BOOK APPOINTMENT COLTON, CA / (909) 747-0371

Ophthalmology & Retinology

Colton, San Bernardino & Riverside

Eye examination with a female patient and doctor.

Your Eye Care & Health

Ophthalmology & Retinology at Cal Med Physicians and Surgeons

We use our eyes for so many things nowadays, from our smartphones to our tablets.

It is important to have your eyes examined at least once a year. At Cal Med Physicians and Surgeons, we have ophthalmologists who specialize in complete eye care, including retinology. Our experienced team will take care of your vision services, including a new eye exam.

Our San Bernardino ambulatory surgery center features the latest technology to help treat medical conditions such as glaucoma and iritis. Our premier outpatient surgery center offers complete surgical eye care for cataracts, trauma, and other issues. We strive to provide the best ophthalmology San Bernardino County can offer, and we can diagnose and treat eye conditions that are related to other diseases like diabetes.

Comprehensive Care

Specialized care for diseases affecting the retina and overall eye health

Precision

Advanced imaging and diagnostic technology for early detection

Advanced Solutions

Medical and surgical treatment options tailored to each patient

Ongoing Support

Long-term management for chronic eye conditions

Clear Vision Starts Here

What is Ophthalmology & Retinology?

Ophthalmology is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing and treating diseases of the eye, while retinology focuses specifically on disorders affecting the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for vision.

Retinal diseases can progress silently and may threaten your vision if left untreated. Through comprehensive evaluations, imaging studies, and advanced treatment options, ophthalmologists and retina specialists work to identify problems early and help preserve sight whenever possible.

Treatment plans may include observation, medications, injections, laser procedures, or surgical intervention, depending on the condition being addressed.

Eye exam with elderly woman using equipment.

Eye Exam: What to Expect

What is an Ophthalmology & Retinology exam like?

Our San Bernardino ophthalmology specialist will begin by asking you about your medical and vision history. You will then receive several eye tests that can include:

  • Acuity test is a visual assessment of your sight as you sit in front of an eye chart and try to read letters that progressively get smaller with each line.
  • Cover test sounds just like it is, in that your specialist covers one of your eyes as you stare at a specific point some distance away. This test allows your doctor to watch as your eyes move and examine them for strabismus, a condition also known as crossed eyes, in which the eyes do not align with each other the way they should.
  • Glaucoma test is done either with a puff of air as you stare at a specific target or with a tonometer to numb your eyes while your ophthalmologist peeks at the front surface of your eyes. The goal is to gauge if the fluid pressure inside your eyes falls within normal range.
  • Pupil dilation is a more extensive test, often taking half an hour to complete. Your pupils are fully enlarged through the use of eye drops to check inside your eyes. The eye drop allows your eyes to be more sensitive to light and will blur your vision temporarily.
  • Biomicroscope is a device that lights up the front of your eye so your specialist can look into the back of your eyes, your cornea, iris, and lens for signs of any disease.
  • Eye muscle movement looks into the alignment of your eyes as you follow a moving target from your ophthalmologist in different directions.
  • Ophtalmoscopy allows your doctor to dilate your pupils and see the back of your eyes to check your retina, its blood vessels, and the fluid in your eyes.
  • Perimetry tests your visual field without moving your eyes. Your specialist can discover what you see at the periphery of your visual field and can diagnose your eye condition.
  • Pupil test verifies how your pupils adjust to light and objects that are close to you.
  • Refraction test helps decide on your new prescription with the flipping of lenses to see which one fits your specific needs best.

It is important to check for problems that can affect your vision, such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

Eye surgery is a procedure that is performed on the eye and its surrounding area to treat medical eye conditions. Also known as ocular surgery, it is usually executed by an ophthalmologist because the eye is a fragile organ that demands expert care. There are many eye conditions and vision services that we provide at Cal Meds Docs to serve all of your optical needs.

Palm trees against a clear blue sky.

Caring For Complex Vision Problems

What conditions does Ophthalmology & Retinology address?

Cal Med Physicians and Surgeons treat a wide range of eye and retinal conditions, including:

  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Macular degeneration
  • Retinal tears and retinal detachments
  • Macular holes
  • Epiretinal membranes
  • Vitreous hemorrhage
  • Retinal vein occlusion
  • Floaters and flashes
  • Posterior vitreous detachment
  • Hypertensive retinopathy
  • Eye complications related to diabetes
  • Age-related vision changes

Early diagnosis is essential, as many retinal diseases can progress before noticeable symptoms develop.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process when your eyes get cloudy from the build-up of protein in the lens. What happens is that cataracts causes you to lose some of your eyesight as the cloudiness progresses with time and can begin to interfere with the ability to operate machinery such as your car and activities such as watching a movie.

The four major types of cataracts are caused by 1) the aging process, 2) congenital (babies born with it or it develops in childhood), 3) a traumatic injury to the eye, or 4) as a secondary cause from a medical condition like diabetes or being around toxic substances, radiation, or ultraviolet light.

Getting a stronger prescription and a new pair of glasses can help, but eventually, corrective cataract surgery will be required. This surgery can be done at our outpatient surgery center in San Bernardino County, meaning you go home the same day as your procedure. Your lens will be removed and replaced with a man-made one.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness, a complex disease that generates damage to the optic nerve, resulting in gradual and irreversible vision loss. The problem is that there are no warning signs, as the disease develops slowly and can go unnoticed for years. In fact, more than 2.2 million people in the U.S. have glaucoma, half of whom may not be aware they have it.

Our physicians are experts at detecting and treating glaucoma and help protect your vision. Regular eye exams can help lead to early detection and treatment of glaucoma. A complete eye examination with specialized testing can help diagnose glaucoma in its early stages. People at risk for glaucoma include anyone who has a family history of the disease, is age 55 or older, is extremely nearsighted, is of Hispanic or Black background, has used steroids for prolonged periods, or has a history of eye trauma or high pressure in the eyes.

The most common forms of glaucoma are closed-angle and open-angle, the most common form of the disease, which causes optic nerve damage. Although there is no cure for glaucoma and the vision lost to the disease cannot be restored, further loss of vision can be prevented or slowed down with laser treatment, eye drops to lower the eye pressure, or glaucoma surgery.

Iritis

Iritis is the result of the iris becoming inflamed, which can be caused by trauma or non-traumatic reasons. For example, inflammation can be created by a blunt trauma to the eye. Some of the diseases that can result in non-traumatic iritis include ankylosing spondylitis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, Reiter syndrome, and sarcoidosis.

Iritis usually affects only one eye and develops quickly. Here are some of the symptoms: blurred vision, red eyes, small-shaped pupil, and pain in the eye, especially when exposed to bright light. A specialist can make a diagnosis of iritis by examining your eye with a slit lamp to check the white blood cells and particles of proteins in the fluid produced by your eye. Iritis is treatable depending on the cause. For traumatic iritis, it disappears within a couple of weeks. For non-traumatic iritis, it can take weeks, sometimes even months, to fully resolve. There are some cases of iritis that may be chronic, especially those associated with systemic diseases like sarcoidosis.

Focused On Vision

What areas can Ophthalmology & Retinology address?

Ophthalmology and retinology services focus on the eyes and, more specifically, the retina, macula, vitreous, and blood vessels that support healthy vision. Treatment is aimed at preserving eyesight and maintaining visual function.

Surgeon using a microscope in a medical setting.
Surgeons performing a procedure in operating room.

Preserving Sight

What are the benefits of Ophthalmology & Retinology?

Early Detection Matters

Advanced imaging and regular eye evaluations allow retinal diseases to be identified before irreversible vision loss occurs.

Personalized Treatment

Every condition—and every patient—is different. Treatment plans are customized according to diagnosis, symptoms, and overall health.

Vision Preservation

Many retinal diseases cannot be cured, but early intervention may help slow progression and preserve existing vision.

Advanced Technology

State-of-the-art diagnostic tools and modern treatment options allow for greater precision and improved outcomes.

Long-Term Care

Ongoing follow-up helps patients manage chronic eye conditions and maintain the best possible quality of life.

A Vision of Personalized Care

Am I a candidate for Ophthalmology & Retinology?

You may benefit from ophthalmology and retinology services if you:

  • Have diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Experience flashes, floaters, or sudden vision changes
  • Have blurry or distorted central vision
  • Have been diagnosed with macular degeneration or retinal disease
  • Have a family history of serious eye conditions
  • Require ongoing monitoring for chronic eye disease

A comprehensive evaluation can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs.

Palm trees against a clear blue sky.

A Clearer Future

Ophthalmology & Retinology Recovery

Recovery varies depending on the specific treatment performed. Many office-based procedures require little to no downtime, allowing patients to resume normal activities shortly afterward.

More advanced retinal surgeries may involve a longer recovery period and specific postoperative instructions. Follow-up visits are important to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.

Patients with chronic retinal conditions often require ongoing care and routine evaluations to maintain long-term eye health.

A Difference You Can See

Ophthalmology & Retinology Results

The goal of ophthalmology and retinal treatment is not only to improve vision when possible, but also to preserve existing sight and prevent further deterioration. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and may significantly reduce the risk of severe vision loss.

While some retinal conditions require lifelong management, modern therapies have transformed the outlook for many patients, allowing them to maintain independence and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Surgeons performing a procedure in operating room.

Dedicated To Vision

Why Choose Cal Med Physicians and Surgeons for Ophthalmology & Retinology?

At Cal Med Physicians and Surgeons, our team is dedicated to offering you the best opthalmology San Bernardino County has to offer at our premier outpatient surgery center. We have highly trained, board-certified, and experienced surgeons with expertise in all aspects of surgical eye care specialties who will diagnose your eye condition. We focus on a positive patient experience and a successful outcome because we care about our patients and we value quality of care above all.

Call us today to book an appointment.

(909) 340-3296

Ophthalmology & Retinology Frequently Asked Questions

A retina specialist treats diseases affecting the retina and vitreous, including diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal tears, and retinal detachments.

Sudden vision loss, flashes of light, floaters, distorted vision, or blind spots should be evaluated promptly by an eye specialist.

Yes. Early diagnosis and treatment can help slow progression and preserve vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

There is currently no cure for age-related macular degeneration, but several treatments can help manage the condition and slow its progression.

Retinal detachment may occur due to aging, trauma, severe nearsightedness, or retinal tears. It is considered a medical emergency requiring prompt treatment.

Most patients with diabetes should undergo a comprehensive dilated eye examination annually, although more frequent monitoring may be recommended depending on their condition.