If you’re searching for a top Newport Beach eye surgeon, you may be wondering what types of medical conditions and vision problems a surgeon might handle. At the Retina Associates of Orange County, our team of physicians is experienced when it comes to handling vision problems for our patients. While there are many different ocular conditions that a trained Newport Beach eye surgeon may treat, here are just a few of the more common vision-related problems that our office has treated:
Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)
Each retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of each eye) requires a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood in order to function properly. As individuals age — especially if they suffer from diabetes or high cholesterol — their arteries may become constricted and begin to swell. When this occurs, there might be bleeding in the retina and the individual may begin to lose vision very suddenly.
There are several ways of treating retinal vein occlusion after a professional Newport Beach eye surgeon makes the diagnosis. Various anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs (anti-VEGF drugs) may be injected into the vitreous gel of the retina to help minimize swelling. Severe cases may be treated with regular injections and with scatter laser to the retina.
Treatment for Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration often occurs naturally over time, and in fact it is a fairly common cause of vision loss for patients over the age of 50. Macular degeneration is typically a slow process and individuals might not notice their vision is declining until it has changed substantially. Increased risk factors may include a family history of macular degeneration, smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Similar to retinal vein occlusions, an eye surgeon in Newport Beach might treat this condition through the injection of anti-VEGF drugs. Other cases may be treated with laser photocoagulation or photodynamic therapy (PDT). Although medical researchers haven’t found a “cure” for macular degeneration, it may be possible for these treatments to mitigate the damage — and improve the patient’s vision — to help prevent against additional vision loss.
Retinal Tears and Retinal Detachment
A retinal tear might occur for many reasons. Some individuals experience retinal tears due to the natural aging process of the eyes, but it’s also possible for individuals to sustain a retinal tear in an accident (particularly one that involves a blunt force to the head). When too much vitreous fluid passes through the tear, this may cause the entire retina to become detached.
Fortunately, many cases of retinal tears and detachments can typically be treated quickly through laser procedures. A Newport Beach eye surgeon might recommend that some individuals undergo a surgical procedure if their condition was not caught early or if it has worsened substantially. A vitrectomy or a scleral buckle operation are two surgical procedures that may treat retinal detachments.
Contact the Retina Associates of Orange County for an Eye Surgeon Newport Beach Trusts
If you have a vision problem that requires specialized care from an ocular surgeon, the Retina Associates of Orange County may be able to help. We have provided essential medical care to countless individuals in the local community and we are consistently finding new ways to research, diagnose, and treat vision-related medical conditions.
To find out more information about our team, or to schedule an appointment with a Newport Beach eye surgeon, call the Retina Associates of Orange County today.