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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John S. Lean, M.D., F.R.C.S.

John Lean M.D., F.R.C.S., received his Doctor of Medicine degree at New College, Oxford University in England and completed his internship at both University College Hospital and Greenwich Hospital in 1973. Dr. Lean finished his residency at the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital in London followed by a vitreoretinal surgical and medical fellowship at Moorfields. Dr. Lean was recruited to the University of Southern California Doheny Eye Institute in 1982, where he served as an Associate Professor until 1990. During his tenure at the Doheny Eye Institute, Dr. Lean authored numerous papers and book chapters and became a leading expert in the surgical management of complex retinal detachments. He has been honored with numerous visiting professorships and has spoken all over the world on various retinal conditions including diabetic retinopathy, complications of cataract surgery and age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Lean has been in private practice in Orange County since 1991. He is also a member of the prestigious Macula, Retina and Gonin societies. Dr. Lean sees patients at the Laguna Hills office.

Credentials

Medical School

Oxford University
Oxford, England

Internship

University College Hospital
London, England; Greenwich Hospital, London, England

Ophthalmology Residency

Moorfields Eye Hospital
London, England

Vitreoretinal Fellowship

Moorfields Eye Hospital
London, England

Professional Memberships

Royal College of Surgeons
Retina Society
American Society of Retinal Specialists
Macula Society
Club Jules Gonin

Reviews

Patient Reviews

     
 
 
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   Bill Feuerborn 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was very pleased with the explanations of my condition.All of my questions were answered fully.
  
 
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   Reagan horton 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shout out to Rachel who applied excellent first aid to a scrape on my arm Tuesday am.  She was so nice and sympathetic👍🌹🌹. Thx again Rachel.  Ed Greer
  
 
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   Jamie Brown 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I like the team approach.  Each completes their step of the patient visit culminating in the doctor wrapping it up.  It also felt like I was getting a free second opinion having two doctors check my examination results.
  
 
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   Lana Lukas 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Rathod and his team are absolutely amazing. The most professional knowledgeable caring team I’ve ever been to. The procedure I get is somewhat stressful, but it’s all combed and easy to get through with this office. I highly recommend them to anyone if you must have to deal with Retina issues especially love them.
  
 
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   Eddie Grijalva 
 5 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 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 😊👍
  
 
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   Daniel Vu 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional
  
 
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   Judith Coyle 
 7 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 
 8 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 
 11 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!

John S. Lean, M.D., F.R.C.S.

Credentials

Professional Memberships

Reviews

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