Question 1

can you tell me anything about macular pucker?

Accepted Answer

Vision disturbed: Macular pucker is when the vitreous gel atop the macula developed a membranous layer with attachments to the macula and with some degree of condensation and contraction will wrinkle a little and disturb the vision.  It can occur after trauma, retinal surgery but also can be spontaneous.  If progressive and threatening the vision a procedure called membrane peel can improve things.

Question 2

can anyone tell me prognosis for macular puckering?

Accepted Answer

Often corrects: Often related to vitreous detachment (in older patients), detached retina, eye injury, uveitis or in diabetic retinopathy.  Most require no treatment and patients adjust to mild visual distortion.  Vitrectomy may be done to remove vitreous gel pulling on retina to reduce wrinkling.  Vision often is not completely restored in central gaze.  May see cataract development and require surgery.

Question 3

does anyone know anything about macular pucker causes?

Accepted Answer

Epiretinal membrane: As a result of such things as inflammation inside the eye a thin layer of fibrous tissue can form on the surface of the retina in the back of the eye. When that membrane pulls a little bit to "wrinkle" the surface of the retina, it is known as macular pucker.

Question 4

can you tell me about macular puckering and was it a success?

Accepted Answer

Macular pucker is: due to traction (pulling) on the inner lining of the retina from abnormal tissue growth. If the pucker is due to vitreomacular traction (VMT), an injection of Jetrea can sometimes release the traction. If the pucker is due to an epiretinal membrane (ERM) then surgical intervention with a membrane peel can be very successful in restoring normal anatomy if treated (case dependent).

Question 5

could medicare cover macular pucker surgery?

Accepted Answer

Usually: If one has Medicare as insurance, macular pucker is usually a covered diagnosis, and surgery is considered medically necessary if the patient is symptomatic or has vision deterioration from the pucker.  People are Medicare eligible at age 65 years, or with certain chronic illnesses.

Question 6

what percentage of seniors develop a macular pucker?

Accepted Answer

Very small%: Macular pucker is very rare condition , I have seen only 3 times in  thirty nine years of office practice.

Question 7

any operation for macular puckering?

Accepted Answer

Yes: The macula is a small oval spot in the center of the retina, where photosensitive cells line the back of the eye. It is the macula that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision and for what you see right in front of you.  Usually no treatment required (depends on cause). Severe needs vitrectomy to remove some gel which pulls on retina (puckers).

Question 8

after vitrectomy for macular pucker, on average  how long is it before you can read and drive.

Accepted Answer

Depends: Very helpful if the vision in the non-operated eye is normal. Most with macular pucker have good peripheral vision despite the disturbance in the center where the pucker was.  You can read as soon as you can and probably driving can also be done once things stabilize from the surgery.

Question 9

if it were to become necessary for me to have vitrectomy for macular pucker, how long should i plan to be off work. i am a paralegal.

Accepted Answer

Pucker: Only your ophthalmologist who is familiar with what exactly needs to be done can give you the answer.

Question 10

i heard that in surgery for macular pucker, 2 out of 3 people have improved visual accuity. is there any research being done to improve those odds?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Data is compiled daily on modifications of the surgery to improve the results.  Research is also underway to determine the cause of the pucker and how to prevent it in the first place.  Stay tuned.

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How long macular pucker takes to fully develop

A member asked:

Can you tell me anything about macular pucker?

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Can anyone tell me prognosis for macular puckering?

A member asked:

Does anyone know anything about macular pucker causes?

A member asked:

Can you tell me about macular puckering and was it a success?

A member asked:

Could medicare cover macular pucker surgery?

A member asked:

What percentage of seniors develop a macular pucker?

A member asked:

Any operation for macular puckering?

A member asked:

After vitrectomy for macular pucker, on average how long is it before you can read and drive.

A member asked:

If it were to become necessary for me to have vitrectomy for macular pucker, how long should i plan to be off work. i am a paralegal.

A member asked:

I heard that in surgery for macular pucker, 2 out of 3 people have improved visual accuity. is there any research being done to improve those odds?

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