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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John C. Hwang, M.D., M.B.A.

John Hwang, M.D., M.B.A. received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York, NY. In addition to his primary MD degree, he also received a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School. Dr. Hwang then completed his medicine internship at Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu, HI. He subsequently completed his residency at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute at Columbia University, followed by a combined medical and surgical vitreoretinal fellowship at Doheny Eye Institute at the University of Southern California. Dr. Hwang has authored numerous papers in the peer-reviewed ophthalmic literature with expertise in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration and surgical management of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, and macular hole. Dr. Hwang sees patients at the Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, and Santa Ana offices.

Dr. Hwang is an adjunct faculty member at the USC Eye Institute and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology.

Credentials

Medical School

Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York, NY

Internship

Queen’s Medical Center
University of Hawaii; Honolulu, HI

Residency

Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute
Columbia University; New York, NY

Fellowship

Doheny Eye Institute
University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA

Professional Memberships

American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Society of Retina Specialists
American Board of Ophthalmology
Orange County Society of Ophthalmology

Reviews

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Annette Stankovich 
 0 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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   Eddie Grijalva 
 1 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional and attentive to my needs. Answered all my questions and offered solutions for upcoming surgical procedures.
  
 
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   Jennifer Lindenstein 
 2 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr.Rathod is the best !
  
 
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   Terry Turrell 
 7 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Demonstrate great care addressing our medical issues.
  
 
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   Gene Lawson 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been a patient for several years now and I'd like to thank Dr. Rathod and staff for all of the great attention they have shown me during that time. My condition required surgery and periodic follow up which is ongoing.
I'm quite confident that I have been receiving the best quality care possible!
Thanks again Orange County Retina!
  
 
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   Kathy Porter 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. OC Retina has been the single most stabilizing factor for my eyesight and sanity! Dr. Rathod is always calmly gotten me through my worse fears due to my retinoschisis and retina surgery. He takes away the fear factor while making certain you understand completely your condition.
Everyone in the office is friendly and efficient. You know they are working for your benefit and wellness.
  
 
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   Jim Stedt 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. always very professional and always answers all your questions
  
 
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   Debbie Kerwin 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Always  busy office that moves quickly.  It is a pleasure to have Dr. Eifrig taking care of myself and my husband.
  
 
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   Michael Smith 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. OC Retina is always terrific. Dr. Rathod is exceptional.
  
 
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   Cathy Warner 
 9 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service across all elements of my appointment.   Staff are welcoming and responsive to questions.  From start to finish Ibgrade them an APlus!

John C. Hwang, M.D., M.B.A.

Credentials

Professional Memberships

Reviews

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