Retina Consultants San Diego

08/10/2025

Choroidal Hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor of the choroid that can be either circumscribed (isolated) or diffuse, the latter often associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome. These lesions typically appear as orange-red, dome-shaped masses on fundus exam and can lead to subretinal fluid, exudative retinal detachment, and vision loss if located near the macula.

While asymptomatic cases may be monitored, symptomatic lesions often require treatment with photodynamic therapy, radiation, or laser photocoagulation to reduce exudative fluid and preserve vision.

08/06/2025

Dr. Ammar is an outstanding retinal specialist. His knowledge and expertise are unparalleled, as is his bedside manner. Dr. Ammar takes the time to explain everything in a way that is easy to understand. There are not enough positive adjectives to describe him. I feel truly blessed to have found him and am honored to be one of his patients. - Richard O.

08/05/2025

Living with diabetes requires staying on top of your overall health, and that includes your eyes. Regular eye exams are important for everyone, but even more so for those with diabetes.

In this blog post, Dr. Thomas Lazzarini shares key signs and symptoms that may mean it’s time to see a diabetic eye specialist.

As a person living with diabetes, it's crucial to prioritize the health of your eyes. Diabetic eye diseases can have a profound impact on your vision if not detected and managed in a timely manner.

07/27/2025

Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigmented Epithelium (CHRPE) is a benign, flat, pigmented lesion of the retina, often discovered incidentally during routine exams. Typically solitary and well-demarcated, CHRPE appears as a dark, sharply demarcated lesion, sometimes with internal depigmented lacunae or a surrounding halo.

Most cases are stable and require no treatment. However, the presence of multiple bilateral lesions (bear tracks, such as in this image) may warrant further investigation, as this can be associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and its variants.

07/20/2025

Experience exceptional retina care at our Poway Retina Center, conveniently located just off I-15, south of Palomar Hospital.

Our skilled team at Retina Consultants San Diego is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of complex retinal conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal tears and detachments, macular holes, and more.

We proudly serve Poway and the surrounding communities with the latest treatment options, all in a welcoming, patient-centered environment. To learn more about our Poway Retina Center or explore our other locations in Hillcrest, La Jolla, Carlsbad, or Coronado, visit https://www.rcsd.com/retina-centers

07/13/2025

Rubella retinopathy is a congenital retinal condition seen in patients with Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS). Rubella is a viral infection that is capable of transplacental transission to the fetus when a mother is infected early in pregnancy. Rubella retinopathy typically presents as “salt-and-pepper” mottling of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), often diffusely involving the posterior pole.

Unlike many retinal conditions, rubella retinopathy is usually non-progressive and does not significantly affect visual acuity unless associated with other ocular anomalies such as cataracts, microphthalmia, or glaucoma, which are also common in CRS.

Recognizing this distinct retinal appearance can provide important clues to a patient's systemic and prenatal history. CRS can also be associated with systemic conditions such as sensorineural hearing loss and congenital heart defects that warrant evaluation.

07/06/2025

Looking for expert retina care close to home?

Retina Consultants San Diego proudly serves patients at five convenient locations: Hillcrest, La Jolla, Poway, Carlsbad, and Coronado.

Experience advanced treatments and compassionate care tailored to your needs. Find a location near you today: https://www.rcsd.com/retina-centers

07/04/2025

Happy 4th of July from all of us at RCSD! We wish you a safe, joyful holiday filled with celebration, relaxation, and time with loved ones.

06/29/2025

Tubercular Ampiginous Retinopathy is a rare, infectious chorioretinopathy that shares features of both acute posterior multifocal placoid pigment epitheliopathy (APMPPE) and serpiginous choroiditis, but is associated with tuberculosis infection.

It typically presents with multiple, gray-white placoid lesions at the level of the RPE and choriocapillaris, often in a bilateral and asymmetric distribution. These lesions may heal with RPE atrophy and hyperpigmentation. The condition can be recurrent and progressive, especially if untreated.

Diagnosis often involves tuberculosis testing (e.g., QuantiFERON-TB Gold or PPD), chest imaging, and close collaboration with an infectious disease specialist. Treatment generally includes anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) in combination with systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents to control inflammation and prevent vision loss. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment is critical to preserving vision.

06/25/2025

This past Sunday, we had the pleasure of celebrating our team’s dedication and hard work during our Summer Staff Appreciation Event at Petco Park. We’re sincerely grateful for the passion and commitment each team member brings to our organization every day. Go Padres!

06/06/2025

Since 1979, RCSD has been dedicated to advancing retinal care and preserving the gift of sight. With a team of highly trained retina specialists and multiple convenient locations across San Diego, we’re proud to offer exceptional care that’s close to home.

Learn more: https://www.rcsd.com/why-rcsd/retina-specialists

05/29/2025

“Dr. Lazzarini is an outstanding physician. He was very thorough & took his time examining me. I love that he explains everything in a way that’s easy to understand. Staff is awesome!”