Surviving Recovery from Macular Pseudohole Surgery
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:
- Factors Contributing to a Successful Outcome after Macular Hole Surgery
- Suggestions for Maintaining Face-Down Positioning After Macular Hole Surgery
- Suggested Resources for More Information on Macular Hole Surgery
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
- What Is a Macular Pseudohole?
- How a Macular Pseudohole Differs from a Macular Hole
- My Macular Pseudohole Experience and Surgery
- Complications I Experienced Following Vitrectomy Surgery for My Pseudohole
- My Recovery and Visual Outcomes from Macular Pseudohole Surgery
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.