye health as well as your health in other areas of your body. If you are hoping to get on the schedule for a retinal exam, contact a local retina specialist’s office today. The sooner you go, the sooner you can begin taking better care of your eyes.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jackie Curry 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Colleen Casciari 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After arriving for my appointment & checking in there was very little waiting. The staff was efficient and very pleasant. My doctor answered all my questions and concerns.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   donna Anderson 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr McGuire was so nice and reassuring. Answered all my questions. Great Doctor!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Vijay Desai 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to share my experience with Dr. Desmond Edward McGuire, a Retina Specialist, who has been treating my mom for macular degeneration in both eyes for the past 8–10 years. We have consistently found him to be an excellent doctor, very knowledgeable, caring, and attentive to her needs.

We also want to recognize how nice and helpful the staff is. On most visits, we hardly ever have to wait and the appointment is typically completed within about 30 minutes. Overall, the experience has been very smooth and reassuring for our family.

We truly appreciate Dr. McGuire and the entire team for their support and professionalism over the years.
  
 
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   Eddie H. 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Charles Eifrig has been my retina dr for many years now and is always very patient with the questions I have and answers everything while also addressing my concerns. I am grateful to be in his care. His office is also very efficient. Thank you to him and his staff/office
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Worrell 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, professional, knowledgeable, informative.
The best office and technical support staff I've ever encountered.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charles Davis 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Eifrig is an excellent physician.  Personable, professional, and thoroughly competent.  In fact - expert.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Annette Stankovich 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. She is very knowable and makes me feel valued.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   ron green 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   emily guichet 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent care.  Very courteous.

The Top Questions For Your Retinal Specialist

California Retina Specialist

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