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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Newport Beach Macular Degeneration Doctor

4 Facts About Macular Degeneration

If you’re looking for a Newport Beach macular degeneration doctor, it can be very stressful to not know what this condition could hold. Macular degeneration is more common than many patients initially think. Even though this condition cannot currently be treated or cured, it’s still possible to work closely with a Newport Beach macular degeneration doctor to manage the condition.

Here are a few facts about macular degeneration to keep in mind before making an appointment with a macular degeneration doctor in Newport Beach:

Macular degeneration is a condition that often occurs as individuals age. Age-related macular degeneration, also known as AMD, is a condition that causes a slow loss of vision as an individual ages. It can progress so slowly in some cases that individuals do not even realize what is occurring until a significant amount of vision has been lost. Individuals between the ages of 50-60 are most at risk for developing AMD, so it can be essential for older individuals to talk with a Newport Beach macular degeneration doctor about their own risk.
Macular degeneration occurs when a person sustains damage to the macula, which allows the person to see objects at the center of the visual field. Damage can occur naturally over time. However, damage to the macula only significantly affects a person’s ability to see objects that are located straight ahead. Those who suffer from macular degeneration typically retain their peripheral vision.
As macular degeneration worsens, an individual will likely experience blurriness or dark spots in the center of vision. The condition alone typically does not cause blindness, but if it becomes severe, it can interfere with daily activities quite a bit. Those with advanced cases of macular degeneration could experience a loss of vision significant enough to render them legally blind.
Certain factors can make an individual more at risk for developing macular degeneration. Smoking is one factor that can increase an individual’s risk of developing macular degeneration. Family history also plays an important role, and individuals with a family history of this condition are more likely to develop it as well. As an experienced macular degeneration doctor Newport Beach can provide might attest, a person’s overall health and diet has a substantial effect on eye health. Poor diet and poor overall health — especially high cholesterol or high blood pressure, can potentially increase a person’s risk for developing macular degeneration.

Contact a Local Newport Beach Macular Degeneration Doctor Today

At the Retina Associates of Orange County, we understand that macular degeneration can initially seem scary for some patients. We work with patients closely so that we can identify individuals at risk, provide suggestions for lowering their risk, and work to create plans on how to manage macular degeneration when it occurs. If you believe you are developing macular degeneration and you wish to make an appointment with a Newport Beach macular degeneration doctor, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County today.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Jackie Curry 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!
  
 
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   Colleen Casciari 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After arriving for my appointment & checking in there was very little waiting. The staff was efficient and very pleasant. My doctor answered all my questions and concerns.
  
 
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   donna Anderson 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr McGuire was so nice and reassuring. Answered all my questions. Great Doctor!
  
 
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   Vijay Desai 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to share my experience with Dr. Desmond Edward McGuire, a Retina Specialist, who has been treating my mom for macular degeneration in both eyes for the past 8–10 years. We have consistently found him to be an excellent doctor, very knowledgeable, caring, and attentive to her needs.

We also want to recognize how nice and helpful the staff is. On most visits, we hardly ever have to wait and the appointment is typically completed within about 30 minutes. Overall, the experience has been very smooth and reassuring for our family.

We truly appreciate Dr. McGuire and the entire team for their support and professionalism over the years.
  
 
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   Eddie H. 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Charles Eifrig has been my retina dr for many years now and is always very patient with the questions I have and answers everything while also addressing my concerns. I am grateful to be in his care. His office is also very efficient. Thank you to him and his staff/office
  
 
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   Alan Worrell 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly, professional, knowledgeable, informative.
The best office and technical support staff I've ever encountered.
  
 
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   Charles Davis 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Eifrig is an excellent physician.  Personable, professional, and thoroughly competent.  In fact - expert.
  
 
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   Annette Stankovich 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. She is very knowable and makes me feel valued.
  
 
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   ron green 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional
  
 
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   emily guichet 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent care.  Very courteous.

Newport Beach Macular Degeneration Doctor

4 Facts About Macular Degeneration

Contact a Local Newport Beach Macular Degeneration Doctor Today

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