Had Macular hole surgery December 2024

[Red1308]

Hi, I was diagnosed with a full thickness macular hole in my right eye, November 2024, had surgery December 31st 2024, they inserted a gas bubble, they also did cataract surgery at the same time. The operation was fine, I was asleep for it, the recovery was harder as face down for a week, had a check up the following day, all well, had a follow up check up 2 weeks later on the 14th January 2025, the gas bubble has halved in size, I can see above the bubble and the bubble should dissipate over the next 2/3 weeks. Vision is slightly cloudy yet but they said it will improve over the next few months.

[springcross]

Hi Red1308. I'm really glad to hear that it's all behind you now, you must be so relieved. I had the gas bubble too a few years' ago after retinal detachment op, fortunately for me, I didn't have to posture face down afterwards, I had to lie partly towards my right side and stay off my left side but it was all OK.

[Jill13 in reply to springcross]

I am in Australia and have had that macular hole repair operation in both eyes about 10 years ago. The gas dissipates over time and eyesight is restored well. Worst part is having to have head down for a week but worth it for good outcome. You sound as if you are experiencing a positive outcome.

[springcross in reply to Jill13]

Goodness, once is bad enough but twice!! Yes, I am experiencing a positive outcome from mine thankfully, except that I do have wet AMD in the same eye diagnosed in 2018 but I'm grateful that it's being treated.

[Jill13 in reply to springcross]

I later developed wet AMD in both eyes and currently have eyelea injections but left eye is still deteriorating. Good luck

[springcross in reply to Jill13]

I'm sorry to hear that. Have you considered changing to Vabysmo? It made so much difference to my eye having spent over 5 years on Eylea with very little change to the fluid and there is a stronger dose which has been around for a few months now but you may know about that (or maybe are already having it) - an 8 mg injection (Eylea HD) instead of the 2 mg. I've been offered it as I still have a bit of fluid there but I chose to stay with Vabysmo for now as it has made such a difference to my vision.

[Jill13 in reply to springcross]

yes have true Vabysmo but didn’t work for me Eyelea HD seems to be best for me

[springcross in reply to Jill13]

All the best going forward. 😊

[trishrg]

Hi Red, I had FTMH surgery to right eye in July 2024. Same deal, face down posturing for a week was the hardest part. Guessing the cataract surgery at the same time really was a blessing if you were asleep for the entire procedure.

Indeed, vision is wonky with the gas bubble. I just noticed one day, POOF! It was gone after being a tiny dot.

I believe things will only get better for you once you're fully healed.

Best to you.

[Red1308 in reply to trishrg]

Thank you Trisgrg, the bubble is down to about a third, it’s annoying as been stuck in now for 2 and a half weeks as don’t feel safe driving yet, but it’s also amazing seeing straight lines above it instead of the wonky lines I used to see, how long did it take for your vision to fully recover as my vision above is ok but still cloudy yet.

[trishrg in reply to Red1308]

I think it was around 3 months when it was improved to the best it's gonna get. I still have the macular degeneration, but with both eyes, good vision. Still driving, bird watching etc.

Just a bit more time and you should be good. As Tom Petty once sang, "The waiting is the hardest part" 🙃

[marypw]

That gas bubble gets to be really irritating, but it will go.! About 3 years on from the surgery I now have a little distortion in my central vision in that eye when I check it on an Amsler grid, but I don’t notice it otherwise.

[Red1308]

Thank you Mary, it is irritating, it’s the first thing I look at in the morning and just want it gone, it’s good to know it’s not forever, it’s three weeks tomorrow since surgery and vision is improving daily, your post reminded me it will go and it’s not forever, thank you.

[Fuzzbox100]

Glad that the surgery went well for. I had retinal detachment surgery before Christmas. A big worry at the time! I had to be face down for 24 hours after the op and then left side posturing for a week. Daily drops every 4 hours for 4 weeks! The gas bubble dissipated after about 2 weeks I've been left with 'blurred vision' but waiting for my prescription to be updated to hopefully address this. I got a pair of cheap 'overnight' glasses with a temporary Specsavers prescription which has got me driving again. All a bit inconvenient but glad that I had the op in time to save the sight. But good luck with your continuing recovery - you just have to be a bit patient, in my experience!