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 Retinal Hemorrhage

Retinal Hemorrhage Doctors Serving Newport Beach, CA

When you’re having eye problems with your retina, a Newport Beach, California retinal hemorrhage doctor at the Retina Associates of Orange County can help. For an immediate appointment, please call our office today.

Understanding the Vitreous

Nearly two-thirds of the eye’s volume is made up of a gelatin-like substance known as vitreous. The vitreous is between the lens, in front of the eye, and the retina which is in the back of the eye. When the vitreous is healthy and in tack, there are no blood vessels. However, certain medical conditions, like diabetic retinopathy, can cause new blood vessels to develop and grow into the vitreous gel. Blood vessels in this area are typically very fragile and prone to leaking fluid and blood.

Retinal Hemorrhage

Retinal hemorrhages may also be referred to as a vitreous hemorrhage. This occurs when these small blood vessels rupture. Bleeding in and around the retina or vitreous gel can lead to visual distortion and other impairments. There are several causes of retinal hemorrhages, such as:

Systemic hypoxia
Abusive head trauma
Hypertension
Retinal vein occlusion
Anemia
Leukemia
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetic retinopathy
Retinal vein occlusion
Retinal detachment
Tumor
Nearsightedness
Carotid artery disease
Choroidal neovascularization
Ocular ischemic syndrome
Posterior vitreous detachment

If you believe you’re experiencing a retinal hemorrhage, you should not delay in scheduling an appointment with a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage doctor from the Retina Associates of Orange County.

Symptoms of a Retinal Hemorrhage

The early symptoms of a retinal hemorrhage may not always be obvious. If the hemorrhage took place outside of the macula, the hemorrhage could go undiagnosed for several years. In this case, identifying the hemorrhage may only be possible through special tests such as ophthalmoscopy or a dilated fundus exam. In a majority of cases, however, the retinal hemorrhage will cause immediate impaired vision. Often at least one of the following symptoms are noticed:

A sudden increase of floaters in your vision
Partial or full vision loss
Hazy vision
Blurred or cloudy vision
Abrupt flashes of light
Seeing “cobwebs” in your vision
Red-like tint to your vision

If you notice any similar symptoms it is important you get medical attention. Ideally, you should consult a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnosing and Treating Retinal Hemorrhages

During your appointment with a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage eye doctor, your medical history will be reviewed followed by an examination of your eyes. To confirm a retinal hemorrhage has occurred, various tests may be performed. Some of these tests may include:

Dilated eye exam
Visual acuity exam
Gonioscopy
Slit-lamp exam
Eye ultrasound
Intraocular pressure exam
B-scan
IOP exam
Indirect ophthalmoscopy

If you are diagnosed with retinal hemorrhage and a retinal detachment or retinal tear, your eye doctor may perform a vitrectomy. Otherwise, treatment for the retinal hemorrhage will largely be based upon the underlying cause or condition. The Retina Associates of Orange County may recommend treatments such as:

Cryotherapy
Laser photocoagulation
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs
Natural supplements include certain vitamins and Omega-3’s
Intravitreal injections
Medicated eye drops
Observation

Retinal hemorrhages can be treated, and in some cases, a doctor will implement an observation period of 2-3 months before prescribing any further treatment. However, any symptoms of a retinal hemorrhage should not be left ignored altogether, especially if there are persisting complications.

If you would like to speak with a Newport Beach retinal hemorrhage doctor from the Retina Associates of Orange County, please call our office today.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Brad Smith 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always have an early AM appointment. Friendly staff gets you through the exam process smoothly and efficiently. Doctor You is always congenial and explains what’s happening in laymen’s terms. Great place!!
  
 
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   Jackie Curry 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!
  
 
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   Colleen Casciari 
 5 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 
 5 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 
 5 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. 
 5 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 
 5 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Charles Davis 
 5 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 
 5 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 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional