Long Beach Ophthalmology Services

Retina Specialist Services in Long Beach, CA

At Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, board-certified ophthalmologist Darren Knight, MD, and his team provide the most advanced medical and surgical retina care available — all under one roof in our Long Beach office. As a dedicated retinal specialty practice, every service we offer is focused exclusively on protecting and preserving the vision of our patients through precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, and genuinely compassionate care. Whether you have been referred by your eye doctor or are seeking expert evaluation on your own, Apex Retina Institute is here to provide the specialized retinal care you need. Call (562) 534-1777 or request an appointment online today.

Our Retinal Services

Macular Degeneration — Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 50. At Apex Retina Institute, Dr. Knight specializes in diagnosing both dry and wet AMD and developing personalized treatment plans to slow the progression of the disease and preserve your central vision. Treatment options include AREDS2-formula nutritional support for dry AMD and intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD. Early detection is essential — contact Apex Retina Institute at (562) 534-1777 to schedule a macular degeneration evaluation.

Diabetic Retinopathy — Diabetic retinopathy affects up to one-third of all people living with diabetes and is a leading cause of preventable vision loss in working-age adults. Dr. Knight provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for all stages of diabetic retinopathy, including anti-VEGF injections, retinal laser therapy, and surgical management of advanced complications. All patients with diabetes should receive annual dilated retinal exams, regardless of whether they are experiencing symptoms.

Retinal Detachments — Retinal detachment is a sight-threatening ocular emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention to prevent permanent vision loss. At Apex Retina Institute, Dr. Knight offers all three primary surgical repair approaches — scleral buckle, pneumatic retinopexy, and vitrectomy — and will recommend the most appropriate option based on the type and extent of the detachment. If you are experiencing sudden floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision, call (562) 534-1777 immediately.

Retinal Vascular Disease — Retinal vascular disease encompasses a group of conditions affecting the blood vessels of the eye, including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion (RVO), and central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). These conditions are closely linked to systemic health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Knight provides a full range of diagnostic and treatment services, including anti-VEGF injections, retinal laser therapy, and vitrectomy for complex cases.

Macular Pucker — Macular pucker — also known as an epiretinal membrane — occurs when scar tissue forms on the surface of the macula and causes it to wrinkle or distort, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. Dr. Knight uses advanced OCT imaging to assess the severity of the membrane and its effect on the retina. Treatment ranges from careful monitoring for mild cases to vitrectomy with membranectomy for patients with significant vision impairment.

Floaters & Flashes — While occasional floaters are a normal part of aging, a sudden increase in floaters, new flashes of light, or a shadow in your peripheral vision can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment that requires urgent evaluation. Dr. Knight performs thorough dilated examinations and OCT imaging to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate course of action, from watchful waiting to laser treatment or surgery.

Eye Injections — Intravitreal eye injections are one of the most effective and widely used treatments in retinal medicine today. Dr. Knight administers anti-VEGF medications, corticosteroids, and other therapeutic agents directly into the vitreous to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, and retinal vein occlusion. Injections are performed comfortably in our Long Beach office using a topical anesthetic and typically take only 15 to 20 minutes.

Retinal Lasers — Retinal laser therapy uses precisely focused light energy to treat a range of retinal conditions, including retinal tears, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, macular degeneration, and vitreous floaters. Procedures are performed on an outpatient basis in our Long Beach office and are well tolerated by most patients. Laser treatment can be used alone or in combination with intravitreal injections for optimal results.

Why Choose Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA?

Choosing the right retina specialist is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term vision health. At Apex Retina Institute, patients throughout Long Beach, CA and the greater Los Angeles area choose us because of our unwavering commitment to clinical excellence, patient education, and personalized care. Dr. Darren Knight is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized fellowship training in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. His expertise spans the full spectrum of medical and surgical retinal conditions, from routine monitoring of early macular degeneration to complex vitreoretinal surgery for retinal detachments and advanced diabetic eye disease.

We understand that many patients come to us feeling anxious or overwhelmed by their diagnosis. Our entire team — from the front desk to the exam room — is dedicated to making sure you feel heard, informed, and supported at every step of your care. We take the time to explain your condition in plain language, walk you through your treatment options, and answer every question you have before making any recommendations. At Apex Retina Institute, we treat every patient as we would our own family — because that is the standard of care you deserve. To learn more about our team, visit our Meet Dr. Knight page or explore our office.

We also make the process of getting started as seamless as possible. We accept a wide range of insurance plans — visit our insurances page to verify your coverage — and our new patients page outlines everything you need to know before your first visit. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA, call (562) 534-1777 or request an appointment online today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retina Services at Apex Retina Institute