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.

       
  4.91961 reviews

Mrinali Gupta, M.D.

Prior to joining Retina Associates of Orange County in 2020, Dr. Mrinali Gupta served for 5 years as Vitreoretinal Surgeon and Asst. Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

Dr. Gupta serves on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) and as Co-Chair of the Early Career Section of the ASRS. Dr. Gupta is a leader in education in the field of retina, serving on several Education Committees of the ASRS and as Vice President of Education on the Executive Committee of Vit-Buckle Society, an international professional society. While on faculty at Cornell, Dr. Gupta was Director for the Medical Retina Fellowship Program and was selected by the residents as “Faculty Teacher of the Year.” Dr. Gupta lectures across the US and abroad at retina courses and conferences, and she serves as a Co-Director of national surgical training courses for retina fellows. Dr. Gupta is also committed to improving retina care for patients through treatment advances and research, having held research grants and patents in retina. Dr. Gupta has authored over 80 textbook chapters and research publications in retina.

Dr. Gupta received her Doctor of Medicine degree at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where she received the E. Arthur Palumbo Scholarship and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha academic honor society. During medical school, as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Research Scholar, Dr. Gupta conducted macular degeneration research for one year at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Gupta completed internship training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. She completed ophthalmology residency training at Harvard Medical School / Mass Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, MA, followed by a 2-year fellowship in Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College/New York-Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. During her fellowship, Dr. Gupta was the recipient of the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship and the Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation Award given to five outstanding graduating retina fellows nationwide. Dr. Gupta sees patients in the Newport Beach, Laguna Hills, and Santa Ana offices.

Credentials

Medical School

Duke University School of Medicine
Durham, NC

Internship

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
New York, NY

Residency

Harvard Medical School, Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary
Boston, MA

Fellowship

Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital Cornell
New York, NY

Professional Memberships

American Society of Retina Specialists
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology
Vit-Buckle Society
Retina Society
Macular Society
Orange County Society of Ophthalmology

Reviews

Patient Reviews

    
 
 
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   Hal Taylor 
 10 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   J Hardee 
 11 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is friendly and professional
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Dennis Eckel 
 11 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.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Marykay Lance 
 12 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
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Monique Dube 
 12 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
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   James Fan 
 13 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 
 14 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Prompt & efficient.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Shields 
 14 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional office
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   PBofLN 
 14 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!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Deb Hanna 
 14 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.

Mrinali Gupta, M.D.

Credentials

Professional Memberships

Reviews

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