I've had this for about five years now and it affects the vision in my right eye - straight lines are wavy, etc. The worst thing is the double vision I get, as the image I get from each eye is different. I've still to find anybody who has, or has had, this and would really like to compare notes with somebody about it.
View 5 RepliesHad membrane peeling surgery done last Thursday and am wondering how quickly the vision recovers? The day after mine, when the patch was taken off, I barely could see 20/200 so the assisting surgeon put a patch back on (to help pressure build up) and sent me home. I was in complete shock because my vision before was good (other than the wavy/distortion/smaller letters). True to his word, my vision was greatly improved the next day (although I looked like I took a hard left from Mike Tyson :). Before surgery, I was seeing 20/50 uncorrected and 20/30-2 corrected but objects were distorted and wavy and there was concern if left untreated it could further worsen my central vision (white spots, etc). I had 3 unsuccessful detached retina surgeries prior before Dr Charles successfully reattached my retina with full silicone oil fill. I developed a bad cataract from the oil so it was removed first (which may be unique to others here). When he did the membrane peeling he told me it should get me to the 20/30 to 20/20 uncorrected range. I have already noticed a great difference in the distortion issues but my vision is still blurry but improving. I know I'm early in the recovery process and although I'm a veteran at retina surgeries (both eyes), I know very little about the results of membrane peeling (other than vision improves significantly in most cases). I am curious on how long it has taken for others (days, weeks, months, years) for recovery of vision to be complete following the membrane peeling surgery.
View 2 RepliesI had a vitrectomy for a macular pucker a year and a half ago. The main symptom was distortion. After the surgery, I had gray patches in my field of vision, which I hoped would go away in time, since the surgeon said it might take a year for full recovery. Needless to say, I still have the gray patches, cannot read with that eye, and the doctor brushed me off without ever explaining what was going on, as did two other ophthalmologists. I developed the expected cataract and had cataract surgery two days ago. It went fine and was "successful," but I still have patchy vision in that eye. Does anyone know anything about it and if anything can be done? I assume it is the damage to the receptors when the scar tissue was pulled up.
View 1 RepliesI would love to hear stories of how this surgery turned out for you.
Mine, diagnosed last Aug. and on a recheck found it to be slightly worse so they recommend surgery to fix it. I was seeing 20/40 and she didn't say what it was on this recent appt. I can tell it's worse.
Is it worth the risks of surgery to repair this? I've read that if it gets worse the correction will not work as well. If done early success is more likely.
The risks scare me. Infection, Retina detachment, double vision.....
How can I decide if this is right for me?
Recently went for my annual checkup to my retinal specialist and the exam revealed a weakness in my right eye. Focus not clear in it, and wavy lines when reading a grid. I was surprised at the wavy lines!
Long story short was diagnosed with macular pucker in the bad eye. When questioned about the cause etc was told its from age (I am 70) and there was nothing that could be done to address the degradation in vision.
After researching the diagnosis it seemed there is a surgical procedure to address the scarring and improve vision, but although it may help it is not a complete cure.
I have had a macular pucker in my right eye for three years. It's not terrible, just very frustrating. It has been changing only a little from year to year.
I have not wanted to try vitreous surgery for epimacular membranes (macular pucker 'repair') because of the risk of some of the receptor cells being damaged as the scar tissue (epimacular membrane) is pulled off the macula. I don't want blind spots.
Yesterday an optometrist told me that I risk getting those same blind spots by not having the surgery - because the scar tissue is pulling the receptor cells away from their blood supply.
Is/are there any data or studies that compare the risks of having the surgery with the risks of not having the surgery - as regards damage to the macular cells?
I know that development of cataracts is a well known complication of having the surgery. And having to risk cataract surgery is another reason I have for resisting the pucker repair.
I am seriously considering getting glasses that adjust for my main problem (things look 15% bigger in my right eye). This condition, caused by the membrane, is called aniseikonia and can be compensated for by getting glasses that minimize the image in my right eye.
If the risks of surgery, and there are many, are greater than no surgery, special glasses will be my choice.
I've read that, on average, the surgery, if successful, gives you back half of the vision originally lost to the pucker. I think that means I would still need special glasses.
I have had 5 surgeries on my left eye. It started with a basic cataract surgery that I had cloudy vision issues with, retina detachment, high eye pressure, laser to "fix the pressure issue which did not work, a tube was put in to decrease the pressure which worked and finally macular pucker surgery but the eye collapsed and the Dr. had to inject something into the eye to maintain the shape.... At this point, 2 months after the macular pucker surgery, my vision has not improved and I can only see faint images for distance and can't read anything.
The cataract and laser surgery was performed by an ophthalmologist and all of the other procedures was done by a retina specialist.
My retina Dr. is saying that the eye is still swollen and recovering from the "collapse" and it will take time before my sight begins to improve
Is there anyone who has had the same issues? Any suggestions?
I can see 20/200 on my left eye, but after macular pucker surgery, i can only see light , but no image after 2 1/2 days .
Is that normal?
Over a year ago I noticed a change in my vision. It was diagnosed as a macular pucker. I repeated a visit to a retina specialist and she recommends surgery to repair it at an early stage rather than waiting until it gets worse. I live in a large metro area with great doctors and the one I see has good marks.
I can see 20/40 in the bad eye and just fine in the other one. I do wear glasses though. I can tell that my vision is weird as it tries to blend the 2 eyes together but it doesn't stop me from living a normal life.
So, is it worth it to have the surgery like they say or can I just wait it out? If it never changes from what I have I will be fine. I fear the bad results possible with surgery. Why risk a bad outcome and a worse problem than I have now?
On Jan 6 of this year my ophthalmologist advised me I had a macular pucker in my right eye. During that visit and prior to her diagnosis I received an eye chart test in which I noticed for the first time that straight lines were slightly wavy in the right eye.
My doctor’s diagnosis was that the same right eye had a cataract and I should see an eye surgeon to discuss possible surgery.
A month later I had the cataract surgery and was on a regimen of eye drops (pred Forte & Ilevro)
(one week prior and three weeks after the surgery).
On 3/21 (my last post op visit) I mentioned that the cataract surgery has improved the vision in the right eye but I have noticed the waviness of straight lines due to the macular pucker in the same eye seems a little more pronounced. I was given a test to see if the pucker had worsened and was told it had but only slightly (foveal thickness was 429 from 437 on Feb 6
I was also told to continue with the pred forte but increase to 3 times a day and the ilevro twice a day.
The doctor said it was possible the cataract surgery may have affected the pucker a little and that I should see a retinal specialist in several weeks to learn if the pucker size had changed further.
Am looking for a second opinion on this course of action and to see if anyone has had a similar experience with cataract surgery affecting a macular pucker
Diagnosed with Macular Pucker. Retina specialist had me try steroid drops but did not help vision in fact made it worse. So surgery is now recommended. I would like to get a second opinion. Also have developed cataract in that eye and wonder if that can be done at the same time.
View 1 RepliesDoes your distorted vision make you feel wobbly or slightly off balance?
I have had one for a few months (perhaps longer, I wasn't aware of what it was) and my first diagnosis was anxiety.
So now I think the anxiety is making me feel off balance and shaky but could it just be the distorted vision that does this to me?
Do you ever get used to it? Mine is 20/40 and I have no decided on surgery.
I am a 73 year old active male who was diagnosed with a macular pucker in my left eye a few years ago.
At that time I went to a retina specialist who said he would do the surgery but most people wait until they can no longer drive. Also the surgeon was my age and I don't want someone my age doing the surgery so I started seeing another retina specialist and she agreed that we would keep watching it and wait until it got worse. Last June when I saw her she said my vision in that eye is getting worse and if it continues to decline at the same rate of speed she would recommend the surgery in one year. She also gave me an eye chart and said to check it once a month and if getting worse to call her. Well it has gotten slightly worse and I have an appointment with her this june so I am sure she will want to do the surgery but it hasn't effected my life style at all . I can read the newspaper although I am sure it is my right eye doing most of the work. I don't have any problem driving although I cant see as well at night as I could when younger but I feel that is natural for my age group. I don't have double vision or any blind spot in my eye. She also removes the cataract at the same time which I know all doctors don't seem to do. my biggest problem , is I am a widower and don't have anyone to take care of me during the week or two of face down recovery. I guess I would have hire someone to come in. So I am wondering why I should go through all this for maybe a slight improvement in my left eye seeing fine print?
I've had a squint all my life (30 years) had two previous surgeries that did not work. My right eye turns inward.
Recently I was referred to hospital for Botox treatment. This was carried out 9 days ago.
My eye is now straight. (Yay) I am however suffering from double vision when I look to the left and what I can only describe as slight 'ghost' double images (not constant) that seems to appear randomly and when looking in any direction,
Has anyone had Botox and experienced something similar? I'm just looking for reassurance that the double vision will pass and I can continue with the Botox treatment?
The botox kicked in 3 days after it was administered so I've only had double vision for about 6 days.
Was diagnosed with pmr a year ago by my family doctor, was put on 15mg prednisone and my entire life changed, the pain was gone and my quality of life restored. Was sent to a rheumatologist to confirm diagnosis and was Told there was nothing wrong with me and to discontinue prednisone. My gp agreed to keep me on it. Here's the problem, my gp now wants me to taper down to 5mg. About the same time as the pmr diagnosis I also started having problems with my eyes, blurred and double vision, this condition has gotten quite bad and I'm really struggling with my vision. I have been checked out by eye specialist and mri and told nothing is wrong. I'm at the end of my rope and just don't know what to do. The tapering of the prednisone is not going well as the pain is all coming back again, and I just can't
keep going through this. I feel like the doctors don't believe me and have nowhere to turn. I know that I can not go back to living a life of existence only. Is there anyone out there that can help me?
I had macular pucker surgery in May, 2015...doctor used an air bubble (did not have to lay face down as part of recovery process)...follow ups have all shown that vision has not improved in eye since surgery...doctor is recommending another macular pucker surgery...I'm wondering if use of air bubbles instead of argon gas bubble may not allow as efficient recovery?.
View 1 RepliesI'm not particularly worried about this but I'd rather know what it is. I quite commonly will get, after stretching or getting up suddenly, flying black dots in my peripheral vision. These tiny black dots just appear, fly in a direction, then disappear. A bit like a swarm of flies in the corner of my eye except they keep appearing and disappearing individually. It might last up to five seconds or so. Then it's gone and I feel fine. I'm pretty sure I've had this for years.
View 1 RepliesMy doctor pretty much acted horrifically shocked at my weight gain (double in weight in less than a year) but will not help me get off mirtazapine. I'm sat here in tears. I can't win ! I have episodes so vile and destructive and they're getting worse because I'm disgusted by my vile appearance.. I can't win ? What can I do ? The one person who should be able to help me is ignoring my pleas ..
I'm heartbroken. Either I sleep and keep getting fat which equals being exhausted every time I leave my house and never fitting into my clothes and being so ashamed of myself my depression starts up again OR I return to sleepless nights (meaning paranoia and unusual sleeping patterns grumpiness) but be slim again and comfortable going out in my own skin..
I'm so lost.. I never knew how badly this drug could affect someone.. My entire life has vanished because I hate myself and I get so sweaty and out of breath everytime I walk up the stairs.. I have tried to just NOT eat but it makes me so miserable the hunger.. I can't cope. I'm so bloody disgusted by myself
Ive got no way out, i've gotten into this awful hole and i've got no way to get out im stuck i hate what i've become i don't know what to do,
I'm 42. Weight is 133. Mother of 4. Recovering from double mastectomy. My problem is now that I do not have any breasts my ribs really bulge out just below where a bra would sit. It really looks like the top of a beer gut. My movement is still limited. Please advise on exercise and number of reps to give a flatter belly and more curvy sides. Also to strengthen the collar bone area. I've looked online but I'm not sure of the reps because I do not want to bulk up- just tone
View 1 RepliesHad this op performed by Mr Reece at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Glasgow just over 3 weeks ago. I have 8 screws and two cages in my disc space packed with synthetic bone grafts and injected with bone marrow taken from my vertebrae.
I was up walking the same day, baby steps buy nonetheless, walking. I was in hospital for 4 days (I would have been out earlier if my bowels had moved sooner).
The first 2 weeks were pretty uncomfortable. Very sore to move as the front stomach wound was very swollen and tight. Once this initial period passed things became easier.
I can now get up from lying in bed or on the couch without much pain, it's still there in the background but not all controlling.
I'm walking everyday, not far but doing this a number of times.
I'm taking this recovery very slowly as this is last go at resolving my back pain after having two previous surgeries on the same site (S1-L4).
Only sitting for very brief spells, not driving yet due to wound, plus sitting does bring on the pain. I have had some nerve pain down my left leg, probably every few days or so but it settles after some meds.
I am still on my nerve pain meds as the damage from previous surgeries won't be fixed by the op. Also still on Dihydrocodeine 60mg X 4 daily but I'll try and reduce these over the coming months.
Would I say that it's been successful? Yes! I have greatly reduced back pain which was my dominant pain source.
It is a major decision to have this op but I had been through all conservative methods previously which didn't assist at all.
Hopefully things will continue to improve over the coming weeks and months. I'll report back over this timescale.
After a 4 year wait, I finally had a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon. He said I was a good candidate for cheilectomy. But after reading all the horror stories on these boards, I wonder if I should even have this surgery!
Most days, my pain is tolerable. I walk quite a bit, try to run at least twice a week and cycle every day. The running part is the worst : the most I can do now is 15 minutes. But I love running! Even had the fantasy of running a marathon before I turn 50. That's why I am considering surgery. I hope to regain a little range of motion and lower pain.
Has anyone had good results? Is it possible to run after a cheilectomy? How long does it take to be able to run again after surgery? Does the bone spurs grow back? How is the long term prognosis?
I'm 48 years old and can't keep up with my mom who is 74 ... I have to do something! Can anyone help me decide if cheilectomy is right for me?