FAQs

What is a retina specialist?

A retina specialist is an ophthalmologist who has completed additional fellowship training — typically one to two years beyond residency — focused exclusively on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the retina, vitreous, and macula. At Apex Retina Institute, Dr. Darren Knight is a board-certified ophthalmologist with subspecialty expertise in medical and surgical retinal disease. This advanced level of training allows him to diagnose and treat complex retinal conditions that require a higher level of care than a general eye doctor provides.

What conditions does Apex Retina Institute treat?

Apex Retina Institute treats the full spectrum of retinal and vitreous diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and tears, retinal vascular disease including retinal vein occlusion and hypertensive retinopathy, macular pucker, and floaters and flashes. We also offer advanced treatment procedures including intravitreal eye injections and retinal laser therapy. Visit our services page for a complete overview.

Do I need a referral to be seen at Apex Retina Institute?

Many patients come to Apex Retina Institute through a referral from their optometrist, general ophthalmologist, or primary care physician. However, we also welcome patients who self-refer — particularly those experiencing urgent symptoms such as a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, or any unexplained change in vision. If you are unsure whether your insurance requires a referral, call our office at (562) 534-1777 before your appointment and our team will be happy to assist you.

When should I see a retina specialist right away?

You should contact Apex Retina Institute immediately at (562) 534-1777 if you experience any of the following: a sudden dramatic increase in floaters, new or frequent flashes of light in your peripheral vision, a dark shadow or curtain spreading across any part of your vision, or a sudden painless loss of vision in one eye. These can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment — a sight-threatening emergency that requires prompt evaluation and treatment. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment if these symptoms occur.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first visit to Apex Retina Institute will include a comprehensive review of your medical and ocular history, a detailed discussion of your symptoms, and a thorough dilated eye examination. Depending on your condition, Dr. Knight may also order advanced imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fluorescein angiography. Please plan for your appointment to take approximately 60 to 90 minutes, including dilation time. We recommend arranging a driver, as dilating drops will temporarily blur your near vision and increase light sensitivity for a few hours after your visit. Visit our new patients page to learn more about what to bring.

Will my eyes be dilated at every visit?

Dilation is a standard part of most retinal examinations at Apex Retina Institute, as it allows Dr. Knight to fully visualize the retina, macula, optic nerve, and vitreous. However, not every follow-up visit will require dilation — this depends on the nature of your condition and what Dr. Knight needs to assess at each appointment. If you have concerns about dilation or need to return to work or drive after your appointment, let our team know when scheduling and we can advise you accordingly.

How often should I have my retina checked if I have diabetes?

All patients with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated retinal examination at least once per year — even if they have no vision symptoms — because diabetic retinopathy can be present and progressing without any noticeable changes in vision. If diabetic retinopathy has already been diagnosed, more frequent monitoring visits may be recommended depending on the severity of the disease. Early detection and treatment are the most effective ways to prevent diabetic eye disease from causing irreversible vision loss.

What are intravitreal eye injections and are they painful?

Intravitreal eye injections are a minimally invasive procedure in which medication is delivered directly into the vitreous cavity of the eye to treat conditions such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. Dr. Knight applies a topical anesthetic to the eye before the injection to minimize discomfort, and most patients tolerate the procedure very well with little to no pain. The entire process typically takes only 15 to 20 minutes and is performed in our Long Beach office on an outpatient basis.

What is retinal laser treatment and what is it used for?

Retinal laser therapy uses precisely focused beams of light energy to treat a variety of retinal conditions, including retinal tears and detachments, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, and in some cases macular degeneration and vitreous floaters. Laser procedures are performed in our office, require no hospital stay, and are generally well tolerated. They can be used alone or in combination with intravitreal injections for comprehensive disease management.

What is the difference between dry and wet macular degeneration?

Dry macular degeneration is the more common form, developing gradually as drusen deposits accumulate beneath the macula and cause slow deterioration of central vision over time. Wet macular degeneration is less common but more aggressive — it occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak fluid or blood, causing rapid and potentially severe central vision loss. Wet AMD requires prompt treatment with anti-VEGF injections. Both forms are diagnosed and managed at Apex Retina Institute in Long Beach, CA.

Are floaters and flashes always serious?

Not always — occasional floaters are a normal part of the aging process and are usually caused by harmless changes within the vitreous gel. However, a sudden significant increase in floaters, new or persistent flashes of light, or floaters accompanied by a shadow or curtain in your vision can be warning signs of a retinal tear or detachment — which is a medical emergency. Any new or worsening floaters or flashes should always be evaluated by Dr. Knight at Apex Retina Institute promptly. Call (562) 534-1777 right away if your symptoms are sudden or severe.

What is macular pucker and how is it treated?

Macular pucker — also known as an epiretinal membrane — occurs when scar tissue forms on the surface of the macula and causes it to wrinkle, leading to blurred or distorted central vision. Mild cases may be monitored with regular OCT imaging and managed with practical accommodations. More significant cases that affect quality of life may be treated with vitrectomy with membranectomy — a surgical procedure in which Dr. Knight carefully peels the scar tissue from the macular surface, allowing the retina to gradually relax and vision to improve over the following weeks to months.

Can retinal conditions be prevented?

While not all retinal conditions can be fully prevented, there are meaningful steps you can take to protect your retinal health. Managing systemic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol is essential, as these are primary drivers of diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular disease. Not smoking, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids, wearing UV-protective eyewear, and attending regular dilated retinal exams are also important protective measures. For patients with risk factors for macular degeneration, AREDS2-formula supplements may be recommended to slow disease progression.

How long do retinal treatments take and will I need time off work?

Most procedures at Apex Retina Institute — including intravitreal eye injections and retinal laser therapy — are performed on an outpatient basis and take 15 to 60 minutes. The majority of patients are able to return to work and normal activities the following day. More involved surgical procedures such as vitrectomy may require a few days of rest and certain activity restrictions during the initial recovery period. Dr. Knight will provide you with specific post-procedure instructions and a clear timeline for returning to your normal routine so you can plan accordingly.

Does Apex Retina Institute accept insurance?

Apex Retina Institute accepts a wide range of insurance plans — including Medicare and many major commercial plans — to help make specialized retinal care accessible to patients throughout Long Beach, CA and the greater Los Angeles area. We encourage you to review our insurances page for a current list of accepted plans, or call our office at (562) 534-1777 so a team member can verify your specific coverage before your appointment.

Where is Apex Retina Institute located and how do I get there?

Apex Retina Institute is conveniently located at 2880 Atlantic Ave #290, Long Beach, CA 90806. We serve patients throughout Long Beach, CA and the surrounding communities in the greater Los Angeles area, including Lakewood, Compton, Carson, Torrance, and beyond. For directions, parking information, or details about our office, visit our office page or call (562) 534-1777 and our team will be happy to assist you.

How do I schedule an appointment at Apex Retina Institute?

Scheduling an appointment at Apex Retina Institute is simple. You can request an appointment online at any time through our website, or call our office directly at (562) 534-1777 to speak with a member of our team. Whether you are a new patient or an established patient needing a follow-up, we will find a convenient appointment time and answer any questions you have about preparing for your visit. If you are experiencing urgent retinal symptoms, please call us directly so we can prioritize your care.