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.

       4.9 
  
  2072 reviews

Newport Beach

AMP_Newport_RAOC_Photography_2000px
360 San Miguel Dr.
Suite 407
Newport Beach, CA 92660
Telephone: 949-706-3514
Fax: 949-706-3517

If you are showing signs of macular degeneration, you may want to set up an appointment with a reputable Newport Beach eye doctor. At Retina Associates of Orange County, we have treated many patients with macular degeneration and are more than happy to assist you.

What is Macular Degeneration?

As the leading cause of vision loss, macular degeneration occurs when the small central part of the retina deteriorates, as an eye doctor in Newport Beach CA can attest. Symptoms of this eye disease include blurred vision, seeing spots, inability to see in dim light, and distorted vision. Macular degeneration is more common in people over the age of 60, smokers, obese individuals, and those with high blood pressure.

How Do You Prevent Macular Degeneration?

The idea of your Newport Beach eye doctor diagnosing you with macular degeneration may sound scary, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this disease.

Eat a Healthy Diet: What you put in your body is important for eye health. If you include foods like fatty fish, leafy green vegetables and whole grains in your diet, you can reduce your risk of developing macular degeneration.
Quit Smoking: If you are a smoker, you should give some serious consideration to quitting the habit. Smoking tobacco can hinder oxygen flow to your retina, which can affect your vision, as a Newport Beach eye doctor can confirm.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight increases your chances of developing macular degeneration, so try to stay at a healthy weight. Eat a wholesome diet and limit junk foods. Aim to exercise most days of the week.
Wear Sunglasses: Sun exposure does not just hurt your skin; it can also damage your eyes. To reduce your risk of macular degeneration, always wear a pair of sunglasses with UV protection when you are outside. Consider keeping a pair of sunglasses in your car so that you never forget to put them on.
Do Not Skip Eye Exams: Even if your vision seems perfectly normal, you should never skip your yearly eye exam. A Newport Beach eye doctor may be able to detect early signs of macular degeneration that you missed. The earlier this disease is detected, the easier it is to treat. If you have noticed any changes to your vision, be sure to bring that up to your eye doctor.
Keep Your Blood Pressure Under Control: High blood pressure is one of the leading risk factors for macular degeneration, so it is important to keep yours under control. One way to do this is to reduce your sodium intake. Try to use table salt as seldom as possible and stay away from processed foods.

You only get one set of eyes, so make sure to take good care of them. Keeping up with your eye exams is one of the best ways to maintain good vision. If you are looking for a Newport Beach eye doctor, contact Retina Associates of Orange County at 949-793-7181.

Patient Reviews

     
 
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Eddie Grijalva 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional and attentive to my needs. Answered all my questions and offered solutions for upcoming surgical procedures.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   John A Hochgurtel 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 😊👍
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel Vu 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Judith Coyle 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. +0
Efficient, friendly and very skilled doctor and staff. I'm happy to recommend OCRetina to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Brad Smith 
 4 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!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Jackie Curry 
 7 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Quick and thorough!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Colleen Casciari 
 8 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   donna Anderson 
 8 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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Vijay Desai 
 8 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Eddie H. 
 8 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

Newport Beach

What is Macular Degeneration?

How Do You Prevent Macular Degeneration?

Request an Appointment