Joy Efron
Joy R. Efron, Ed.D.

Some Background: My First Eye Surgery: Macular Hole

In 2009, I was diagnosed with a full-thickness macular hole in my left eye. Following vitrectomy surgery and face-down recovery, I wrote about my experiences at Surviving Recovery from Macular Hole Surgery. In 2017, I updated that information in Macular Hole Updates: Treatments, Recovery Suggestions, and Patient Issues.

Following that first surgery in 2009, my vision recovery was remarkable. After one year, my visual acuity in the left (operated) eye was 20/25 and visual distortion was practically non-existent.

My Second Eye Surgery: Macular Pseudohole

In 2012, I had a vitrectomy in my right eye for an epiretinal membrane with macular pseudohole. Though the surgery for both eye conditions was similar, there are significant differences between a macular hole and a macular pseudohole.

Surgery for both conditions may involve vitrectomy. However, face-down positioning is not necessarily required for recovery from an epiretinal membrane/pseudohole vitrectomy. Check with your surgeon in advance. If face-down positioning will be required, whether for macular hole surgery or macular pseudohole surgery, see the following for more information about surgery and recovery:

Why I Share My Story

The purpose of this series on macular pseudoholes and surgery is to discuss and explain

  • the differences between a macular hole and a macular pseudohole
  • the effects of macular pseudoholes on vision prior to, and after, surgery
  • potential side effects from the surgery.

I am sharing my story so that readers can

  • ensure that they are monitored carefully and frequently by their ophthalmologist and retinal specialist
  • act promptly if their vision deteriorates
  • have realistic expectations about surgery and visual recovery
  • hopefully avoid the significant side effects I experienced.

Additional Information on Macular Pseudohole

Also see Suggested Resources for more information about helpful products and organizations, as well as the author’s contact information.

A Disclaimer

I was an educator of blind and visually impaired children for 42 years. Although I have read and researched a great deal and have had extensive discussions with retinal specialists, I am not an ophthalmologist or medical doctor.