There are many different services that we offer at our Los Angeles eye care center. Many of these treatments will restore your vision and improve your overall eye health in the process. One procedure that can be particularly helpful for various retinal conditions is the vitrectomy. This is a procedure you may not have heard of, but we assure you it’s a valuable treatment to consider for many different patients. Let’s take a brief moment right now to look at the vitrectomy procedure and what it means to patients.

What is a vitrectomy?

A vitrectomy refers to a surgical procedure in which some or all of the vitreous humor within the eye is removed and replaced. The vitreous humor is the clear gel within the eye that fills the space between the lens of the eye and the retina. At our retina and ophthalmology center in Beverly Hills, the vitreous humor is replaced with a safe, sanitary saline solution.

Why a Vitrectomy is Performed

A vitrectomy is performed in order to deal with retinal disorders. Sometimes when a retinal detachment takes place, a vitrectomy is performed. The same goes for tears or rips in the retina. The same may occur if there is a clouding of the vitreous humor, or if there is blood in the vitreous gel that does not clear out naturally.

The Vitrectomy Procedure

The vitrectomy procedure is performed with a patient under local anesthetic and full sedation. Since the surgery can be involved and requires roughly two to three hours, it’s important that patients not be conscious during the procedure.

Using delicate instruments, the surgeon will make small incisions in the white of the eye. Through these incisions, the vitreous gel will be removed. If the retina needs to be repaired at this point, the surgeon will make the necessary revisions. Once that is completed, a solution is then used to replace the solution, with special care taken to ensure proper pressure within the eye.

Recovering from Vitrectomy

After a vitrectomy has been performed, it’s common for patients to spend the night in the hospital to be monitored. Occasionally a vitrectomy can be performed as an out-patient procedure, though this must be taken on a case by case basis.

We ask patients to arrange for transportation to and from the practice on the day of the vitrectomy. We also recommend that patients have a friend or family member with them for the first day or two after surgery for support and to assist around the house. You will need to maintain certain postures and positions to ensure that intraocular pressure is not affected.

Other Matters to Consider

While recovering from a vitrectomy, be sure to note any undue pain or discomfort. Be sure to contact our Los Angeles ophthalmologists if you notice any of the following:

• Vision loss
• Acute pain or swelling
• Fluid discharge from the eye(s)
• Notable changes in your field of vision
• Increasing redness around the eyes

Learn More About Vitrectomy

There is probably more that you’d like to learn about the vitrectomy process. If you would like to learn more about the vitrectomy procedure and other matters related to eye care and retinal care, be sure to contact our Los Angeles ophthalmology center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and discussing these matters in greater detail.

Growing up, you’ve no doubt heard many things about the eyes that seem true. These bits of folk wisdom and supposed common knowledge are often unscientific. Though based on some grain of truth, it’s important that you get these myths debunked and replace these fictions with actual facts. That’s what our Los Angeles eye care team would like to do today. Below are 10 myths about vision that you may have heard.

Vision Myth: Reading in the dark is going to ruin your eyes

This isn’t going to ruin your eyesight, but it can make your eyes feel tired. So while it’s a myth, we recommend reading and writing with good light available just because it’ll be more comfortable.

Vision Myth: Eating lots of carrots will improve your eyesight

There’s that myth that rabbits have great eyesight because they eat lots of carrots. Well, while carrots are a good source of vitamin A and that is essential for good eye health, you’re not going to get superhuman vision by eating a lot of them. That can actually be dangerous.

Vision Myth: Sitting too close to the TV is bad for your vision

As with the reading in the dark myth, your vision won’t be ruined but your eyes will experience fatigue from being too close to the screen. The team at our ophthalmology practice serving Los Angeles recommends sitting a comfortable distance from the TV so you don’t strain your eyes.

Vision Myth: Cross-eyed children will grow out of it

This is absolutely not true. Eyes are not like milk teeth or thumb sucking. If your child as crossed eyes or a lazy eye, it’s important that you meet with an eye doctor to discuss treatments for the issue as soon as possible.

Vision Myth: Staring at computer monitors will harm your eyesight

This is a myth we hear more often these days. It’s not true that this will ruin your eyesight, though studies find that it can cause you to blink less and affect the moisture in the eyes. Eyestrain is also common at times as well.

Vision Myth: 20/20 vision is guaranteed by LASIK

The team at our laser eye treatment and retina surgery can tell you that while LASIK is an effective treatment, perfect vision is not guaranteed. Many patients get good vision and no longer need to wear corrective lenses, but not always 20/20 vision.

Vision Myth: Sex and masturbation can affect your vision

This is a strange myth with absolutely no truth in it whatsoever. (Unless you contract syphilis, in which case blindness is a potential danger and maybe the least of your worries.)

Vision Myth: Cataracts are contagious

Cataracts are not contagious, nor can they spread from one eye to the other. They are caused by the hardening and clumping of the proteins inside the eye. To have a cataract treated, meet with Los Angeles ophthalmologists as soon as possible.

Vision Myth: Doctors can transplant entire eyes

This is the stuff of Hollywood and makes for great horror films and thrillers. Yet this conceit of science fiction has no basis in science fact. Other sorts of surgeries and transplants have been done, but not with entire eyes given the complexities of the optic nerve.

Vision Myth: You should only see an eye doctor when you have a problem

You should never delay when it comes to the health of your eyes. Be sure to visit an eye care specialist at least once a year for a full check-up. Doing this can mean all the difference between great eyesight and a major health condition. To meet with our retinal specialists, contact our Los Angeles ophthalmology practice today.

If you want good vision that lasts as long as possible, it’s important for you to take good care of your eyes. That means wearing sunglasses when you’re out in the sun, wearing protective goggles when playing sports, wearing protective eyewear when around hazardous materials, and making the right decisions about your general health. In many cases, the best kind of Los Angeles eye care is preventative care.

A Good Diet is a Kind of Preventative Care

Eating right can help prevent cataracts as well as various retinal diseases and conditions. It’s important to stay healthy in general since all body parts are connected. Since a good diet is important for promoting good, lasting health, it makes sense that eating right can help maintain good eyesight.

Essential Vitamins and Nutrients for Optimal Vision

There are a few vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are particularly good at improving eye health. These include:

· Vitamin A

· Vitamin C

· Zinc

· Niacin

· Beta carotene

· Lutein

· Omega-3 fats

There are many foods out there that contain these, some of which we’ll mention below. While you could take supplements to help meet your daily requirements for each of these, we do recommend eating the actual foods when possible since there are other great health benefits to them beyond just helping the eyes. (They also taste great.)

Carrots

You don’t need Los Angeles ophthalmologists to tell you something that you’ve probably heard since childhood: carrots are good for the eyes. They’re a great source of beta carotene.

Spinach

Spinach is not just a good source of iron, it is also a fine source of beta carotene, vitamin C, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Make like Popeye and have it in your salad or even in sandwiches and spaghetti sauce.

Broccoli

Another great source of vitamin C, broccoli is nutritious and easy to incorporate into various dishes whether raw or steamed.

Brussels Sprouts

Some people think Brussels sprouts are disgusting, but they probably haven’t had this great source of vitamin C prepared right. Roasted or sautéed with the right seasonings and they’re quite tasty.

Sweet Potatoes

A nice source of beta carotene that’s easy to prepare, sweet potatoes can be easily served and made into delicious dishes.

Salmon

Salmon is a great source of protein and is also a great source of omega-3 fats. Be sure to have a fillet every once in awhile for the health benefits.

Sardines

Like salmon, these fish are great for getting your omega-3 fats. They’re also rich in calcium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D.

Bell Peppers

A great source of vitamin C, bell peppers are a real crisp treat that’s easy to incorporate into a lot of dishes.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant vital for preventing numerous health problems down the road.

Getting the Treatment That You Need

While these foods can help on the preventative end of things, it’s important to get the vision treatment you need when you need it most. For those cases, our ophthalmology practice serving Los Angeles is here for you and your family.

Learn More From Our Retinal Health Specialists

Would you like more information about how you can best preserve your eyesight and maintain your vision? If so, then be sure to contact our Los Angeles retinal health and ophthalmology practice today. The entire team here awaits your visit and looks forward to discussing various eye care concerns in more detail.

The health of your eyes is something that you should not take for granted. That means that you need to visit your doctor regularly to get your eye health monitored, and that you should seek the aid of an eye care specialist if you suspect that you have a serious vision problem. Of course, finding the right Los Angeles eye surgery specialist may be more difficult than it sounds. Yet this is a serious matter and you should carefully research and consider an eye doctor before you choose him or her for your needs.

Do Not Take This Decision Lightly

One of the reasons that you need to take these matters seriously is that an unskilled or underqualified eye care specialist may not be able to meet your vision care needs. As a service to you or a loved one, the team here at the Lancaster and Beverly Hills ophthalmology center of Dr. David J. Parks would like to give you a few things to consider when you pick out an eye care surgeon. Hopefully this bit of advice will prove helpful.

Take Note of the Eye Surgeon’s Experience and Training

It’s important that you look into the surgeon’s education and training. Both of these are good indications of the surgeon’s qualifications and overall expertise in vision health issues. You should also note the eye surgeon’s professional memberships and affiliations, as those can give you an idea of the overall qualifications and prestige of a given surgeon.

Look Up Testimonials and Reviews Online

Apart from looking up a doctor’s professional affiliations and experience, you should also use the internet to find any reviews or testimonials for the surgeon’s skills. If you need a Los Angeles macular degeneration specialist, for example, you can assess the quality of his or her overall treatment by seeing what actual patients had to say about their treatment. This can prove quite valuable after you’ve identifies surgeons who you think are well-suited for your needs.

Visit the Practice in Person for Yourself

The next step is to get a feel for the practice of the eye care specialist. Is the practice clean and well-maintained? Did you find the staff helpful and welcoming? Is the overall impression of the practice that you get while there a positive one or negative one? These can all be important deciding factors for you. A general rule: you should feel comfortable when you are at the practice.

Speak with the Eye Surgeon

While visiting the practice, be sure to speak with the Los Angeles and Beverly Hills ophthalmologist in person. Apart from getting a feel for the atmosphere of the practice, actually interacting with the eye doctor will be a great way to determine if he or she is someone you trust and can work with.

Weigh Your Options Carefully

Once you’ve taken all these steps, be sure to weigh your options and make the best decision based on all the information that you have. We do believe that if you have a retinal issue, we are best suited to meet your needs. We’d love for you to schedule a visit.

Contact a Skilled Retina Specialist in Los Angeles

If you have an eye care issue that you would like to have addressed, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team to schedule a consultation. Please contact our Los Angeles ophthalmologist to learn about our unique approach to vision correction and how we can benefit you or a member of your family.

Given the many complexities of the eye as an organ, it should probably be no surprise that there are many different kinds of problems that may affect the eye. While some are relatively minor (like refractive errors, for instance), there are many other vision problems that you need to keep in mind can get addressed. A number of these involve the retina (the sensory membrane that lines the interior of the eye). Retinal problems are precisely what our Los Angeles eye surgery team can help you with.

About Retinal Problems

Retinal problems can occur for many reasons and as a result of many different circumstances. It’s for that reason that each eye care issues that we handle at our Beverly Hills and Lancaster ophthalmology centers must be handled on an individual bases. We’d like to take a few moments to cover some of the most common retinal problems and their symptoms.

Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina literally detaches from the interior surface of the eye. At first, this detachment may be restricted to portions of the retina, though total retinal detachment is possible if left untreated.

Symptoms of retinal detachment include:

• Light flashes
• Increase in visual floaters
• Sensation of heaviness in the eye
• A sense of a curtain over your vision

Macular Holes

As you age, the vitreous gel within the eye shrinks, pulling away from the surface of the retina. Sometimes this can result in tears known as macular holes.

Symptoms of macular holes include:

• Decreased ability to focus on objects
• Loss of vision in a small central area

Diabetic Retinopathy

People who have diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy. This condition involves injury to the blood vessels of the eye when a person’s blood sugar surges. This can deprive the retina of oxygen, resulting in retinal damage.

Symptoms of Los Angeles diabetic retinopathy can be difficult to pinpoint, though people with the condition may develop a macular edema, which results in blurry vision. Patients may also spots in their vision for a few hours at a time.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition that develops with age and involves gradual weakening and damage to the retina over time.

Symptoms of macular degeneration include:

• Blurred vision
• A blind spot in the middle of the vision

Getting the Treatment You Need

If you experience any of the symptoms listed above or are concerned about the health of your eyes for other compelling reasons, you should seek out our practice as soon as possible. The team here is well-suited to meet your needs and will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and address all your concerns.

Learn More from Our Eye Care Team

If you believe you have a retinal disorder or know a loved one who has been experiencing these symptoms, we encourage you to contact our Los Angeles ophthalmology and eye care center today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person to discuss the health of your eyes.

When it comes to eye problems, many people are familiar with refractive errors and cataracts. The former are vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and the latter refers to a clouding of the clear lens of the eye. Yet when it comes to eye problems involving the retinas, many people are not quite sure what to expect.

The team at our Beverly Hills eye surgery center feels it would be helpful to look at some of the common retinal problems that people face. This may give you a better idea of what we focus on here at Retina Vitreous Consultants.

What is the retina and why is it so important?

The retina is one of the most important parts of the eye. In the simplest of terms, the retina is the thin tissue that lines the inside of the eye. This tissue is light sensitive and your sight is dependent on how the light that passes through the eye and hits the retina. There are many layers of the retina, and it’s in the retina that the rods and cones are located, both of which are special kinds of cells that are necessary for vision and color perception in various light conditions.

If you have an eye condition that affects the retina or its adjacent structures, skilled Beverly Hills ophthalmologist Dr. David J. Parks will be able to identify the problem and perform the necessary treatment. Let’s look at some of those common retinal problems right now.

Detached Retinas

Retinal detachment refers to an instance in which the retina detaches from the interior of the eye. The three different kinds of retinal detachment are rhegmatogenous (tearing of the retina causes separation and detachment; this is the most common kind), tractional (scar tissue on the retina causes lifting and detachment), and exudative (retinal diseases contribute to detachment).

Retinal detachment can be dealt with through laser treatment or a cryopexy. Major retinal detachments will require more involved surgery.

Macular Degeneration

Beverly Hills macular degeneration refers to a condition that affects the macular, which is the central part of the retina. The macula contains millions of the photosensitive cells that we referred to above. With age, macular degeneration is more common. It comes in two forms: dry macular degeneration (90% of cases are the dry kind) and wet macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration can be managed through different kinds of laser surgeries and through the use of a drug called Macugen®. Dietary changes may also be recommended.

Diabetic Retinopathy

At our Beverly Hills ophthalmology practice, we have helped many patients who have eye conditions related to other health conditions. One example is diabetic retinopathy, a retinal disease which is linked to diabetes. During diabetic retinopathy, oxygen is unable to reach the retina normally, which often leads to fluid leaking into the macula. This leads to gradual damage of the retina and vision impairment.

The most common treatments for diabetic retinopathy are laser surgery, intraocular administrations of medication, and vitrectomy.

More Information on Your Treatment Options

This is only a sampling of a few common retinal problems. There are others out there that we can discuss with you in more detail during a consultation. To schedule an appointment, contact Los Angeles ophthalmologist Dr. Daivd J. Parks today.

The eye is a very complex organ, and given its complexities, it’s perhaps no wonder that it is subject to many different vision problems and adverse conditions. One such eye condition that needs to be taken seriously is macular degeneration. This eye disease is quite common people who are over 60, and there are many different causes of it that you should be made aware of. If not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to blurry vision, severe vision impairment, and even blindness.

At the Los Angeles eye surgery centers of Dr. David Parks, we can perform a comprehensive eye examination to check the condition of your eyes and determine if you have or are at risk of developing an adverse eye condition. Let’s take a moment right now to look at the risk factors involved with macular degeneration.

One of the biggest risk factors is age. It’s estimated that 10% of people between the ages of 66 and 74 have macular degeneration. From age 75 to 85, that number jumps up to 30%. It’s for this reason that it’s important to visit your doctor or an eye care specialist to screen for
Los Angeles macular degeneration as you age.

Another big risk factor is a family history of macular degeneration. If you have had someone in your family who developed macular degeneration, your chances of developing it as you age are as high as 50%, much higher than those who do not have a family history of the condition. There are certain genes that may be highly associated with the eye condition.

We’ve found that gender and ethnicity actually play into the possibility of developing macular degeneration. Women tend to be much more likely to develop the condition than men, and people of Caucasian descent are more likely to develop the condition than those of Asian, Latino, or African descent.

Finally, though there are more, we did want to highlight smoking as another major risk factor for macular degeneration. This is just another reason why you should quit.

To visit one of our facilities for an eye examination or for treatment of an eye condition, contact Los Angeles ophthalmologist Dr. David Parks today.

There are plenty of vision problems out there that people face. Some are generally simple to address, like refractive errors, which can be corrected with laser vision correction surgery or corrective lenses. Others may require much more involved therapies and treatments given the nature of the eye condition and its cause. That’s definitely the case with diabetic retinopathy. At the Beverly Hills eye surgery center of Dr. David Parks, he has used his expertise and skill in vision care to help numerous patients deal with diabetic retinopathy. Let’s take a moment right now to look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for this eye condition.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition linked to type I and type II diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy is caused when the blood vessels of the eye are unable to supply the necessary oxygen to the retina. Sometimes the blood vessels themselves can leak onto the retina. This causes damage to the retina, potentially resulting in severe vision impairment and even blindness. It’s estimated that diabetic retinopathy affects approximately 80 percent of people who have had diabetes for more than 10 years.

One of the toughest things about diabetic retinopathy is that it is hard to detect since patients often do not notice any outward symptoms. It’s for this reason that Dr. Parks stresses to his patients that they should get their eyes checked regularly. Routine examinations can identify potential early warning signs of the condition.

There are different kinds of Beverly Hills diabetic retinopathy treatments available. One is laser photocoagulation, which will treat the damaged blood vessels of the eye through the use of a safe surgical laser. Another is a vitrectomy surgery, which will remove and replace the clouded gel within the eye. Lastly, there are medications that can be placed into the vitreous gel of the eye to improve the clarity of your vision. Undergoing one of these treatments or a combination of these treatments provides patients with a great chance of maintaining their vision before severe visual impairment can take place.

If you would like to learn more about treatment for diabetic retinopathy as well as other eye care topics, be sure to contact Los Angeles ophthalmologist Dr. David Parks today.