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 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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Diabetes Retina Specialist Orange County, CA

If you show symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, you may want to see a diabetes retina specialist Orange county CA residents trust. At Retina Associates of Orange County, we have treated many patients with diabetic retinopathy and want to help you. Our physicians are highly skilled and will treat you with the utmost care.

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina and typically doesn’t show any symptoms in the early stages. Many diabetic patients have diabetic retinopathy, but may be unaware of it. If this disease isn’t treated promptly, it can result in blindness, as a diabetes retina specialist in Orange County CA can attest.

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

The most common way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy is through a dilated eye exam. A diabetes retina specialist Orange County CA locals respect may put drops in the eyes in order to see inside them better. He or she may check the eyes for retinal detachment, abnormal blood vessels, swelling in the retina and abnormalities in the optic nerve.

Your doctor may also perform a fluorescein angiogram to look for leaking blood vessels in the retina.

What Treatments Are Available for Diabetic Retinopathy?

If a diabetes retina specialist Orange county CA residents depend on determines that you do have diabetic retinopathy, there are several treatment options available. If the disease is in the very early stages, you might require any treatment at this time. However, if the condition is advanced, your treatment options may include:

Vitrectomy: During this procedure, a diabetes retina specialist makes a small incision in your eye to take out the blood in the middle of the eye. The surgical procedure lasts about two to three hours. A doctor may put a gas bubble into the eye to push against the retinal detachment.
Focal Laser Treatment: Also referred to as photocoagulation, this treatment aims to stop blood leakage in the eye with laser burns. The procedure is normally performed in an eye doctor’s office and involves minimal discomfort.
Scatter Laser Treatment: With scatter laser treatment, an Orange county diabetes retina specialist uses scattered laser burns to shrink abnormal blood vessels. This procedure is also performed in a doctor’s office and it is normal for your vision to be blurry for one to two days.

Can You Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

Managing your diabetes is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of diabetic retinopathy. Monitor your blood sugar levels, eat a healthy diet, and exercise most days of the week. If you smoke, you should give serious consideration to quitting.

If you notice any changes to your vision, like hazy or spotty vision, you should make an appointment to see a diabetes retina specialist Orange County CA locals rely on as soon as possible.

If you are looking for a diabetes retina specialist Orange County CA offers, you may want to contact Retina Associates of Orange County at 949-707-5125.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Jackie Curry 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!
  
 
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   Colleen Casciari 
 1 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 
 1 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 
 1 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. 
 1 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
  
 
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   Alan Worrell 
 1 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.
  
 
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   Charles Davis 
 1 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.
  
 
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   Annette Stankovich 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. She is very knowable and makes me feel valued.
  
 
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   ron green 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional
  
 
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   emily guichet 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent care.  Very courteous.

Diabetes Retina Specialist Orange County, CA

What Is Diabetic Retinopathy?

How Is Diabetic Retinopathy Diagnosed?

What Treatments Are Available for Diabetic Retinopathy?

Can You Prevent Diabetic Retinopathy?

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