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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Laguna Hills Doctor

If you are seeking help for an eye-related issue, you may want to contact a Laguna Hills eye doctor at the Retina Associates of Orange County. The highly skilled physicians at our clinic may be able to help you with a variety of retinal diseases.

What Eye Conditions Could Be Addressed By a Laguna Hills Eye Doctor?

The Retina Associates of Orange County is a group of renowned, board-certified ophthalmologists who seek excellence in patient care. There are five specialized conditions that our physicians concentrate on. The following will provide beneficial information regarding the different areas of focus:

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the deterioration of the eye’s macula, the light-sensitive tissue in the back of the eye’s retina. The macula plays a vital role in allowing you to see fine details clearly. Typically, this eye problem develops as a part of the body’s natural aging process. This type of eye problem could cause blurriness, dark areas or distortion in your central vision, or even permanent loss in your central vision. If this is an eye problem that you believe you are struggling with, contact a highly-trained Laguna Hills eye doctor at our office.

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition occurs to individuals who have diabetes. In this situation, the blood vessels in the retina are damaged. The blood vessels found in the eyes leak blood and other fluids causing the retinal tissue to swell, creating impairment to the individual’s vision.

Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachments

The retina is the part of the eye that converts light rays into impulses, that then travel through the optic nerve to your brain, creating the images you see. In the middle of your eye is a clear gel called vitreous. As you get older, the vitreous may shrink and pull on the retina. This is what can cause a retinal tear or a complete retinal detachment. This damage on the eye could result in necessary surgery, and choosing an experienced Laguna Hills eye doctor may be your best option.

Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) and Macular Edema

The retina is nourished by the flow of blood in the veins at the back of the eye. The veins provide the oxygen and nutrients necessary for the nerve cells in the retina to survive. If there is a blockage in the veins, the nerve cells within the eye may die, which may cause obstruction in your vision. Under these circumstances, you should contact a Laguna Hills eye doctor to get the eye examined.

Macular Pucker (Epiretinal Membrane)

A macular pucker, or an epiretinal membrane, is a layer of scar tissue that grows on the surface of the retina. It may impair the individual’s ability to see details.

As a next step, contact a Laguna Hills eye doctor today!

If you are in search of a highly certified eye doctor in Laguna Hills, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County at (949) 777-5011 with any questions or concerns you may have. The eye is a very delicate organ. When it is damaged, it is important to seek the Laguna Hills eye doctor that people have grown to trust from the Retina Associates of Orange County.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Roz Cole 
 0 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
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   Andy Shields 
 0 days ago
 
 
 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 
 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!
  
 
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   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.
  
 
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   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.
  
 
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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.