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 Retinal Tear Doctor

When a posterior vitreous tear occurs, you should contact a Santa Ana retinal tear doctor as soon as possible. The retina is a light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the inside of the eye. It is also responsible for sending visual messages through the optic nerve and into the brain. When the retina is lifted or pulled from its regular position, it is considered to be detached. If not treated, permanent loss of vision could occur. In other instances, the retina becomes torn. Also known as retinal tears or breaks, if not treated by a retinal tear doctor in Santa Ana, these tears can lead to full detachment.

What are the common symptoms of retinal tears?

The symptoms of retinal detachment can vary from person to person; however, the most frequent symptoms include:

Sudden or gradual increase in floaters (dark spots that “float” in your field of vision)
Light flashes in the eye
Feeling like a sheer curtain has been pulled over your line of sight
Headaches, nausea, and/or dizziness
Very few symptoms apart from feeling like something is wrong with your vision

All of the above are considered to be a medical emergency. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please call The Retina Associates of Orange County, a Santa Ana retinal tear doctor you can count on.

Who might be at risk for retinal detachment?

Retinal detachments could occur at any time, in any person, and at any age. However, people over the age of 40 are often more affected, especially men. A retinal tear is also more common in people who:

Are very nearsighted
Have had a retinal detachment before
Have a family history of retinal detachments
Have had cataract surgery
Have had other eye problems including retinoschisis, degenerative myopia, or lattice degeneration
Have experienced a recent eye injury

How a Santa Ana Retinal Tear Doctor Treats the Problem

In general, small holes, tears, or breaks in the retina are treated with a laser. Local anesthesia may be used to alleviate any pain. The healing that occurs after the laser “spot-welds” the retina can help to prevent future retinal detachment. If laser treatment is not a viable option, a freezing procedure known as cryopexy could also be used. Because treatment is judged on a case-by-case basis, it is advisable to speak with a retinal tear doctor Santa Ana residents can trust.

Scheduling an Appointment with The Retina Associates of Orange County

Retinal tears are considered to be a serious health concern, which can have permanent repercussions if not addressed and treated in a timely manner. The Retina Associates of Orange County is a group of renowned board certified Ophthalmologists who specialize in diseases and injuries related to the retina. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with a retinal tear, or think you might have one but are not sure, The Retina Associates of Orange County may be able to help. To schedule a free consultation with a Santa Ana retinal tear doctor, call 714-500-8677.

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Kristin Christensen 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. very kind and professional staff. dr sam was amazing. my daughter got an extremely thorough exam and he explained everything to me so that i could understand what is going on. really nice office, parking was easy. highly recommend!
  
 
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   Gale Oliver 
 4 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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   Kathleen Nguyen 
 4 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything would be perfect if the wait time to see the doctor weren't so long.
  
 
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   Jim Dingwall 
 5 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 
 5 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!
  
 
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   Lynn Crowell 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great Dr.-wonderful staff-on time with appointments.
I am a very happy patient.
  
 
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   Mark westerland 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Short visit, no waiting.   Painless eye injection.
  
 
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   Don Rappaport 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I returned from an unfortunate overseas retina emergency in need of a high caliber retina specialist and WOW was I fortunate to be referred to this office. Not only did they shoehorn me in quickly, but they had superb team members checking me in and walking me thru the tests. But the big prize was Dr Eifrig who was tremendous in his evaluation and explanation of what was and is happening with my eye. I am so grateful to have landed in his care.
  
 
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   Debra Nyberg 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have tremendous anxiety prior to my intraocular injections to manage my wet AMD, but Dr. Hwang makes the process as quick and painless as possible. I wouldn't trust my eye health to anyone else. He's the best.
  
 
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   Kathy Aquino-Wilson 
 5 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Gupta and assistants during exam were very professional.

Santa Ana Retinal Tear Doctor

What are the common symptoms of retinal tears?

Who might be at risk for retinal detachment?

How a Santa Ana Retinal Tear Doctor Treats the Problem

Scheduling an Appointment with The Retina Associates of Orange County

Request an Appointment