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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Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy California

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Doctors Serving Southern California

An Eye Physician for Your Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in California

Treating non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in California requires an eye physician. There’s a misconception about diabetes. This misconception is that it only affects areas such as weight and sugar levels and vital organs like the heart and kidneys. Definitely, these are extremely sensitive areas susceptible to diabetes, but diabetes can affect a variety of other areas. One area prone to diabetes is the eyes. When affected by non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, patients will need to contact a team of specialists like Retina Associates of Orange County.

Common Symptoms of Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

Non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NDPR) refers to the early stages of a disease where blood vessels become weakened. Failure to treat such a disorder can lead to small bulges in the retina, known as microaneurysms. These microaneurysms can leak fluid into the retina, eventually leading to a swelled macula. Despite only being approximately 5mm wide, the macula is integral in providing central and color vision. While symptoms of NDPR are often minuscule and sometimes non-existent, common signs include:

“Floaters”: spots or darkened strands floating in your vision.
The blurring or complete loss of vision.
A vision that fluctuates between levels of clarity.
A vision that becomes darkened or empty.

Even if the symptoms you’re experiencing appear to be mild and don’t last very long, it’s best to get a proper diagnosis.

How an Eye Physician can Treat Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

If you find yourself suffering from any conditions that may cause non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy then it’s crucial to contact an eye physician to schedule an appointment. While there are a few methods for diagnosing such a disorder, the most common method is a comprehensive dilated eye exam. This painless procedure consists of your eye physician placing drops in your eyes causing them to dilate. During dilation, your eyes expand and this allows eye physicians to easily trace abnormalities.

Once diagnosed, treatment is usually broken into two categories:

Early Diabetic Retinopathy: If the disease is in the early stages then you may just need to manage your diabetes. This is done by maintaining appropriate sugar levels and may just include a diet and exercise regimen or incorporating medicine like insulin.
Advanced Diabetic Retinopathy: If your diabetic retinopathy has progressed to the point where proliferative diabetic retinopathy is likely, then additional measures are needed. Options include treating macular edema (the build-up of fluid) with laser photocoagulation or injecting the eye with drugs such as ranibizumab (Lucentis), bevacizumab (Avastin), aflibercept (Eylea), or steroids.

While these are the most common methods, a retina specialist will prescribe the proper treatments to fit your needs.

Services Retina Associates of Orange County Provide

Whether you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy or are starting to notice symptoms, you’ll want to visit an eye physician as soon as possible. Residents living in Orange County or nearby can visit Retina Associates of Orange County. Their wide array of physicians provide care in many areas and can help diagnose and treat non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in California.

If you are dealing with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy in California, then consulting with a doctor from The Retina Associates of Orange County can help you to avoid any possible vision impairments or damage. Doctors can help to see if there are any changes taking place within your retinas and within other areas of your eyes. It is crucial that you seek an eye doctor as quickly as possible to ensure the safety of your vision going forward is protected leading you to a fuller life. Contact us today for a consultation.

What is Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy?

Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye condition when the retina in the eye becomes damaged due to blood sugar levels that are too high. These high blood sugar levels can lead to vessel damage in the retina and more specifically damage the blood vessels that carry blood to the retina itself. This condition is considered non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy when the stage of the condition has not yet reached a point where the damaged blood vessels in the eyes are being replaced by new ones. If you are dealing with this issue, then consulting with the Retina Associates of Orange County can help you in keeping your eyes from damage and to spot any signs of issues in the retinas and other eye parts.

How a Doctor Determines if You have This Condition

A doctor will perform a few tests to check and see the healthiness of your eyes. The pupils are generally dilated and then a special test is conducted to check the retinas. That special test can study the eye by a picture and other studies may be conducted as well to check for any problems. If you are to be diagnosed with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, then your doctor will advise you to take care of your blood sugar levels. Other types of care could include procedures that may be in the form of an injection or a laser.

When You Should Visit a Doctor

Many people like to wait until they have vision impairments or damage that is obvious to them to see a doctor. This is not recommended though due to this damage possibly being avoidable if a doctor is consulted with. By waiting too long to see a doctor, the damage can spread throughout the eye leading to vision impairments and other damages to the eyes.

Why our Doctors are Right for You

Our doctors at the Retina Associates of Orange County have ample experience, superior skills, and years of experience in performing a number of different types of eye procedures and diagnoses. We handle each patient with the utmost care and listen to all of your concerns. We seek to help you understand as much as possible about the entire experience of your eye procedure and smooth over the process as best as we can. We believe that we are the right doctors for you. Contact us today for a consultation.

Contact Retina Associates of Orange County today to learn more about the services they offer!

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Hal Taylor 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Eifrig was willing to answer questions unrelated to my retinal condition.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   J Hardee 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is friendly and professional
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dennis Eckel 
 3 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Pleasant waiting room experience. Friendly patient service staff. Competent PAs. Insightful diagnosis. Practical remedies. Give ‘em a try.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marykay Lance 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I didn't have to wait for my appointment, the office is run efficiently by pleasant people, and Dr Eifrig and the entire staff is efficient, knowledgeable, friendly and I didn't have to deal with AI once. Maybe
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Monique Dube 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Every one there are friendly and knowledgeable. I will recommend to anyone that need this kind of care
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   James Fan 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very detailed eye check up, and Dr Goldman explained all the results very clearly.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Roz Cole 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Shields 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   PBofLN 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been seeing Dr. Eifreg for a number of years now since he reattached my almost completely detached retina. He is an excellent doctor and surgeon. He never rushes me through my appointments and answers any questions I have. In addition, he is personable, can be funny, and is just a very nice man. From the front office staff to the assistants who check your eyes before you see Dr, Eifreg, they are all extremely efficient. I am now on yearly maintenance visits and they always contact my insurance for a referral before my appointment. I also always get an appointment reminder text or call. But what’s really amazing - This is a VERY busy practice and I am always seen on time or within maybe 15 mins of my appointment time. I don’t know how they do it, but this office runs like a well-oiled machine. And to top it off, EVERYONE is helpful, cheerful and has a “service” attitude at all times. I know this all sounds too good to be true, but it is honestly the case at Dr. Eifreg’s office. I am so glad my primary doctor sent me to Dr. Eifreg for my retina surgery. Of course the most important thing is that he’s an excellent surgeon, but it’s also wonderful that he runs a great office with an exceptional staff!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Hanna 
 6 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at this office was very friendly.
The office was definitely busy but It was my first visit there and they still made me feel welcome and cared for.
Dr Gupta explained my condition so I could easily understand it and was very pleasant to talk with. I had to leave another Retina group because of an insurance change but think the transition to this new group went smoothly and will be a good fit for me moving forward.