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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AMD Specialist Laguna Hills

Macular Degeneration

An AMD Specialist Laguna Hills patients trust is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, medical treatment, and surgical treatment of retina disorders. Most ophthalmologists and optometrists are unable to treat serious retinal conditions, so they will refer their patient to a retinal specialist. Your eyes are extremely important and also very delicate so it matters who is performing medical treatments, and even surgery, on your eyes.

The doctors at Retina Associates of Orange County are committed to meeting each of their patients’ needs. Retina Associates of Orange County is proud to say that each Laguna Hills AMD specialist is highly-skilled, as well as proud to offer a highly-trained and caring staff to take care of each individual patient.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and complete blindness in older people. This is caused when the center part of the retina, the macula, deteriorates. Typically, AMD causes the patient to lose their vision slowly and painlessly.

Risk Factors of AMD

Age
Smoking
Hereditary
High blood pressure
Obesity
Nutritional deficiencies of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc

Forms of AMD

There are two diagnosed forms of macular degeneration: dry and wet. Dry AMD is more common form and wet AMD is a more serious and damaging form.

Dry AMD is considered the early stage of the disease. Between 85 to 90 percent of those diagnosed with AMD are diagnosed with Dry AMD. Dry AMD is caused by yellow spots that are accumulated from the debris of tissue around the macula; this then leads to the patient seeing a dark spot in the center of the image their eyes see.

Wet AMD is a more advanced and harmful form of the disease. With wet AMD, abnormal blood vessels grow and cause scarring around the macula. This form typically causes severe vision loss.

Treatment of AMD

There is currently no cure for macular degeneration, however, an AMD Specialist Laguna Hills residents call have learned different strategies to slow AMD’s progress and can sometimes improve vision.

There have been studies that found that increased amounts of vitamins A, C, E, and zinc may slow dry AMD’s rate of progress. Before adding any additional vitamins to your daily regimen, be sure to consult your AMD Specialist Laguna Hills families depend on. The patient can also minimize their risk factors, listed above, by having a healthy lifestyle. Vision loss caused by AMD can be permanent, however, there are special devices an AMD Specialist in Laguna Hills has that can provide improvement.

Finding a AMD Specialist Laguna Hills locals recommend you trust is very important. It is key to be able to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding your vision. Catching macular degeneration early will allow for your retinal specialist to try to find ways to slow the progress of the disease and prolong your clear vision. The potential for vision impairment or blindness is scary.

The retinal specialists at Retina Associates of Orange County want to work with you and help eliminate your fears of macular degeneration. If you have experienced vision impairment and believe to have macular degeneration, contact a AMD Specialist Laguna Hills provides at 949-707-5125 today to schedule an appointment.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Hal Taylor 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Eifrig was willing to answer questions unrelated to my retinal condition.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   J Hardee 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is friendly and professional
  
 
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   Dennis Eckel 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pleasant waiting room experience. Friendly patient service staff. Competent PAs. Insightful diagnosis. Practical remedies. Give ‘em a try.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marykay Lance 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I didn't have to wait for my appointment, the office is run efficiently by pleasant people, and Dr Eifrig and the entire staff is efficient, knowledgeable, friendly and I didn't have to deal with AI once. Maybe
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Monique Dube 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Every one there are friendly and knowledgeable. I will recommend to anyone that need this kind of care
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   James Fan 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very detailed eye check up, and Dr Goldman explained all the results very clearly.
  
 
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   Roz Cole 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Shields 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
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   PBofLN 
 6 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 
 6 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.