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Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS

(Douglas J. Van Putten, M.D., F.A.C.S)

(48 Ratings)

Specializes in: Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery

Loma Linda University Medical School (1985)

Professional interests include: ectropion (outward-turned eyelid), orbital tumors, eyelid surgery, and more.

11234 Anderson Street
Loma Linda, CA 92354

(909) 558-2154

Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS is an oculoplastic surgeon in Loma Linda, CA specializing in ophthalmic plastic surgery. He graduated from Loma Linda University Medical School in 1985 and has 39 years of experience. Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS is affiliated with Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics, FACULTY PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF LLUSM, Loma Linda University Medical Center and Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.

Office Locations

Address:

11234 Anderson Street
Loma Linda, CA 92354

Address:

11370 Anderson Street Suite 1800
Loma Linda, CA 92354

Some issues Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS can help you with:

Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is a surgical procedure to remove excess tissue around the eyelids. With aging, skin loses elasticity. In some people, skin can pool around the eyes causing wrinkles, puffiness, under-eye bags, and drooping.

During a blepharoplasty, tiny incisions are made under local anesthesia, and any excess skin or underlying tissue is removed from the eyelids. The procedure takes between one and three hours, and patients may have bruising and swelling around their eyes for a few days afterwards. Icing the area may help.

The surgery is sometimes done along with other facial surgery as part of a facelift. Typically, a blepharoplasty is considered cosmetic. In severe cases, however, upper eyelids may droop so significantly that they make it hard to see. In these cases, blepharoplasty may be considered a necessary treatment.

Eye Problems

Millions of people every year have problems with their eyes. Some of the most common eye problems are refractive disorders, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

Refractive disorders happen when the shape of the eye doesn't let allow someone focus very precisely. They might be myopic (nearsighted), hyperopic (farsighted), or have an astigmatism, which is a focus problem caused by the cornea. Refractive disorders can be corrected by glasses or contacts.

Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. It happens when fluid pressure builds up within the eye and damages the optic nerve. It is treated with medications and surgery.

Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes. The retina is tissue at the back of the eye that is filled with numerous, tiny blood vessels. When diabetes damages these delicate blood vessels, they burst or leak, leading to blind spots and blurred vision. Diabetic retinopathy can be treated with laser therapy and surgery, but often vision cannot be restored.

Macular degeneration is common in older adults. The macula is the central part of the retina and is responsible for crisp center vision. Over time, the cells in the macula begin to die, making central vision blurry. An early symptom of macular degeneration is that straight lines appear wavy.

Cataracts happen when the clear lens in the front of the eye becomes cloudy, making things look blurry or faded. They are extremely common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans will have had a cataract. In early stages, prescription glasses and magnifying lenses can help. As the cataracts get worse, surgery to replace the lens may be the best option.

More than just one of the five senses, the eyes are heavily relied upon to communicate, work, and get around every day. It's important to have regular eye exams for vision stays in good shape for years to come.

Thyroid Problems

Thyroid problems are a group of conditions that alter hormone regulation and metabolism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the lower neck, just below the Adam's apple (laryngeal prominence) and larynx (voice box). Despite its small size, the thyroid has an outsized effect on the body by regulating hormones that control metabolism. Metabolism is the body's process of converting consumed food into fuel to power the entire body. Heart rate, weight, cholesterol, body temperature, and even physical growth and development are all affected by the metabolism.

When the thyroid malfunctions, the body is unable to properly process and allocate energy. Thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), cause irregular metabolism. In some cases, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid cells for unknown reasons. The damaged thyroid responds by releasing either too little or too much T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. Thyroid malfunctions may also arise from genetic causes or iodine deficiency. Thyroid problems may include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease that causes hypothyroidism
Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease that causes hyperthyroidism
Goiter
Thyroid nodule
Thyroid cancer

Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism, which is when the thyroid does not produce enough hormones to stimulate adequate metabolism. The condition is diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) and detect Hashimoto's antibodies. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include sluggish metabolism, inflammation, fatigue, weight gain, brittle hair, dry skin, and sensitivity to cold. To supplement impaired thyroid function, patients with Hashimoto's are typically prescribed synthetic thyroid hormone pills. Such patients may need to consume synthetic thyroids for the rest of their lives. Other treatments may include dietary changes, such as the avoidance of certain foods and medication to reduce inflammation. Frequent blood tests can inform patients if their TSH levels are within a normal range.

Grave's disease is most frequently the cause of hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid produces too many hormones, overstimulating one's metabolism. The condition is also diagnosed by blood tests that measure TSH and detect Grave's antibodies. Elevated heart rate, high blood pressure, sweating, bulging eyes, and weight loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatments for hyperthyroidism include oral radioactive iodine, which slowly shrinks the thyroid, slowing the production of excess thyroid hormone. Other anti-thyroid medications such as methimazole (Tapazole) also reduce the production of thyroid hormones. Blood pressure medications known as beta blockers can ease the increased heart rate caused by hyperthyroidism. If treatments are unsuccessful, patients may be prescribed a thyroidectomy, or surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid. Some patients with hyperthyroidism may require ophthalmological (eye medicine) treatments such as eye drops, prednisone, and surgery to reduce eye swelling and bulging.

Untreated thyroid disorders frequently lead to goiters or thyroid nodules. A thyroid goiter is a large lump that can be felt near the base of the neck and is made of swollen thyroid tissue or nodules (excess cell growth). Nodules and goiters are diagnosed by CT scan or ultrasound. Obstructive goiters can cause pain, coughing, and abnormal breathing. The most common cause of goiters is hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). However, Hashimoto's is also known to cause goiters or nodules. Goiters develop from continued damage from antibodies to the thyroid over time. At times, a goiter can result from a cancerous thyroid tumor. Most goiters and nodules are themselves benign.

The exact causes of thyroid cancer are unknown. People who develop thyroid cancer may or may not have another thyroid problem such as Hashimoto's or Grave's disease. Symptoms of thyroid cancer include a nodule that can be felt on the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, swelling in the neck, and neck and throat pain. CT and MRI scans are used to diagnose thyroid cancer. There are four types of thyroid cancer which vary in intensity. Thyroidectomy (thyroid removal surgery) is usually prescribed to treat thyroid cancer.

Thyroid problems are often long-term conditions that require some form of treatment. With regular monitoring and medication, many people with thyroid problems are able to lead active and fulfilling lives.

In The News

“"He was an amazing surgeon who taught me a lot of things," said his friend and colleague Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten.”—"Dr. David A. Kahanic", Chicago Tribune, August 2005

capsulotomy	23
doctor visit	307
eye procedures	586
laser treatment	23
plastic surgery procedures	68
reconstructive surgery	30
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	36
skin procedures	36
tissue transfer	30
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	15

**Gender**
Male	199
Female	283

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	449
Black	21
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	189
From 75 to 84	186
85 and over	73
Less than 65	34

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	62
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	20
Diabetes	37
Dementia	8
Cancer	8

capsulotomy	33
doctor visit	438
eye procedures	371
laser treatment	33
plastic surgery procedures	69
reconstructive surgery	52
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	31
skin procedures	31
tissue transfer	52
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	32

**Gender**
Male	191
Female	249

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	407
Black	18
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	203
From 75 to 84	138
85 and over	67
Less than 65	32

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	4
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	20
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	21
Diabetes	32
Dementia	9
Cancer	9

capsulotomy	39
doctor visit	385
eye procedures	376
laser treatment	39
plastic surgery procedures	50
reconstructive surgery	37
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	48
skin procedures	48
tissue transfer	37
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	20

**Gender**
Male	374
Female	504

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	782
Black	70
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	384
From 75 to 84	336
85 and over	100
Less than 65	58

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	39
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	19
Diabetes	36
Dementia	8
Cancer	10

doctor visit	296
eye procedures	182
plastic surgery procedures	86
reconstructive surgery	53
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	22
skin procedures	22
tissue transfer	53
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	17

**Gender**
Male	134
Female	183

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	297
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	143
From 75 to 84	103
85 and over	47
Less than 65	24

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	15
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	19
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	34
Dementia	10
Cancer	9

doctor visit	360
eye procedures	213
plastic surgery procedures	78
reconstructive surgery	39
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	30
skin procedures	30
tissue transfer	39
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	13

**Gender**
Male	118
Female	169

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	264
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	114
From 75 to 84	113
85 and over	34
Less than 65	26

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	54
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	21
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	6
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	33
Dementia	7
Cancer	8

doctor visit	382
eye procedures	129
plastic surgery procedures	91
reconstructive surgery	10
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	36
skin procedures	36
tissue transfer	10
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	11

**Gender**
Male	97
Female	176

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	249
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	119
From 75 to 84	99
85 and over	35
Less than 65	20

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	5
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	33
Dementia	8
Cancer	8

doctor visit	379
eye procedures	125
plastic surgery procedures	94

**Gender**
Male	90
Female	150

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	214
Black	0
Hispanic	11
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	114
From 75 to 84	80
85 and over	30
Less than 65	16

Hypertension	72
High Cholesterol	59
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	10
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	18
Diabetes	32
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

capsulotomy	17
doctor visit	355
eye procedures	196
laser treatment	17
plastic surgery procedures	57

**Gender**
Male	91
Female	151

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	214
Black	12
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	108
From 75 to 84	91
85 and over	32
Less than 65	11

Hypertension	70
High Cholesterol	63
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	24
Chronic Kidney Disease	31
Asthma	5
Osteoperosis	7
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	33
Dementia	10
Cancer	14

doctor visit	667
eye procedures	250
plastic surgery procedures	117
reconstructive surgery	14
tissue transfer	14
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	15

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS treated as an oculoplastic surgeon in Loma Linda, CA were eye procedures, plastic surgery procedures, reconstructive surgery and removal of lesion (e.g. growth).

capsulotomy	28
doctor visit	398
eye procedures	275
laser treatment	28
plastic surgery procedures	81
reconstructive surgery	34
removal of lesion (e.g. growth)	34
skin procedures	34
tissue transfer	34
wound repair (e.g. stitches)	18

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS.

**Gender**
Male	129
Female	186

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	12
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	287
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	1
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	114
85 and over	41
Less than 65	22
65 to 74	137

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.

Hypertension	58
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	3
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	16
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	7
Osteoporosis	6
Heart Failure	12
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	27
Atrial Fibrillation	9
Cancer	7
Dementia	6

Education & Training

Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS graduated from Loma Linda University Medical School in 1985. He completed residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology and has a state license in Indiana.

Medical School: Loma Linda University Medical School (1985)

Residency: Loma Linda University Medical Center (1989)

Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology

Licensed In: Indiana

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Loma Linda University Health

Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics

FACULTY PHYSICIANS AND SURGEONS OF LLUSM

Loma Linda University Medical Center

Loma Linda University Children's Hospital

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 48 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS from all over the web to help you find the right in Loma Linda, CA.

4.9

Overall Rating

(48 Ratings)

Leave a Review

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Douglas J. Van Putten, MD, FACS. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Horizon Therapeutics plc	$30,326 TEPEZZA $30,326
Allergan Inc.	$12,954 RESTASIS $16	ACZONE $11	$12,927
Alcon Vision LLC	$145 CLAREON $145
Mallinckrodt Hospital Products Inc.	$128 ACTHAR $128
GlaxoSmithKline, LLC.	$125 BENLYSTA $125
Other	$894 ACTHAR $123	Oxervate $111	Medical Optics $103	ZYLET $60	AmnioGuard $55	Other $443

**Types of Payments**
Honoraria	$18,888
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$16,225
Food and Beverage	$4,446
Travel and Lodging	$2,792
Consulting Fee	$2,000
Other	$223

Biography

Dr. Douglas Vanputten practices ophthalmic plastic surgery in Loma Linda, CA. He is affiliated with Loma Linda University Health. After attending Loma Linda University School of Medicine, he completed his residency training at Loma Linda University Medical Center.