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 Edema

When you are looking for a Santa Ana macular edema eye doctor, you should consider the Retina Associates of Orange County. Our trained, certified, and experienced clinicians are well versed in health issues and disorders of the eye. Upon meeting you for a consultation for macular edema in Santa Ana, we will discuss your needs and let you know what options you may have. Call the Retina Associates of Orange County today at 714-500-8677.

What Is Macular Edema

If you live in Santa Ana macular edema specialists will be able to provide you with a full explanation of this eye condition. In general macular edema is a buildup of fluid in the macula, which is an area in the center of the retina. The retina is a tissue in the back of the eye and is sensitive to light. The macula is responsible for sharp, straightforward vision. When there is a fluid buildup, the macula becomes swollen and thick. This leads to a distortion in vision.

Why Does Macular Edema Occur

Macular edema is most commonly caused by diabetic retinopathy, a health condition that happens to people who have diabetes. It can also occur after eye surgery, specifically, that has been performed for age-related macular degeneration. Inflammatory diseases of the eye or diseases that cause damage to the blood vessels might be a contributing factor to macular edema. Some symptoms include:

Blurry central vision;
Distorted vision (i.e. straight lines appear wavy);
A pinkish tint overriding your vision; and
Sensitivity to bright light and glares.

How a Macular Edema Santa Ana Clinic May Treat the Condition

Treatment for macular edema typically is determined based on the type you have and the underlying causes. For instance, if high blood pressure and diabetes led to the fluid buildup, both of these issues need to be addressed in addition to the macular edema. After which, the fluid and damage to the retina can be effectively treated.

In general treating diabetic macular edema and macular edema caused by other health problems will be largely the same. Certain people might require extra treatments. When you see a specialist for macular edema Santa Ana patients can discuss these needs in a private consultation.

The Most Common Treatments

Anti-VEGF Injections – Intravitreal injections are one of the most common ways to treat macular edema. This is a painless procedure that involves numbing eye drops and a very thin needle that injects a vitreous gel into the center of the eye. The injections are very effective for most people and block the activity of VEGF, a growth factor that promotes the growth of blood vessels.

Corticosteroid Treatments – When a macular edema Santa Ana doctor discovers the disorder is caused by inflammatory eye diseases, steroids may be prescribed. These are usually given in an eye drop, pill, or injectable form.

Nonsteroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs – Given through eye drops, these medications are usually given to a patient before or after cataract surgery. Their purpose is to prevent a fluid buildup from happening; thus lead to macular edema.

Vitrectomy – In some cases a macular edema Santa Ana eye doctor will recommend surgery. This is most common when the vitreous (gel that fills a space between the retina and lens) is pulling down on the macula. This surgery, known as a vitrectomy, might also be performed when blood was collected around the vitreous, or when other treatments for macular edema have not worked.

Retina Associates of Orange County

If you believe you have macular edema Santa Ana specialists at the Retina Associates of Orange County would like to discuss your treatment options; call 714-500-8677.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Hal Taylor 
 4 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.
  
 
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   J Hardee 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is friendly and professional
  
 
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   Dennis Eckel 
 5 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.
  
 
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   Marykay Lance 
 6 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
  
 
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   Monique Dube 
 6 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
  
 
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   James Fan 
 7 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.
  
 
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   Roz Cole 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
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   Andy Shields 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
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   PBofLN 
 8 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!
  
 
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   Deb Hanna 
 8 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.