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elleng

(130,156 posts)
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 06:09 PM Sep 2014

Anyone have 'macular pucker,' EDITED

Last edited Thu Sep 25, 2014, 04:24 PM - Edit history (1)

while dealing with cataract (or anything else?)

http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/macular-pucker.cfm

I've just learned I have one, will see 2d doc next week, and wondering about the consequences.

Thanks

----------------------

edit:

Saw retina doc today, and she said its not necessary to remove the pucker either before or after cataract surgery; she'll monitor it over time, but apparently its not serious enough to mean my vision won't be adequate without surgery for it. I can do it in the future, if I decide my vision's not adequate.

And there's NO relation between pucker and degeneration (which Dad had.)

So now I 'just' have to decide when to have cataract removed.

Thanks for y'all's help.

17 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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pleinair

(171 posts)
1. although I do not have this particular condition
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 06:18 PM
Sep 2014

I am hopeful that medical advances will help our eye health -- I have seen the advances in glaucoma and cataract care and am heartened by that, because I have eye issues as well

elleng

(130,156 posts)
3. Thanks, pleinair.
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 06:34 PM
Sep 2014

There are surgeries, apparently quite common, and if necessary I could have one for the pucker and then one to remove the cataract, but I'd really rather NOT! Went to opthalmologist for first time yesterday, thinking I'd be able to decide when I could have the 'simple' cataract surgery done, but it may not be so simple!

Louisiana1976

(3,962 posts)
2. My eye doctor told me I have that a couple of years ago. It hasn't affected my vision so I haven't
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 06:22 PM
Sep 2014

had anything done about it.

elleng

(130,156 posts)
4. Good to hear, Louisiana.
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 06:37 PM
Sep 2014

I'm not sure WHAT has affected my vision, pucker, cataract, or both, so maybe 2d eye doc, the retina specialist, will have an opinion, and help me decide what to do, when.

undergroundpanther

(11,925 posts)
5. never heard of a macular pucker
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 07:26 PM
Sep 2014

Looked at your link .Sent shivers up my spine as my artwork is full of fine details. I hope you recover your sight asap.

elleng

(130,156 posts)
6. Thanks, panther.
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 07:32 PM
Sep 2014

I have my sight, thank goodness, but my vision seems to be gradually deteriorating. Went to first eye doc to see about cataract surgery, as I drive a lot and want to drive from MD to NJ to see grandbaby, but don't want to do so at night. Halos are the most prominent problem, but 'fuzzy' vision in my left eye also problematic.

As my 'hobby' for the past year has been photography, I surely don't want it to become much worse.

Siwsan

(26,179 posts)
7. I had an astigmatism corrected when I had my surgery
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 07:40 PM
Sep 2014

I had to have a stitch in my eyeball! Couldn't feel it, even when it was taken out. I had a fast. severe and early onset of cataracts - having that surgery done was the best thing I've ever done. I spent my life being very myopic, wearing thick glasses or contacts. When I had the surgery, I paid extra for the upgraded lenses and for the first time since I was a very young child, I see near and far with ease. Except for the smallest, finest print, I don't even need reading glasses, and according to my eye doc, I never will.

elleng

(130,156 posts)
8. Great that you now have great vision!
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 07:52 PM
Sep 2014

Sounds like mine was for most of my life.

I understand that new lenses of several types can be inserted, and after I've learned everything I can learn, I'll decide what to do. Didn't wear glasses til I was 40, and then only for reading. And a while ago, that need disappeared. So my eyes have been changing!

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
9. I had cataract surgery last year on both eyes.
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 08:54 PM
Sep 2014

never felt a thing-- each one took about 5 minutes. Vision is better.
I also have floaters-- the clear, slightly opaque type which may need surgery in the future.

elleng

(130,156 posts)
12. That's what I was 'looking forward' to,
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 10:17 PM
Sep 2014

your experience, and then yesterday I learned about this pucker thing! Have heard that sometimes floaters increase with cataract surgery. I have some now, occasionally, and not a problem.

I'll probably do just one, left eye is definitely the problem now, that was made clear from the eye tests I took.

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
13. As far as the types of lenses that can be inserted,..
Sun Sep 21, 2014, 08:24 AM
Sep 2014

Generally you can choose between a 'close up' lens or a 'distance' lens. There is also the much more expensive type that is like a bi-focal. I have Medicare and why Medicare would not cover the cost of a regular lens and let ME cover the difference between that and the bi-focal staggers the imagination.
So- since I naturally have what is called monocular vision--that is, one eye is better focused close and the other at distance, I had the lenses made that way-- one for close-reading- and one for distance.. I barely need to wear glasses to function..BUT do wear glasses at baseball games !

As for the floaters.. I have seen a retina specialist --which is WHERE YOU WANT TO GO-- for that... He said, that if the floaters get worse enough to the point that it is really a problem, he can perform surgery.. but there is always that small chance that.....you know, he sneezes, or something....

Good luck.

Don't worry.

elleng

(130,156 posts)
14. Thanks, pangaia.
Sun Sep 21, 2014, 01:48 PM
Sep 2014

I have medicare too, and will read pamphlet from cataract doc that discusses the lenses. Distance + close up definitely good to have! And I want/need lenses that help me with my photography which is mostly long distance (haven't been to a ball game in quite a while, even tho the Nats are doing well!) I'm not thinking of doing both eyes at once, just the left, 'bad' one now.

Retina doc appointment is scheduled for next week, to discuss the pucker thing, so if I remember, I'll mention floaters to him. Sure as heck hope no one sneezes!

pangaia

(24,324 posts)
15. I don't know what macular pucker is -- didn't google it..
Sun Sep 21, 2014, 04:52 PM
Sep 2014

But..you seem to have your act together.
You'll be fine. Just ask LOTS and LOTS of questions. Don't let them rush you. Remember,YOU hired them.



On Edit:

Get more than one opinion. I had a very good cataract surgeon.he does about 15-20 every Monday !!! (talk about raking in the big bucks)... but the first opthamologistobloistgist.. I wasn't so sure about. So I got a second opinion.. I knew he was better...

elleng

(130,156 posts)
16. Thanks, and yes, I do tend to ask questions.
Sun Sep 21, 2014, 06:08 PM
Sep 2014

I did like the opthalmologist I met for cataract, and will see how it goes with the retina guy for the pucker.

 

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)
17. I'm under the distinct impression that
Mon Sep 22, 2014, 02:12 PM
Sep 2014

Medicare only pays for basic lenses, and if you want to pay more for something else, your doctor should allow you to pay the difference.

I had cataract surgery two years ago and it was the best thing that ever happened to my eyes. And I paid several hundred dollars above what my insurance covered to get better than the basic lenses that insurance -- not Medicare -- would cover.

classof56

(5,376 posts)
10. My spouse was diagnosed with epiretinal membrane (aka macular pucker)
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 09:25 PM
Sep 2014

He had to have cataract surgery so they could see what was up with the pucker, then surgery was done to correct the condition. It improved for about a year, but now the distortion's back so will have to have another surgery at some point. Vision's not bad, though, which is good.

I've had seven or so surgeries (thank goodness for lasers!) on one eye in the last few years, but my vision is fine with corrective lenses, so figure they've all been worth it. Best wishes to you, and thanks for the link. Very informative!



elleng

(130,156 posts)
11. Thanks for the info.
Sat Sep 20, 2014, 10:12 PM
Sep 2014

Interesting he had to have cataract surgery FIRST. Will discuss this with 'retina' doc I'll see next. First doc, 'cataract' doc, said she thinks its possible pucker would be treated first, so I'll see. Also possible retina doc won't think pucker surgery necessary to improve vision.

WOW, 7 surgeries!

Learning something new every day!

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