Experiences with Epiretinal Membrane Surgery?

[Anniesantiago]

Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
Was it successful?
Would you do it again?
Does it affect your walking?

I've apparently developed one and I believe this is what caused me to take a fall on my last Camino, as I was walking on flat roadway and there was "literally" no reason for me to fall.

When I close my right eye, everything looks normal.
When I close my left eye, straight lines look wavy.
When both eyes are open, I'm great in a small room but outside, like going across the street to get the mail or driving, the ground looks "wonky" or "wavy" and I think it caused me to lose my footing.

If you have this you'll know what I'm talking about.

The retina specialist wanted me to have surgery in February but I've put it off until June because since then, I was on a couple of FB websites and probably about 75% of the people who'd had the surgery reported their eyesight either had NOT improved or was even worse. I am not sure it's worth it as my eyesight now is 20/25, not bad even though I have this "wonky" feeling that "just isn't right" when I'm outdoors.

Just wondering if anyone here has any feedback?

 

[ElCee]

Hmm, I have something similar but I don’t know what the medical term is. The sight in my eyes isn’t in synch. One sees higher than the other so if I look at a straight horizontal line with one eye, then switch to the other, it jumps up. My brain can correct it but after reading for a while it gets tired and I see double so I have special reading glasses with prisms that correct it. It sometimes bothers me when I’m hiking, particularly in the fall. I think the leaves are distracting and my brain is constantly adjusting and gets tired so I start to see double. Didn’t bother me on Camino though. Sorry not sure if this is helpful

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Peg had a warped retina in one eye that was operated on this summer. Yes, she experienced waviness. It also affected her depth perception and this affected her walking on trails as she wouldn't be lifting her foot in time or high enough to miss hitting roots and rocks. Fortunately this rarely causes falls. On downhills she has (still) problems determing where the ground is. She uses her pole to feel where it is.

Peg's doctor works for one of the most highly rated hospitals in the country. The operation helped but not as much as Peg expected. Her vision isn't as wavy but the operation hasn't seemed to help with her depth perception.

Immediately after the operation a second doctor took over to perform cataract surgery on the same eye to improve Peg's astigmatism and nearsightedness. This wasn't as effective as hoped because what good was the fixing of the astigmatism when some waviness was still there.

If you wish to talk to Peg about this send me a DM.

 

[David Tallan]

There's nothing wrong with seeking out the experiences of pilgrims with similar medical conditions. Pilgrims sharing their experiences is what these forums are about. But I would caution against substituting the anecdotal experiences of others, on the forums or social media, for professional medical advice. Anecdotal experiences are not an unbiased sample and are no substitute for the scientific research that informs qualified medical advice.

 

[henrythedog]

Hmm, I have something similar but I don’t know what the medical term is. The sight in my eyes isn’t in synch. One sees higher than the other so if I look at a straight horizontal line with one eye, then switch to the other, it jumps up. My brain can correct it but after reading for a while it gets tired and I see double so I have special reading glasses with prisms that correct it. It sometimes bothers me when I’m hiking, particularly in the fall. I think the leaves are distracting and my brain is constantly adjusting and gets tired so I start to see double. Didn’t bother me on Camino though. Sorry not sure if this is helpful

I can only sympathise with your condition. Mrs HtD is about to have cataracts removed and, despite being a medical professional, is somewhat relaxed about the prospect. I know it’s a routine procedure, but you know.

I’d need shooting in the arse with an elephant tranquilliser before anyone got near me.

 

[Anniesantiago]

There's nothing wrong with seeking out the experiences of pilgrims with similar medical conditions. Pilgrims sharing their experiences is what these forums are about. But I would caution against substituting the anecdotal experiences of others, on the forums or social media, for professional medical advice. Anecdotal experiences are not an unbiased sample and are no substitute for the scientific research that informs qualified medical advice.

Gosh David, I'm pretty smart at 72 years old and I don't expect to get any medical advice here.
Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and what their outcome may have been.
Much like similar posts about cancer, gluten intolerance, and/or plantar fascilitis, arthroscopic knee surgery, etc. . . . on none of which posts I have seen this caution.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Peg had a warped retina in one eye that was operated on this summer. Yes, she experienced waviness. It also affected her depth perception and this affected her walking on trails as she wouldn't be lifting her foot in time or high enough to miss hitting roots and rocks. Fortunately this rarely causes falls. On downhills she has (still) problems determing where the ground is. She uses her pole to feel where it is.

Peg's doctor works for one of the most highly rated hospitals in the country. The operation helped but not as much as Peg expected. Her vision isn't as wavy but the operation hasn't seemed to help with her depth perception.

Immediately after the operation a second doctor took over to perform cataract surgery on the same eye to improve Peg's astigmatism and nearsightedness. This wasn't as effective as hoped because what good was the fixing of the astigmatism when some waviness was still there.

If you wish to talk to Peg about this send me a DM.

Yes I'll pm her. Sounds similar to what's going on with me.
Thanks.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I can only sympathise with your condition. Mrs HtD is about to have cataracts removed and, despite being a medical professional, is somewhat relaxed about the prospect. I know it’s a routine procedure, but you know.

I’d need shooting in the arse with an elephant tranquilliser before anyone got near me.

I had the cataract surgery.
Piece of cake and really helpful!
I no longer have to have the lights on all day to see! lol!

 

[David Tallan]

Much like similar posts about cancer, gluten intolerance, and/or plantar fascilitis. . . on which posts I haven't seen this caution (and I find that interesting.)

I've seen cautions against getting medical advice from forum members pretty frequently on the posts in this sub-forum (especially the cancer ones). Your mileage may vary.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I've seen cautions against getting medical advice from forum members pretty frequently on the posts in this sub-forum (especially the cancer ones). Your mileage may vary.

I must have missed those. I got a LOT of wonderful support when I was going through cancer and my double mastectomy. It helped me keep my head above water.

At any rate, I promise I'm not looking for medical advice.


Note my questions at the top of my post:


Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
Was it successful? (I'm just curious because so many have told me vision was worse)
Would you do it again? (was it worth the down time for you particularly? Did the surgery help with your walking?)
Does it affect your walking? (as a pilgrim walking distances, especially)

No medical advice asked for. Please don't worry.

 

[ShoshTrvls]

I can only sympathise with your condition. Mrs HtD is about to have cataracts removed and, despite being a medical professional, is somewhat relaxed about the prospect. I know it’s a routine procedure, but you know.

I’d need shooting in the arse with an elephant tranquilliser before anyone got near me.

Cataract surgery was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Indeed, I had it when my cataracts were very very mild (as early as insurance would pay for it). Because I’ve been nearsighted my whole life - -10 in both eyes. Couldn’t see anything past my nose, quite literally. Now I have near perfect vision and, really, for someone who has never seen without glasses or contacts, it’s a damn miracle.

 

[C clearly]

Much like similar posts about cancer, gluten intolerance, and/or plantar fascilitis, arthroscopic knee surgery, etc. . . . on none of which posts I have seen this caution.

I've seen cautions against getting medical advice from forum members pretty frequently

I must have missed those.

Yes, you must have missed them, or the posts were deleted. We regularly face reports from concerned members who feel that some threads get too close to questions that should be directed to medical professionals. We try to let the discussions stand as long as they are limited to personal experiences, and conversations at a layperson's level. If the threads get into conjecture, or seem to be diagnostic, or advocating particular treatment, we would close the thread and/or delete the posts. We became quite sensitive to this during Covid.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Yes, you must have missed them, or the posts were deleted. We regularly face reports from concerned members who feel that some threads get too close to questions that should be directed to medical professionals. We try to let the discussions stand as long as they are limited to personal experiences, and conversations at a layperson's level. If the threads get into conjecture, or seem to be diagnostic, or advocating particular treatment, we would close the thread and/or delete the posts. We became quite sensitive to this during Covid.

Yup, I guess I missed them.
They must have been deleted during one of the periods of time when I don't get on the forum.
I can understand why you might be concerned if I were asking for medical advice, but I'm not.

I've already been to the specialist, gotten a diagnosis, medical advice, and options for treatment.
I do not need any of those.

Now I'm simply curious to hear about other people's experience in walking with this condition,
before or after surgery.

To be clear, here are my questions again:

• Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
• Was it successful?
• Would you do it again?
• Does it affect your walking?
  
  (I'm editing because I don't want to offend anyone else or be seen as rude)
  
  Do you want me to delete the post???

 

[OTH86]

Prayers for a good outcome @Anniesantiago !

 

[woody66]

Defo good luck Annie; whichever way you decide to go with it!

 

[basquelady]

Yup, I guess I missed them.
They must have been deleted during one of the periods of time when I don't get on the forum.
I can understand why you might be concerned if I were asking for medical advice, but I'm not.

I've already been to the specialist, gotten a diagnosis, medical advice, and options for treatment.
I do not need any of those.

Now I'm simply curious to hear about other people's experience in walking with this condition,
before or after surgery.

To be clear, here are my questions again:

• Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
• Was it successful?
• Would you do it again?
• Does it affect your walking?
  
  (I'm editing because I don't want to offend anyone else or be seen as rude)
  
  Do you want me to delete the post???

Think your primary care physician (General practitioner in UK) should be your first port of call; he/she should know about the local situation re this specialism.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Think your primary care physician (General practitioner in UK) should be your first port of call; he/she should know about the local situation re this specialism.

Did you read my post?
I not only have been to my PC, I've been to a retina specialist and I know my options.
I'm not asking for medical advice.
I'm asking to hear other people's experience.
But thanks.

 

[gloria lowe]

Yup, I guess I missed them.
They must have been deleted during one of the periods of time when I don't get on the forum.
I can understand why you might be concerned if I were asking for medical advice, but I'm not.

I've already been to the specialist, gotten a diagnosis, medical advice, and options for treatment.
I do not need any of those.

Now I'm simply curious to hear about other people's experience in walking with this condition,
before or after surgery.

To be clear, here are my questions again:

• Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
• Was it successful?
• Would you do it again?
• Does it affect your walking?
  
  (I'm editing because I don't want to offend anyone else or be seen as rude)
  
  Do you want me to delete the post???

#1 I’ve had it twice. My problem started after cataract surgery. One eye was a miracle and the other a nightmare Things happen.
#2 & 3 yes it was and I would do it again. It helps each time but it has reoccurred. I still have problems with increased pressure in that eye and will require drops forever. Sight in that eye changes in a daily basis which mean frequent lens changes in prescription.
#4 It does become a challenge walking but I always look down when I’m outside but I’ve done all my Caminos with this problem and do tend to catch my toes easily. Several falls but none in a foreign country. My worse problem is I seem to run into the edges of the wall corners at home because I’m not paying attention. Life is too short for me at 75 to let this slow me down.
You got this. Good luck.

 

[Bob91]

Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
Was it successful?
Would you do it again?
Does it affect your walking?

I've apparently developed one and I believe this is what caused me to take a fall on my last Camino, as I was walking on flat roadway and there was "literally" no reason for me to fall.

When I close my right eye, everything looks normal.
When I close my left eye, straight lines look wavy.
When both eyes are open, I'm great in a small room but outside, like going across the street to get the mail or driving, the ground looks "wonky" or "wavy" and I think it caused me to lose my footing.

If you have this you'll know what I'm talking about.

The retina specialist wanted me to have surgery in February but I've put it off until June because since then, I was on a couple of FB websites and probably about 75% of the people who'd had the surgery reported their eyesight either had NOT improved or was even worse. I am not sure it's worth it as my eyesight now is 20/25, not bad even though I have this "wonky" feeling that "just isn't right" when I'm outdoors.

Just wondering if anyone here has any feedback?

Unfortunately, I have something similar, but fortunately it isn't as severe as yours. My retina specialist gets it photographed every nine months, She is only following it for now. I like your description of it being a "pucker". Even though I'm a retired physician, I never understood what she meant by "epimembrane". I cannot nor would I ever give advice on something I know so little of. My specialist spoke rather gloomily about the options of surgery or no surgery. From my experience in healthcare, the one advice I easily give to everyone is: Do not hesitate to seek the advice of other specialists. You are facing a difficult decision. Put other specialists on the spot. Tell them to put their nickel on the table and give their thoughts. No doctor worth their salt would ever be offended by a patient seeking a second or third opinion. If any of my doctors would be offended, I would drop them in a heartbeat. Good luck, and my prayers are with you.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Unfortunately, I have something similar, but fortunately it isn't as severe as yours. My retina specialist gets it photographed every nine months, She is only following it for now. I like your description of it being a "pucker". Even though I'm a retired physician, I never understood what she meant by "epimembrane". I cannot nor would I ever give advice on something I know so little of. My specialist spoke rather gloomily about the options of surgery or no surgery. From my experience in healthcare, the one advice I easily give to everyone is: Do not hesitate to seek the advice of other specialists. You are facing a difficult decision. Put other specialists on the spot. Tell them to put their nickel on the table and give their thoughts. No doctor worth their salt would ever be offended by a patient seeking a second or third opinion. If any of my doctors would be offended, I would drop them in a heartbeat. Good luck, and my prayers are with you.

Thanks. Yes, I've gotten more than one opinion from several specialists.
Now I'm curious about other people's experiences.
Thank you for your kind words and best of luck to you as well.

 

[Sue127]

Interestingly, after detached retina surgery, I had symptoms which sound similar to yours @Anniesantiago . If I looked at vertical straight lines (buildings), these would be wobbly. My surgeon told me that these would improve as the retina settled down and any small discrepancy, the brain would eventually compensate for. I don't have this problem now. Good luck with your surgery.

 

[Anniesantiago]

#1 I’ve had it twice. My problem started after cataract surgery. One eye was a miracle and the other a nightmare Things happen.
#2 & 3 yes it was and I would do it again. It helps each time but it has reoccurred. I still have problems with increased pressure in that eye and will require drops forever. Sight in that eye changes in a daily basis which mean frequent lens changes in prescription.
#4 It does become a challenge walking but I always look down when I’m outside but I’ve done all my Caminos with this problem and do tend to catch my toes easily. Several falls but none in a foreign country. My worse problem is I seem to run into the edges of the wall corners at home because I’m not paying attention. Life is too short for me at 75 to let this slow me down.
You got this. Good luck.

Thank you so much for responding, Gloria.

Yes, my problem also began after cataract surgery.
I also must use drops forever since then.

Yes, the challenge is walking.
I'm learning to look down.
I fell on my last Camino and then again when I was home.
The one at home was definitely depth perception. Caught my toe on a bin I was unpacking.
Tore both rotator cuffs. That was LAST December and they still haven't healed.

I tell my kids I want to live to be 100 but it sure is a booger getting there!

So you WOULD do the surgery again - ok, that's what I'm wondering... if it has helped at all.
I'm particularly interested in the pilgrim community because we walk a lot more than most folks.

Thanks again and good luck to you too!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Interestingly, after detached retina surgery, I had symptoms which sound similar to yours @Anniesantiago . If I looked at vertical straight lines (buildings), these would be wobbly. My surgeon told me that these would improve as the retina settled down and any small discrepancy, the brain would eventually compensate for. I don't have this problem now. Good luck with your surgery.

The vitreous of the macula in my retina is stuck rather than detached (at last that's how I understand it) but the symptoms seem to be the same.
Yes, it's really weird. Lines on the road also look wavy as does the ground.
I'm hoping my brain will compensate but I think my poor brain is already overworked! lol!
Thanks - haven't decided yet if I will or will not do the surgery.

 

[gloria lowe]

Thank you so much for responding, Gloria.

Yes, my problem also began after cataract surgery.
I also must use drops forever since then.

Yes, the challenge is walking.
I'm learning to look down.
I fell on my last Camino and then again when I was home.
The one at home was definitely depth perception. Caught my toe on a bin I was unpacking.
Tore both rotator cuffs. That was LAST December and they still haven't healed.

I tell my kids I want to live to be 100 but it sure is a booger getting there!

So you WOULD do the surgery again - ok, that's what I'm wondering... if it has helped at all.
I'm particularly interested in the pilgrim community because we walk a lot more than most folks.

Thanks again and good luck to you too!

The surgery definitely helps. I know when the problem gets worse as the vision in that eye starts changing on an hourly basis. It shows up in the scans they do and they watch it for awhile to see if it gets worse or stabilizes and then go from there. If it gets worse I will gladly have it fixed again. To me the surgery is a breeze. I only let them numb my eye so I’m aware the whole time what they are doing. Being a nurse it doesn’t bother me knowing what they are doing. The worse part is the cost of new lenses all the time.

 

[Cicada]

Has anyone here ever had surgery for an epiretinal membrane (pucker?)?
Was it successful?
Would you do it again?
Does it affect your walking?

I've apparently developed one and I believe this is what caused me to take a fall on my last Camino, as I was walking on flat roadway and there was "literally" no reason for me to fall.

When I close my right eye, everything looks normal.
When I close my left eye, straight lines look wavy.
When both eyes are open, I'm great in a small room but outside, like going across the street to get the mail or driving, the ground looks "wonky" or "wavy" and I think it caused me to lose my footing.

If you have this you'll know what I'm talking about.

The retina specialist wanted me to have surgery in February but I've put it off until June because since then, I was on a couple of FB websites and probably about 75% of the people who'd had the surgery reported their eyesight either had NOT improved or was even worse. I am not sure it's worth it as my eyesight now is 20/25, not bad even though I have this "wonky" feeling that "just isn't right" when I'm outdoors.

Just wondering if anyone here has any feedback?

I had an epiretinal peel performed in September this this year. It took about 30 minutes and I stayed in Sydney Eye hospital overnight! My eyesight has improved !
I'm sure you're health care professional will tell you the ins and outs of this simple procedure
Don't ignore your eyes you'll only ever have one pair!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I had an epiretinal peel performed in September this this year. It took about 30 minutes and I stayed in Sydney Eye hospital overnight! My eyesight has improved !
I'm sure you're health care professional will tell you the ins and outs of this simple procedure
Don't ignore your eyes you'll only ever have one pair!

Thank you for your feedback.

 

[trecile]

Put other specialists on the spot. Tell them to put their nickel on the table and give their thoughts.

Ask the doctor what he would recommend for his own mother or other family member.

 

[WGroleau]

The retina specialist wanted me to have surgery in February but I've put it off until June because since then, I was on a couple of FB websites and probably about 75% of the people who'd had the surgery reported their eyesight either had NOT improved or was even worse.

Keep in mind that people with the results they expect are less likely to speak up than those with a complaint. Still, any complaints at all are worth thinking about. I’d suggest looking for info about the surgery on websites run by medical professionals. If they have no incentive to sell you on a surgery that they provide, they’ll typically tell “the whole truth.” (And compare two or more of them.) Some suggestions:

epiretinal membrane at DuckDuckGo

DuckDuckGo. Privacy, Simplified.

duckduckgo.com

 

[ginniek]

I know you didn't ask about rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders, but I would definitely have it again and also keep up with the prescribed exercises/physical therapy the rest of my life (I'm 77).

 

[Anniesantiago]

I know you didn't ask about rotator cuff surgery on both shoulders, but I would definitely have it again and also keep up with the prescribed exercises/physical therapy the rest of my life (I'm 77).

I have not yet had that surgery. Because I'm now able to put my arms up over my head and out to the side, the surgeon decided I had "full range of motion" even though it's extremely painful to put my arms BACKWARDS like when you put on a jacket. I'm a little concerned about putting on and off a backpack. We'll see how it goes.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I have not yet had that surgery. Because I'm now able to put my arms up over my head and out to the side, the surgeon decided I had "full range of motion" even though it's extremely painful to put my arms BACKWARDS like when you put on a jacket. I'm a little concerned about putting on and off a backpack. We'll see how it goes.

Annie, I broke my proximal humerus bone (broken shoulder) seven months ago. I had over three months of physical therapy, and was told I had 90% ROM recovered. My arm has less strength, I still have some pain when lifting my arm over my head, and it's more painful raising it out to the side at shoulder level; similar to your issues. Thankfully mine is just the left arm. I walked the Madrid Way in October (from Segovia) and managed my backpack quite well, although my son accompanied me and helped anytime I asked.
Wish you well; both your eye and arms.

 

[Anamiri]

Ask the doctor what he would recommend for his own mother or other family member.

I was extremely short sighted for most of my life, very nearly legally blind.
That means that glasses frames were always made small, because of the thickness required at the outer edge, other extremely short sighted people will understand what I mean by that. My left eye was much worse than my right, and I eventually lost sight in it. Because of the small frames I was easily able to 'see' out the side of the frames and because of my terrible vision and the fact it was different in each eye, the distortion was terrible, I could really only see well straight ahead. Contact lenses were much better, removing the distortion and allowing me to see 'normally'. But my eyes didn't tolerate them well.
When I had to wear glasses ( to give my eyes a break from contact lenses) I was quite unstable when walking, the level of the floor out the side of the glasses lenses was very different to what I could see through the lenses, a lot. I could never look at the ground, and stairs were very tricky. I was surrounded by different floor heights whenever I moved and I never left the house when wearing glasses, and would put up with really painful eyes from contacts for hours rather than wear glasses.
I wore contact lenses for many years, eventually also getting cataracts.
Then eventually I had cataract surgery at 50 which was a complete miracle. But the surgeon recommended me to have different lenses in each eye, his reason was that one eye would be for close and the other for distance. According to him its what he would do for his mother. That didnt sound like a great idea to me.
I asked other people for their experiences which were overwhelmingly to have the same sight in each eye.
I told the surgeon I wanted the same in both eyes, having been plagued by different vision all my life.
He grudgingly agreed, and I am so glad that I insisted. (I hoped his mother would never need the surgery).
My close up sight now is pretty good, and I have brilliant distance vision, I don't need glasses for most things. I've been very pleased with my decision.
The shape of my eye is prone to retinal detachment, and I did have a slight issue, which didn't cause any real sight issues given its placement. But I know it is a possibility I may have to face, and have my eyes thoroughly checked regularly.

 

[Khakuda]

I don’t even know what community I am responding to, but when I was googling around for information on healing after macular puckers surgery, I found this forum.

Around age 50 I had posterior vitreous detachment, saw lights, got floaters. I went to the eye doctor, who told me everything is normal. It happens to everyone if they live long enough. He checked to make sure I didn’t have any retinal tears and I thought that was it. Two years later at age 52 I went back because I was experiencing wavy vision in one eye. They told me that it was best to watch it to see if it remains stable or if it kept growing. Told me that I had a membrane on the other eye as well. At age 57, wavy eye started seeing everything larger and higher and my brain was having difficulty merging the two images when I was reading. Then, I started to notice in the second eye that my central vision was disappearing, which was very alarming. My doctor still didn’t seem all that concerned and finally, I called another doctor in New York City who was very well regarded. he did the exam and he said that I had up retinal membranes in both eyes and that they had caused premature cataracts to form. He suggested I get the cataracts in the eye that was losing vision dealt with first and then he would do the pucker peel 3 weeks later. That was five months ago and my eye now sees fantastically well. Everything is bright and very clear.

Seven weeks ago, I had cataract surgery on the other eye, which is the first one with the wavy, larger misplaced vision. Three weeks later, I had the pucker peeled off, so it has been one month since the retina surgery to remove the membrane. Although it is still early, this eye does not seem to be showing any improvement. The doctor is excellent, and people travel from around the United States to see him. He said he was still hopeful that I would get some improvement but that because it had been 5-6 years since the distortion was first noticed, it may not go back enough to improve the binocular fusion. That said, we really won’t know for several more months. The first eye where I was losing central vision and everything washed out to the point that I could not read a newspaper or magazine, started to improve 10 days after surgery when I started to be able to see things again and is now perfect. Even the cataract surgeon was shocked how well I could see.

I wish I could give a definitive answer, but I am still in recovery. I am glad I did the surgery because one eye is terrific, and I got rid of all the floaters in both. Whether the second eye improves to the point I am happy I still don’t know, but I am happy the membranes are gone and won’t cause any further damage or distortion.

The surgery is not a big deal. There is no pain I could actually see everything they were doing inside my eye, which was interesting and unexpected For the first week, I had an air bubble the put in my eye, and I was not allowed to sleep lying on my back. The Bubble goes away on its own, shrinking every day. And there are a lot of eyedrops for a couple months.

So here’s my advice. I think I made a mistake by waiting. I think my original doctor should have informed me that the longer the membrane is on and pulling, the less healing you will get. As with any doctor, you want to do your own research as you are doing and be your own advocate. Originally, I saw my doctor and then I saw a surgeon as well and both told me to wait. I waited and now the specialist in New York City told me I may have waited too long, though it is too soon to tell.

Because it is rare for these membranes to form and create problems with vision and because most people don’t need surgery, the doctors suggest waiting and watching. When you get the OCT every year at the eye doctor, make sure you take take a look to see if it is getting worse. Mine was very stable for a while and then all of a sudden both eyes went bad as the membrane started to pull again.

Good luck to you, whoever and wherever you are!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I don’t even know what community I am responding to, but when I was googling around for information on healing after macular puckers surgery, I found this forum.

Around age 50 I had posterior vitreous detachment, saw lights, got floaters. I went to the eye doctor, who told me everything is normal. It happens to everyone if they live long enough. He checked to make sure I didn’t have any retinal tears and I thought that was it. Two years later at age 52 I went back because I was experiencing wavy vision in one eye. They told me that it was best to watch it to see if it remains stable or if it kept growing. Told me that I had a membrane on the other eye as well. At age 57, wavy eye started seeing everything larger and higher and my brain was having difficulty merging the two images when I was reading. Then, I started to notice in the second eye that my central vision was disappearing, which was very alarming. My doctor still didn’t seem all that concerned and finally, I called another doctor in New York City who was very well regarded. he did the exam and he said that I had up retinal membranes in both eyes and that they had caused premature cataracts to form. He suggested I get the cataracts in the eye that was losing vision dealt with first and then he would do the pucker peel 3 weeks later. That was five months ago and my eye now sees fantastically well. Everything is bright and very clear.

Seven weeks ago, I had cataract surgery on the other eye, which is the first one with the wavy, larger misplaced vision. Three weeks later, I had the pucker peeled off, so it has been one month since the retina surgery to remove the membrane. Although it is still early, this eye does not seem to be showing any improvement. The doctor is excellent, and people travel from around the United States to see him. He said he was still hopeful that I would get some improvement but that because it had been 5-6 years since the distortion was first noticed, it may not go back enough to improve the binocular fusion. That said, we really won’t know for several more months. The first eye where I was losing central vision and everything washed out to the point that I could not read a newspaper or magazine, started to improve 10 days after surgery when I started to be able to see things again and is now perfect. Even the cataract surgeon was shocked how well I could see.

I wish I could give a definitive answer, but I am still in recovery. I am glad I did the surgery because one eye is terrific, and I got rid of all the floaters in both. Whether the second eye improves to the point I am happy I still don’t know, but I am happy the membranes are gone and won’t cause any further damage or distortion.

The surgery is not a big deal. There is no pain I could actually see everything they were doing inside my eye, which was interesting and unexpected For the first week, I had an air bubble the put in my eye, and I was not allowed to sleep lying on my back. The Bubble goes away on its own, shrinking every day. And there are a lot of eyedrops for a couple months.

So here’s my advice. I think I made a mistake by waiting. I think my original doctor should have informed me that the longer the membrane is on and pulling, the less healing you will get. As with any doctor, you want to do your own research as you are doing and be your own advocate. Originally, I saw my doctor and then I saw a surgeon as well and both told me to wait. I waited and now the specialist in New York City told me I may have waited too long, though it is too soon to tell.

Because it is rare for these membranes to form and create problems with vision and because most people don’t need surgery, the doctors suggest waiting and watching. When you get the OCT every year at the eye doctor, make sure you take take a look to see if it is getting worse. Mine was very stable for a while and then all of a sudden both eyes went bad as the membrane started to pull again.

Good luck to you, whoever and wherever you are!

Thank you so much for your response.
I've kept the June surgery date.
My pre-op appointment is the day after I return from this year's Camino.
If nothing else, the removal of the giant floater that moves around and occasionally blocks my vision will help.

 

[Khakuda]

Thank you so much for your response.
I've kept the June surgery date.
My pre-op appointment is the day after I return from this year's Camino.
If nothing else, the removal of the giant floater that moves around and occasionally blocks my vision will help.

Of course.

I had the same thing. A bunch of annoying floaters, and then one that was like a giant cloud that would pass by. Those are gone. The other thing that you may notice is that over time as the retina flattens down more light is getting in so things will appear a little bit brighter and clearer to you. The day after surgery is a little bit weird because you have that bubble of air in your eye and you look a white wall and see red splotches and color from your retina which is really annoyed that something was just ripped off of it. After a week or so that clears up. Best of luck on the surgery and recovery.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Of course.

I had the same thing. A bunch of annoying floaters, and then one that was like a giant cloud that would pass by. Those are gone. The other thing that you may notice is that over time as the retina flattens down more light is getting in so things will appear a little bit brighter and clearer to you. The day after surgery is a little bit weird because you have that bubble of air in your eye and you look a white wall and see red splotches and color from your retina which is really annoyed that something was just ripped off of it. After a week or so that clears up. Best of luck on the surgery and recovery.

Yes, the "bubble" was the reason I cancelled my hospitalera service next month and put off the surgery until after my Camino. My understanding was that I'd have to be face-down for 7-10 days until the bubble dissipated, and since my housemate is gone to the desert for the winter, I put it off until he's home and I'll have help.
Again, thanks for your post.

 

[Khakuda]

Yes, the "bubble" was the reason I cancelled my hospitalera service next month and put off the surgery until after my Camino. My understanding was that I'd have to be face-down for 7-10 days until the bubble dissipated, and since my housemate is gone to the desert for the winter, I put it off until he's home and I'll have help.
Again, thanks for your post.

I actually did not have to be face down. The doctor said facedown would only be if the retina got torn while he was pulling the membrane off. Then I would be in for five days of full-time face down. Otherwise, I could operate normally during the daytime and they just asked me not to lay in my back at night.

So I got a sock and put a couple tennis balls in and safety pinned to the back of my shirt so that I couldn’t roll over on my back. So, no face down.
Some doctors may require it, but mine did not. I asked him if it would help to be face down and he said no. Of course, you cannot fly in an airplane when you have the air bubble in your eye.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Ok thanks. We can take this to a private chat if there's more, as this is a forum about the Camino Santiago, not my eyes.