small print. There may be a gray
area in the center of your vision, or
perhaps even a blind spot. For most
people, visual acuity remains stable
and does not get progressively worse.
Usually macular pucker affects one
eye, although it may affect the other
eye later.
IS A MACULAR PUCKER THE SAME AS AGERELATED
MACULAR DEGENERATION (AMD)?
No. A macular pucker and AMD are
two separate and distinct conditions,
although the symptoms for each are
similar. Your retinal specialist will
know the difference.
IS A MACULAR PUCKER SIMILAR TO A
MACULAR HOLE?
A macular pucker and a macular hole
are different conditions, although
they both result from a shrinking
vitreous. When this shrinkage causes
microscopic damage, the retina can
heal itself; scar tissue, or a macular
pucker, can be the result. If the
shrinking vitreous pulls too hard, it
can tear the retina, creating a macular
hole, which is more serious. Both
conditions have similar symptoms –
distorted and blurred vision.
WHAT IS MACULAR PUCKER SURGERY?
In many cases, the symptoms of a
macular pucker are mild, and no
treatment is necessary. Eye drops,
medications, and nutritional supplements
will not improve vision problems
caused by epiretinal membrane.
Sometimes the scar tissue which
causes a macular pucker separates
from the retina, and the problem
clears up.
If vision deteriorates to the point
where it affects routine activities,
surgery may be the best option. This
procedure is called a vitrectomy, in
which the vitreous gel is replaced
by a salt solution to prevent it from
pulling on the retina (because the vitreous
is mostly water, you will notice
no change between the salt solution
and the normal vitreous). The
surgeon also removes the scar tissue
causing the wrinkling. A vitrectomy
usually requires local anesthesia.
After the operation, you will need to
use medicated eye drops to protect
against infection and swelling.
HOW SUCCESSFUL IS THIS SURGERY?
While vision improves in most cases,
it does not always return to normal.
Most patients notice a significant
improvement in vision distortion. Recovery
of vision can take up to three
months.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF SURGERY?
The most common complication of a
vitrectomy is an increase in the rate
of cataract development. Cataract surgery
may be necessary within a few
years after the vitrectomy. Other less
common complications are retinal
detachment either during or after
surgery, and infection after surgery.
Also, the membrane may grow back,
although this is rare.
For more information, contact Dr. D.M. Deupree, Dr. Michael Tolentino and Dr. Katherine Macoul:
3280 N. McMullen Booth Rd, Ste 120, Clwtr FL 33761 • 727-789-8770 • www.MaculaCenter.com
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