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Questions
& Answers Page 3
Macula Surgery
Can
scar tissue ever reoccur after macular surgery?
It is possible for scar tissue to regrow after the FILMS or forceps
technique, but this is unusual (approximately 4% of cases) and regrowth
is limited. The rare regrowth of EMP may be removed with
forceps in the traditional manner.
Does macula surgery take place in an operating
room or doctor's office? Does it require an overnight stay, special
recuperation needs, etc.? How long until the patient is "back
to normal"?
Vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane stripping by any technique is performed in a hospital operating
room, usually as an outpatient, without an overnight stay. It is done under anesthesia and is covered by most all medical insurances.
After the operation,
macular pucker patients are examined at one day, two weeks, and two
months. A patch is used for one to three days, and eye drops are
used for several weeks. A patient may return to most activities
during the second week after surgery. Eyesight improves most dramatically
during the first two months after surgery but can continue to improve
for over a year. see Post Op Care
Is
a gas bubble and face down positioning required for all macular surgery?
Macular hole patients
all require a temporary gas bubble placed in the eye during vitrectomy
whether the forceps method or the FILMS procedure is employed to
repair the macular hole. Certain face down head positions
may be required for 1 - 3 weeks following macular hole repair. Patients
don't need to be too discouraged by this restraint as they will
be allowed brief breaks to eat, use the restroom, and to stretch
or relax their body. It also does not mean confinement
in bed to position properly. There are a number of supportive
pillows and table devices to help make the patient comfortable during
this short recuperation. EMP removal without a macular hole does not require a gas bubble.
Macular hole surgery
is similar to macular pucker surgery requiring an outpatient hospital
admission, postoperative follow-up care at one day, two weeks, and
2-3 months. Patches, medication and activity are generally
the same as with macular pucker surgery. The exception is that macular
hole patients will require some postoperative head positioning and
will be prohibited from flying or visiting extreme altitudes until
released to do so by the surgeon, usually after two weeks. Visual
return occurs predominantly in the first six months but may improve
for as long as three years.
What if I can't tolerate lying on my stomach?
Discuss your situation with your surgeon; there may be an alternative for you.
How does it work if I am coming from out of town?
Patients who travel
from long distances to Birmingham for surgery can plan to be
in town for 2-4 days for Macular Pucker Surgery and a minimum of
14 days for Macular Hole Repair. Patients who have a gas bubble are not permitted to fly until the bubble has gone, usually about two weeks. Subsequent follow-up care can be
carried out at RSA or coordinated with the patient's local eye doctor.
If you do not see the answer to your question, please contact us at the contact listings below.
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Medical
information provided in this site is intended to assist you in understanding
a complex ocular condition. It can not replace the judgment and skill of your
personal doctor. |
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Patient Info|PFellowship Program |MaculaSurgery|
RSA Research|RSA Physicians|RSA Location|Resources
Contact us at 205-933-2625 or 800-292-8166
e-mail Margaret Harrill
for additional information
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or call
direct extension 205 558-2533
rev.May 2007
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