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.

       4.9 
  
  2098 reviews

Eye Surgeon Santa Ana CA

If you have retinal detachment, you may want to talk to an eye surgeon Santa Ana CA trusts from The Retina Associates of Orange County about vitrectomy. This surgical procedure removes vitreous gel from the eye to repair the retinal detachment. The eye surgeons at The Retina Associates of Orange County are skilled and experienced with vitrectomy surgery. We always put the best interests of our clients first.

How is a Vitrectomy Performed?

A vitrectomy surgery is typically performed in a hospital and takes approximately two to three hours to complete. An eye surgeon in Santa Ana CA may remove vitreous gel from your eye with small instruments through tiny incisions. You will likely receive local anesthesia, so you will be awake during the surgery but won’t feel any pain. In rare cases, general anesthesia may be administered.

Once the surgery is done, your eye surgeon Santa Ana CA respects may inject a gas bubble in the eye so that the retina presses against the wall of your eye. The gas bubble becomes smaller over time and eventually disappears completely.

Recovering from a Vitrectomy

In order to fully recover from vitrectomy and reduce complications, it is important to take good care of yourself after the surgery. Here are some recovery tips to follow:

Keep Your Head in a Consistent Position: Make sure your head stays in a consistent position for a while so that the gas bubble does not push against the detachment.
Use Medication as Directed: Your eye surgeon Santa Ana CA counts may prescribe medication to ease swelling and discomfort. Take the medication as directed to address these side effects.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: It is recommended to avoid doing strenuous activities, such as lifting weights, during the recovery period. Doing so may slow down the healing process and it could even hurt your eyes.
Get Plenty of Rest: Proper rest is required for a speedy recovery from vitrectomy surgery. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep a night and take naps when needed.
Attend Follow Up Visits: After your surgery, your Santa Ana CA eye surgeon may schedule several follow up visits to track your progress. If you have been experiencing any serious side effects, such as loss of vision or light flashes in your vision, be sure to tell your doctor.
Do Not Smoke: If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop doing it while you are still recovering from your eye surgery. Smoking cigarettes can increase complications and prolong the recovery process.

Setting Up a Consultation With an Eye Surgeon

During a consultation, an eye surgeon Santa Ana CA depends on may explain vitrectomy surgery in detail, ask questions about your medical history, and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the surgery. Do not hesitate to ask the surgeon any questions you have about the surgery.

Vitrectomy surgery may improve your retinal detachment. For more information about this surgery, or to speak with an eye surgeon Santa Ana CA offers about another vision concern, contact The Retina Associates of Orange County at 714-500-8677.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Roz Cole 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Shields 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Diane Bridges 
 0 days ago
 
 
 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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   PriscillA Schultz 
 0 days ago
 
 
 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   rebecca peyrefitte 
 0 days ago
 
 
 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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.

Eye Surgeon Santa Ana CA

How is a Vitrectomy Performed?

Recovering from a Vitrectomy

Setting Up a Consultation With an Eye Surgeon

Request an Appointment