Early AMD and epimacular membrane

[cherrabah]

Hi, I have been diagnosed with early dry macular degeneration in both eyes but apparently any visual distortion I have (wavy lines etc.,) are due to this membrane rather than AMD at the moment.

Other distortion is that the membrane eye sees things larger that the other. Ibeelieve surgery to remove it is possible and was referred to nhs eye care a year ago, but their waiting lists are long …. However, I understand it’s not urgent and any progression won’t make its removal more challenging so I’ll continue to wait.

My questions are: has anyone else had a epiretinal or epimacular membrane? If so, has anyone had surgery to remove it? Will areds2 supplements slow down future progression of AMD even though it’s early stage? And finally, I need new glasses mainly due. To wear and tear but my optician thought it not worth it as eyes need constant reviewing due to these problems.

Thoughts appreciated, thanks! 😊👍

[Koalajane]

I don’t have the membrane but I believe the op they do is the vitrectomy which I had done on Monday of this week. I had cataract surgery a couple of weeks ago and some of the fragments fell behind the eye so they couldn’t put the new lens in. The operation was to take the pieces out and to put the new lens in. It went well and I have not been in too much pain since. I have read it is a common operation. It was done under local anaesthetic and took about an hour.

[cherrabah in reply to Koalajane]

Thanks for this - encouraging and helpful and wish you well for a continued and comfortable recovery. 😊👍

[thom3patty]

I am having surgery 3/6/23 to remove a membrane known as a wrinkle or macular pucker I am having a virectomy done if this is what you mean I can let you know after Monday how it went good luck to you

[cherrabah in reply to thom3patty]

Thanks for your reply … yes, I think it’s a virectomy that was suggested. Wishing you well and would like to know how you get on (if you can see to use your I-Pad!?) Also, I think you may be in America as I read that date for your op as being 3rd June …I’m in England with a struggling nhs.

[thom3patty in reply to cherrabah]

yes I am in America ! Erie Pennsylvania and surgery is Monday March 6th 2023 I sure will let you know how it goes

[cherrabah in reply to thom3patty]

How are you now? Have you had the op? x

[thom3patty in reply to cherrabah]

yes I did have my surgery Monday. It went way better than I anticipated! I felt absolutely nothing. I was only awake in the beginnings and then was out until it was over. They removed the wrinkle also known as macular pucker without any problems. They also did some laser while in there and removed dried blood and debri. I have an air bubble instead of the gas bubble. Big difference is with air I don’t have to look down for 4 days. The first night was rough as eye hurt but since then steadily improving. Dr said he feels I will not need anymore injections as my eye is like a brand new eye!!! It still is blurry to see with but def improving. Thank you so much for asking

[cherrabah in reply to thom3patty]

Thank you so much for your positive reply; really pleased it’s all behind you and already sounds a successful op with a healthy optimistic outlook. Wishing you all the best and hope you continue with a good, comfortable recovery … very pleased you’ve let me know how it went 😊👍 x

[thom3patty in reply to cherrabah]

thank you❤️

[Rosalyn-helpline Partner]

Dear Cherrabah,

We have a webinar that deals with epiretinal membranes, and one that should help address your AREDS 2 query:

macularsociety.org/support/...

macularsociety.org/support/...

You could use both of these as the basis for questions for your ophthalmologist.

Kind regards,

Advice and Information Service

Macular Society

Tel [phone]

macularsociety.org

[cherrabah in reply to Rosalyn-helpline]

Thanks for those links - much appreciated 👍😊