Macular pucker surgery using 25 gauge small incision “no stitch” system. This 68 year old man has had decreasing vision for 1 year from a macular pucker. He also is diabetic and has had cataract surgery. Because of his macular edema he was treated over the year with steroids, but his viision did not improve. The visual acuity is 20/100. Usually vision is worse for 2 to 4 weeks after macular pucker surgery. Thanks to the small incision system and also because of this patients tense macular pucker, his vision started to improve the very first day after surgery.
18. July 2008 at 9:02 pm
Amazing surgery! But what is a “pucker”? Is it the same as a scar membrane that has grown over the macula?
9. February 2009 at 6:29 pm
a pucker is similar to a drained blister. the skin is stretched and “puckered” from being stretched by fluid trapped under the macula.. from my understanding after having one of these in my left eye it’s the result of fluid leakage from arteries that flow into the eye along with the optic nerve.. but really you should see a retina specialist immediately if you are having any problems with your vision (blurry spots, shadows, etc)
1. March 2009 at 12:02 am
Hi, Dr. Cohen, I have this disease since August , along with minor CRVO and inflamation. The doctor wanted to wait and see, even though each month my vision went from 20/30 to 20/50 to 20/70, in 3 months, he said come back in 3. Now he says I must make a decision about surgery within 2 months. Now the epiretinal membrane is “robust.” I’m disappointed, so the Chairman of Optomology recommended that I see a senior retina specialist.. (cont.)
1. March 2009 at 12:03 am
I will see a senior specialist on Tuesday at UCSF. What is the sucess rate for1) the surgery and for 2) acquiring non-distorted vision? I’m extremely nervous about surgery. Don’t want more complications, yet I’d like the distorted waviness and blurriness to heal. What can I do nutritionally, too? Thank you. Pat Godinez
13. April 2009 at 3:46 am
Thank you for the information Dr. Cohen. I am having the procedure 4/16/09. Your video helped me.
11. June 2009 at 12:59 am
Hi, Dr. Cohen, the UCSF MD discussed all the possible complications including a small possibility that I could go blind, so I haven’t had the surgery. I watched the vid again. Once you peel the membrane, do you pull it through the trocar? How do you know you have it all? If you don’t, what becomes of those pieces? My MD said the membrane could disintigrate. What happens to the broken pieces? Do they become floaters? My MD hasn’t tried other therapies e.g. vitamin drops or steroids. Why?
25. April 2010 at 12:35 pm
I am having this procedure performed tomorrow (4-26-2010) at the Dean A. McGee Eye Institute in Okla. City. I have had degrading vision in my right eye for about 6 months. I have a history of retinal detachments in both eyes. This video was very informative and I am very optimistic for a good outcome. Thank you