Macular Pucker

[JGer123]

Hi - My mom is having an issue with a Macular Pucker, which is affecting her vision pretty significantly. She has seen a doctor about it, who spoke of a surgery where they kind of scrape the effected area to remove the pucker. He said it is long recovery process with results that are not guaranteed. I believe he said the procedure is only successful about 50% of the time. Has anyone had any successful procedures that removed their Macular Pucker? I appreciate any feedback or advice people have on this condition and the procedures to correct it.

[AustralianNightOwl]

I have a macular pucker caused by vitreous detachment two years ago. It has eased over time, and I think the other eye helps make up for the deficit. My ophthalmologist is not keen on operating, and said he does so only rarely, as a last resort. Hopefully time will make this easier for your Mum. Does she know what caused the pucker?

[JGer123 in reply to AustralianNightOwl]

Thanks for sharing this with me. Unfortunately, we don't know what caused it. Do you recall how long it took before you felt your vision start to improve? My mom has had the pucker for at least 6 months, and it doesn't seem to be improving. I'm very concerned about her having the surgery because of the feedback that I've heard about it.

[AustralianNightOwl in reply to JGer123]

It took at least six months or more for improvement but not resolved, but then I developed an unrelated problems in that eye which caused vision to get worse (diabetic retinopathy and a cataract). Treatment for the former, and cataract surgery, have improved my vision, and now the pucker is less noticeable to me. I hope time helps your mum improve.

[JGer123 in reply to AustralianNightOwl]

I'm happy to hear you're doing better. Thanks for the information.

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Hello JGer123,

I have copied a link to some information on macular pucker (epiretinal membrane) in case this is of assistance:

moorfields.nhs.uk/condition...

moorfields.nhs.uk/sites/def...

"What improvement in my vision can I expect after the operation?

After an epiretinal membrane is removed, vision gradually improves

over a period of three to six months in 70%-80% of patients. However, in

some cases vision may not improve following surgery, due to damage

already caused by the membrane. In about 10% of patients, the membrane

may return, which will cause the visual problems to recur. Surgery usually

improves the vision in the affected eye, but it will never be completely normal. "

Kind regards,

Macular Society Advice and Information Service

0300 3030 111

[e-mail]

[Lynard]

I had surgery for a macular pucker caused by the vitreous tugging. I am in the States. Prior to surgery I was warned I maybe could have to recover in a face down position, but that thankfully was avoided. It will soon be 2 years and I just tested 20/20 minus 2 in that eye. There is still some waviness on the Amsler Grid, but my left eye evens out good vision. It was very scary, and surgery got delayed due to covid lock down, but my vision got much better after the procedure.

[JGer123 in reply to Lynard]

I appreciate the input Lynard. Do you remember what the surgery was that they did for you?

[AustralianNightOwl]

Very helpful, thank you.

[Lynard]

Vitrectomy | RIGHT EYE VITRECTOMY, MEMBRANE DISSECTION with no gas bubble was the procedure done.

[JGer123 in reply to Lynard]

Thanks, Lynard. And how long was your recovery? If you don't mind me asking, how old are you? My mom is 63, and I would like her to get this corrected before my wedding in June, but I don't want her dealing with a recovery at my wedding if it is a long process.

[Lynard]

I was 68 at that time, in very good health other than that and wet AMD in opposite eye. Recovery was fine, only restriction was on altitude / elevation, could not fly or drive mountains. If a gas bubble is used, then the healing would have required face down for two weeks. I was just lucky about that I guess, they prepared me for the worse and I got off without it. Good luck with all of this, it is terrifying!

[JGer123 in reply to Lynard]

Thanks again, Lynard