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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Santa Ana Ophthalmology

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

If you would like to meet with a Santa Ana eye doctor because you suspect you may be experiencing age-related macular degeneration, make an appointment with Retina Associates of Orange County. Our physicians are board certified ophthalmologists who specialize in diseases of the retina, vitreous, and macula.

Only a trained and qualified eye doctor in Santa Ana can diagnose whether or not you have macular degeneration. However, the following information about macular degeneration may be informative before meeting with a specialist at Retina Associates of Orange County.

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is an eye condition that is very common for people aged 50 and older, and is a leading cause of vision loss. It damages the macula, which is a small area near the center of the retina. A healthy macula is required for sharp vision for objects directly ahead of us. Macular damage can make one’s straight ahead vision look dark, distorted, or blurry.

Does age-related macular degeneration lead to blindness?

This type of degeneration does not necessarily lead to blindness. However, when a person loses the ability to see clearly when looking straight ahead, it can be difficult to maintain the same quality of life, due to an inability to see faces, operate a vehicle, read, write, cook, make home repairs, or enjoy certain hobbies, such as golf or knitting. A Santa Ana eye doctor can detect if you have age-related macular degeneration, and to what extent you can expect it to limit your activities.

Who is most at risk for age-related macular degeneration?

It can happen for those aged 50 or over, but is more common for individuals in any of these at-risk groups:

People with a family history of age-related macular degeneration.
Smokers can be at double the risk of being affected.
Caucasians

Can anything reduce the risk of experiencing age-related macular degeneration?

Risk and progression of the disease can be reduced by making these lifestyle choices:

Exercise regularly.
Maintain low cholesterol levels.
Maintain normal blood pressure.
Avoid smoking.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet that emphasizes fish and leafy vegetables.

How can age-related macular degeneration be detected?

Very often, the early and intermediate stages do not present symptoms. During those stages, detection is only possible with a detailed eye exam. The exam may include these tests:

Dilation of the pupils. Using this method, a Santa Ana eye doctor can use a magnifying lens to check your optic nerve and retina for symptoms.
Distance test. Using an eye chart, a Santa Ana eye doctor can measure how well you are able to see at various distances.
View an Amsler grid. Because age-related macular degeneration adversely affects the central vision, viewing the lines of an Amsler grid can detect if the patient is having problems seeing in that area.
Optical coherence tomography imagery. This test uses light waves to obtain extremely high resolution images of your eyes. The test is painless and an eye doctor Santa Ana patients trust can explain how it works in more detail.
Fluorescein angiogram. A Santa Ana eye doctor injects fluorescent dye into your arm. As the dye passes through the eye’s blood vessels, the doctor takes photos. This allows him or her to detect leaking blood vessels, which are often present in those with age-related macular degeneration.

Contact Retina Associates of Orange County Today

To make an appointment with a Santa Ana eye doctor or to discuss your concerns about age-related macular degeneration.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Roz Cole 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
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   Andy Shields 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
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   PBofLN 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Dr. Eifreg for a number of years now since he reattached my almost completely detached retina. He is an excellent doctor and surgeon. He never rushes me through my appointments and answers any questions I have. In addition, he is personable, can be funny, and is just a very nice man. From the front office staff to the assistants who check your eyes before you see Dr, Eifreg, they are all extremely efficient. I am now on yearly maintenance visits and they always contact my insurance for a referral before my appointment. I also always get an appointment reminder text or call. But what’s really amazing - This is a VERY busy practice and I am always seen on time or within maybe 15 mins of my appointment time. I don’t know how they do it, but this office runs like a well-oiled machine. And to top it off, EVERYONE is helpful, cheerful and has a “service” attitude at all times. I know this all sounds too good to be true, but it is honestly the case at Dr. Eifreg’s office. I am so glad my primary doctor sent me to Dr. Eifreg for my retina surgery. Of course the most important thing is that he’s an excellent surgeon, but it’s also wonderful that he runs a great office with an exceptional staff!
  
 
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   Deb Hanna 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at this office was very friendly.
The office was definitely busy but It was my first visit there and they still made me feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Gupta explained my condition so I could easily understand it and was very pleasant to talk with. I had to leave another Retina group because of an insurance change but think the transition to this new group went smoothly and will be a good fit for me moving forward.
  
 
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   Diane Bridges 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very efficient and pleasant staff. Excellent doctor. Have been going to him for nine years. I would never change doctors!
  
 
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   PriscillA Schultz 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. everyone is very kind and thorough in the office. The doctor is great and was on time.
  
 
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   rebecca peyrefitte 
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 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This experience at this Dr office was outstanding. All the staff was very supportive and efficient. I was very pleased with the service I was given.
  
 
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   Deborah Misserville 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Best!  Professional and knowledgeable
of current medical technology and techniques.  And equally as important...kind and caring Dr and staff!
  
 
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   Juli White 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Efficient and considerate of the patient’s time, friendly and most importantly, competent - everything you’d want from a doctor’s appointment!
  
 
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   Kelvin Kitaoka (Kazu) 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Organization and very methodical with service and procedure. Dr. Chen is the best in Retina eye care.. hands down.