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 Retina Doctor

Retina Doctor in Santa Ana, CA

When it is time to see a Santa Ana retina doctor you may not know what to expect on your first office visit. For many people seeing a retina doctor is a new experience and that can leave you feeling a little anxious about what to expect. It is the goal here at Retina Associates of Orange County to provide you with the utmost care when you visit our office.

We want you to be able to come into our office and not be worried about what is to come. That is why we’ve put together some information to help you know what to expect when you step into our office for the first time.

What to Expect During Your First Appointment

Every appointment is going to be unique to you, however, there are basic things that happen during every appointment. If you are seeing a retina doctor for the first time then here is a list of what you can expect to happen.

Thorough Examination

Your very first appointment will include a comprehensive eye evaluation. This is going to include a detailed examination of your vitreous and retina. Your appointment can last for a long time, meaning you should make your appointment and not have much to do the rest of the day. It is also why we recommend that you bring someone with you to drive you home, as most appointments will have your eyes dilated.

Pupil Dilation

A technician will perform the initial portion of the diagnostic testing. This means that they are going to review your medical history and collect any additional information that is important for the doctor to know. They will then check your intraocular pressure which is a routine test for glaucoma. After that, they will administer the eye drops to dilate your pupils. It takes about 30 minutes for the eye drops to work so you will be asked to wait in the waiting room till your eyes are ready.

Physician Examination

Once your eyes are ready the doctor will examine the front portion of your eye. With a microscopic device called a slit lamp. Once this is done your doctor will go on to examine your retina. During this, your doctor will be describing in detail what they are seeing. All the information you get will be written down so you don’t have to remember it all. This part of the appointment can take a long time, and you are going to be asked plenty of questions. It is also here where you can ask your doctor questions about what they found and what the treatment options could be.

Once this is done the doctor will provide you with any medication that may be needed. The technical will review the medication with you and help you administer it so you know how it works. After that, you may need to have different follow-ups or other tests that your doctor will have talked about.

If you have more questions about your first visit to a retina doctor then don’t hesitate to reach out to the Retina Associates of Orange County for more information.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   James Fan 
 0 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 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Shields 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   PBofLN 
 1 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 
 1 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.
  
 
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   Diane Bridges 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very efficient and pleasant staff. Excellent doctor. Have been going to him for nine years. I would never change doctors!
  
 
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   PriscillA Schultz 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. everyone is very kind and thorough in the office. The doctor is great and was on time.
  
 
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   Gale Oliver 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. God is using Dr. Maguire in a great way! Thumbs up to his practice!!!
We pray for God's continual blessing in Jesus name Amen
  
 
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   Jim Dingwall 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional, courteous and will explain any kind of procedures that you might need.
  
 
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   Carlos Marcial 
 12 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A couple of years ago, I developed a serious problem with my left eye. I was very scared because I could see when looking to the right, but my vision became blurry when I looked to the left and even when looking straight ahead. It was affecting my daily life, and I knew I needed help.
I went to see Dr. Charles W.G. Eifrig at Retina Associates of Orange County. He carefully explained the problem with my eye and stressed the importance of treating it as soon as possible. He treated me with eye injections, and after the first injection, I was amazed by the improvement. My vision became clear again, and I felt tremendous relief. After that, I received three or four additional treatments to ensure my eye continued to heal properly and maintain the improvement.
Dr. Eifrig is knowledgeable, caring, and takes the time to explain everything in a way that is easy to understand. His expertise and prompt treatment made a huge difference in my recovery.
I will always be grateful for what Dr. Eifrig did for my left eye. He genuinely changed my life by helping restore my vision. He is simply the best doctor, and I highly recommend him to anyone needing specialized retinal care.
Thank you, Dr. Eifrig!