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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Seniors & Isolation: Ways to Alleviate Loneliness

As we enter into the omicron phase of the pandemic, many seniors may find themselves isolating and practicing higher risk mitigation measures. In person book clubs are transforming into zoom meetings, large family gatherings are growing smaller, and seniors are returning inside once more. It is crucial to keep up with all of your doctor appointments, though. This includes eye exams, physical therapy, and dental care. Your doctors can have safety measures in place to lower the chances of getting sick, while still protecting you with their expertise.

Although protecting elderly individuals’ health is important, it can come with the downside of feelings of loneliness. If you want to help your loved one avoid feelings of isolation, the following are a few strategies for alleviating loneliness in seniors. This is important for all home health aids, to know.

Remember to prioritize communication.

One of the best ways to make sure your loved one does not feel isolated is to reach out! Take the time out of your week to connect and check in. Even if you have nothing to say, the time spent engaging with your loved one will help them feel more connected to the world.

Get the family involved.

Communication does not end with you, the entire family can also help connect with an aging loved one! You can make a schedule that includes family members interested in checking with a beloved elder. A grandchild can have a weekly zoom call, a cousin can sign up for a socially distanced walk, etc.

Enlist the help of a home health aide.

Sometimes, you need the peace of mind for when you are not there. A home health aide can provide companionship to your aging loved one while you are away. Even more so, they can assist with daily ADLs, help around the house, and ensure that your loved one is looked after in this time of social distance.

Invest in a furry friend.

What better way to combat isolation than with a dedicated pet to love? Pets are wonderful companions for older individuals. They are a constant source of companionship; they provide a reason to get out of bed in the morning; and, some even encourage a healthy dose of exercise. Thus, getting a pet can help your loved one both avoid isolation and improve their lifestyle.

Encourage time spent with hobbies.

For many seniors, feelings of loneliness can incite from a place of boredom. Encourage your loved one to take part in a beloved (or new) hobby! Remember, practicing a skill does not need to be something that happens in a crowded space. Instruction can occur remotely through books, recorded videos, zoom classes, etc.

Patient Reviews

     
 
 
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   Eddie Grijalva 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional and attentive to my needs. Answered all my questions and offered solutions for upcoming surgical procedures.
  
 
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   John A Hochgurtel 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 😊👍
  
 
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   Daniel Vu 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional
  
 
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   Judith Coyle 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Efficient, friendly and very skilled doctor and staff. I'm happy to recommend OCRetina to anyone.
  
 
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   Brad Smith 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always have an early AM appointment. Friendly staff gets you through the exam process smoothly and efficiently. Doctor You is always congenial and explains what’s happening in laymen’s terms. Great place!!
  
 
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   Jackie Curry 
 7 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!
  
 
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   Colleen Casciari 
 8 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.
  
 
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   donna Anderson 
 8 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!
  
 
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   Vijay Desai 
 8 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. 
 8 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

Seniors & Isolation: Ways to Alleviate Loneliness

Remember to prioritize communication.

Get the family involved.

Enlist the help of a home health aide.

Invest in a furry friend.

Encourage time spent with hobbies.

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