Newport Beach Eye Surgeon

Your Dedicated Newport Beach Eye Surgeon

California residents know that searching for a top Newport Beach eye surgeon might not be easy, but if you or a loved one has been experiencing vision problems, it could be absolutely essential. At Retina Associates of Orange County, our experienced team of ocular doctors and specialists understands that it is important for patients to have a trusted source for their vision needs.

Surgical eye procedures can seem complicated or nerve-wracking for anyone who has not required a surgical procedure before — but when our team is handling the job, there’s no need to worry. Here is a quick look at some of the procedures handled by the Newport Beach eye surgeon at the Retina Associates of Orange County:

Laser Photocoagulation, Photodynamic Therapy, and Anti-VEGF Drug Injections  for Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition that can occur naturally as you age. Most people who develop macular degeneration experience a slow development of the symptoms, typically starting around age 60-65. There is no permanent cure for macular degeneration, as an experienced Newport Beach eye surgeon will likely inform you. However, there are a few treatment options available that could make the symptoms more manageable.

Some patients who experience a certain type of macular degeneration could be candidates for a light therapy procedure; others could be candidates for anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drug injections.

Laser Photocoagulation and Anti-VEGF Drug Injections for Diabetic Retinopathy

Similar procedures could also be used for some patients who develop diabetic retinopathy. This condition can occur when individual experiences elevated blood sugar levels over a long period of time, which then leads to damaged blood vessels that impair vision.

Diabetic retinopathy can often be detected in a routine eye exam and treated in its early stages. As an experienced Newport Beach eye surgeon might explain, it can be common for patients to develop diabetic retinopathy but not notice any symptoms until vision becomes substantially impaired. When the condition continues to develop without treatment, individuals might require more invasive procedures to mitigate the symptoms. Some of these procedures can be done in a doctor’s office, but other procedures, such as a vitrectomy, are done in an operating room.

Treatment for Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachments

Retinal tears and detachment problems can occur naturally as people age — but these ocular problems can also occur if a person sustains a serious head or brain injury. Retinal tears and retinal detachments can be treated in many cases. For a simple retinal tear, an in-office laser or freezing procedure (cryotherapy) can fix the problem. Severe retinal detachments or other problems related to retinal veins may require more substantial treatment from an eye surgeon in Newport Beach.

Treatment for Cataracts

Many people suffer from cataracts, yet do not quite understand how exactly this condition affects them. In fact, they are so common that they are the number one cause of blindness worldwide. About half of all Americans will develop cataracts by the time they reach the age of 80. A Newport Beach eye surgeon from Retina Associates of Orange County can provide detailed information to patients about cataracts. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of the condition.

Understanding Cataracts

Our eyes have lenses that normally line up in such a way that they are entirely transparent. These lenses are clear and flexible that change shape in order to reflect light into the retina, allowing the eye to focus light rays. These rays transform visual signals into the sharp and clear image we see.

As an eye surgeon in Newport Beach can explain, over time, however, it is not uncommon for the lenses to begin to group together in such a way that blocks light. These protein groups are referred to as cataracts. Although cataracts do not do anything to the rest of the anatomy of the eye, however, cataracts can dim or obscure the patient’s vision.

The Symptoms of Cataracts

When cataracts first begin to develop, they are so small that the patient usually does not even realize they exist. After a while, the patient may begin to experience the following symptoms:

• Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision
• Difficulty seeing things at night
• Fading colors
• Increased glare
• Needing to change eyeglass prescription often
• Seeing a halo effect when looking at lights
• Sensitivity to light
• Yellowing colors

The Causes of Cataracts

One of the most common factors that cause cataracts is age, with many patients showing symptoms of the condition once they turn 40 years of age or older. However, there are certain other factors that can trigger the condition, including the following:

• Diabetes
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of cataracts
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Previous eye injury or inflammation
• Previous eye surgery
• Prolonged corticosteroid medication use
• Smoking
• UV radiation

Diagnosing Cataracts

When a patient has their annual eye exam, part of that exam includes checking for any impairment or other issues. One of the things your eye doctor will do is to use a bright light to check the corneas, irises, and lenses of each eye to see if there have been any changes. Your eye doctor may also dilate your eyes in order to check the lenses for any cataract symptoms.

Cataract Treatment

For a while, a patient may rely on glasses or contacts to deal with the effect cataracts have on their vision, but eventually, the symptoms become too much for prescription vision aids to minimize the issues. Eventually, they may find the need to visit a Newport Beach eye surgeon.

Cataract surgery is a low-risk treatment option that many patients find relief from the condition. Surgery involves the simple removal of cataracts, one eye at a time. Cataract surgery is such an easy and successful treatment that there is more than three million cataract surgery performed in the U.S. each year.

Understanding Floaters

If you’ve ever seen strange squiggles or spots drifting across your field of vision, you’ve seen floaters – and a Newport Beach Eye Surgeon can help if they’re becoming too much of a problem.

Read on to learn a little more about this strange phenomenon, see why they can be annoying (or dangerous), and see what an eye surgeon from Retina Associates of Orange County can do to help.

• Floaters are totally normal.

While seeing squiggles, lines, or dots floating across your field of vision can be a little disturbing at first, they’re actually totally normal. You’ll see floaters more often if you’re looking at a bright surface and if you aren’t trying to focus on them exactly. A blue sky on a sunny day is a good way to catch a glimpse of these little spots.

• Floaters are inside your eye.

Our eyes are full of a special gel called the vitreous, and this is where floaters live. Again, there’s no real reason to be alarmed. Floaters are inside your eye, so they pretty much disappear whenever you try to focus on them. If you move your eye, the floater will move too.

• Floaters may increase with age.

The vitreous changes over time. When we’re young, it’s uniformly attached to the inside of the eye, but over time it may slowly become detached. Inside this slowly collapsing gel, strands of the vitreous will eventually stick together and break loose, floating across your field of vision. These floaters are more common when you get older.

• In some cases, floaters can be annoying or dangerous.

If you enjoy reading, chances are you’ll be slightly annoyed or distracted by floaters drifting across the page. On the other hand, floaters can sometimes band together and form clouds that obscure your vision. If you drive and one of these clouds suddenly blocks your view, it can be downright dangerous.

• Floaters may indicate a serious eye injury.

Although floaters are a normal side-effect of aging, they can indicate a serious eye injury. In some cases, an eye injury or infection can cause more floaters than normal. While floaters themselves are rarely the problem, a Newport Beach eye surgeon can check to see if you have an injury or infection you may not be aware oft.

• An eye specialist can remove floaters.

If your floaters are becoming a problem, a Newport Beach eye surgeon can take a closer look. The first step is a dilated eye exam, in which a specialist can look into your eye to see the floaters (and what may be causing them). In the event of excessive floaters, your specialist may recommend a vitrectomy. A vitrectomy is a common (and relatively quick) procedure that involves removing a large amount of your vitreous, and in most cases it resolves the issue of excessive floaters. Check with your eye specialist to learn more.

Newport Beach Eye Surgery Infographic

Newport Beach Eye Surgery Statistics

According to statistics from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, just under 25 million people in the United States who are 40 years of age or older have cataracts. Approximately 50 percent of Americans will have cataracts by the time they celebrate their 75th birthday. Almost 3 million Americans age 40 or older have glaucoma, and about 2 million Americans age 50 and older have late-stage age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that can result in severe vision loss.

Newport Beach Eye Surgery FAQs

As a Newport Beach eye surgeon area residents rely on can share, eye surgery may be imperative for those who are suffering from eye conditions that could cause severe problems if left untreated. Treatments for the eyes are widely available today and can treat conditions in a non-invasive way. However, sometimes it can be challenging to move towards this next step. Vision is one of the five senses that allow us to experience life and enjoy the world around them. Vision loss can significantly impact a person; however, it’s possible to treat vision issues that can worsen over time. Surgery may be the most viable solution; however, most prospective candidates will have questions for our team from Retina Associates of Orange County before moving forward with this process:

What are common conditions that might require eye surgery?

Several types of conditions may require eye surgery. If any of these signs are observed, it’s vital to seek immediate treatment with an eye surgeon for a proper diagnosis and to determine the appropriate way to move forward:

• Cloudy or Blurred Vision
• Bright Light Sensitivity
• Eye Redness
• Inability to See Peripherally
• Difficulty Seeing at Night
• Vision Loss
• Eye Pain
• Halos
• Straight Lines That Appear Curved
• Dry Eyes

What is the typical recovery time following eye surgery?

The time it can take to recover from eye surgery can vary depending upon the type of condition and severity. For most typical surgeries like cataract surgery, Lasik, glaucoma surgery, and more. While most patients recover from surgery in as little as a few days, it can take several weeks to reach a full recovery.

What are some of the risks associated with eye surgery?

Before undergoing surgery, it’s important to first speak with a Newport Beach eye surgeon regarding the risks associated with this treatment. Immediately following eye surgery, the patient can experience several temporary side effects, such as itching, burning, watery eyes, blurred vision, glares, dry eyes, and more. While some other complications can occur, they are rare. However, it’s essential to be aware of the risks.

What are the repercussions of forgoing treatment or refusing surgery?

In most situations, refusing surgery can be severely impactful for the person in need of treatment. While some eye surgeries, like Lasik are elective and failing to move forward will have little to no impact (other than continuing to wear eyeglasses or contact lenses). However, some eye conditions will require surgery because failure to do so can result in permanent damage, ultimately impacting a person’s vision.

What are some ways a patient can prepare before eye surgery?

In preparation for eye surgery, your surgeon will prepare you for what to expect. Typically, the patient will be required to take eye drops before eye surgery and for some time afterward. In addition, refrain from eating or drinking on the day of the surgery, and be sure to arrange for transportation home after the appointment.

Retina Associates of Orange County, Newport Beach Eye Surgeon

360 San Miguel Dr. Suite 407 Newport Beach, CA 92660

Contact Our Newport Beach Eye Surgeon Today

If you have encountered a problem with your vision, the team at the Retina Associates of Orange County may be able to help. Our team of doctors and surgeons has provided essential procedures to countless patients so that they are better able to manage their vision concerns. If you are looking for a Newport Beach eye surgeon, or if you would like to request an appointment with a local eye doctor, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County today.