What to Expect After Macular Hole Surgery
Vision improvement varies from patient to patient following
macular hole surgery. People who have had a macular hole for less than six months have a better chance of recovering vision than those who have had one for a longer period. Discuss vision recovery with your doctor before your macular hole surgery. Vision recovery can continue for as long as three months after surgery.
If a person cannot remain in a face-down position for the required period after macular hole surgery, vision recovery may not be as successful. As a result, people who are unable to remain in a face-down position for this length of time may not be good candidates for a
vitrectomy. However, there are a number of devices that can make the "face-down" recovery period easier. There are also some approaches that can decrease the amount of "face-down" time. You can discuss these approaches with your doctor.
If a macular hole exists in one eye, there is a 10 to 15 percent chance that a macular hole will develop in your other eye over your lifetime. Your doctor can also discuss this with you.
Risks of Macular Hole Surgery
The most common risk following macular hole surgery is an increase in the rate of cataract development. In most patients, a cataract can progress rapidly. These
cataracts often become severe enough to require removal.
Other, less common complications of macular hole surgery include infection and retinal detachment, either during macular hole surgery or afterward, both of which can be immediately treated.
For a few months after macular hole surgery, patients are not permitted to travel by air. Changes in air pressure may cause the bubble in the eye to expand, increasing pressure inside the eye.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print