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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Santa Ana Macular Degeneration

Macular Degeneration Doctors in Santa Ana, CA

Santa Ana macular degeneration is a condition frequently treated by our team at Retina Associates of Orange County. No one wants to find themselves experiencing vision loss that impacts their ability to live a normal life. It can be terrifying to experience problems with your vision. At Retina Associates of Orange County, we can help by providing you with the diagnosis, treatment, and peace of mind that you need. We know that you probably have several questions about macular degeneration and treatments available to Santa Ana residents. To schedule your appointment and receive the answers you are looking for, schedule an appointment with our team today.

What is macular degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a condition impacting the retinas that often affects those who are over the age of 60. The macula is the central portion of the retina. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue within the eye. Macular degeneration can cause Santa Ana residents to experience serious vision issues.

What is the difference between wet and dry macular degeneration?

There are two types of macular degeneration, typically Santa Ana patients suffer from either dry or wet macular degeneration:

Wet Macular Degeneration: This form of degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels leak blood or fluid into the macula. As a result, patients may experience rapid vision deterioration that includes vision distortions, color intensity, or difficulty reading.

Dry Macular Degeneration: This form of degeneration is the more common form of macular degeneration that Santa Ana patients may experience. As the macula thins over time, patients may experience blurred vision. Dry macular degeneration can impact either one or both eyes. As a result, you may have a difficult time doing everyday tasks.

Who is more susceptible to macular degeneration?

Several things could increase the risk for macular degeneration, including:

Cardiovascular Disease
Being Overweight
Smoking
High Blood Pressure
Sun Exposure

If I do not treat the condition, are there significant consequences?

You must take care of yourself and your eye health. When it comes to your vision, you should never put your ability to see at risk. Because of this, you must seek care from a doctor for macular degeneration in Santa Ana, California. Failing to treat macular degeneration can result in grave consequences, even vision loss.

What are the common symptoms of macular degeneration?

If you are experiencing macular degeneration in the Santa Ana area, it’s important that you contact the Retina Associates of Orange County as soon as possible. The following are common symptoms of macular degeneration that you may want to look out for:

Difficulty adjusting to lighting changes such as going from inside to outside
Issues with depth perception
Trouble deciphering colors and textures
Blurred or fuzzy vision

Our compassionate team at Retina Associates of Orange County is committed to providing our patients with premier services to help treat their condition. If you are a Santa Ana resident suffering from macular degeneration, take action as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the treatment you need. To schedule an appointment in Santa Ana to discuss macular degeneration, contact Retina Associates of Orange County as soon as possible.

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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   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