Carol, how are you? What happened with your other eye and the operated eye? I just started reading this thread after my macular hold surgery last week.
Yes am fine had head down for a week sight is alot better but still not able to read yet but is easier for walking and seeing kerbs and not needing white stick any more gas bubble gone not quiet clear sight yet and got lots of black dots. surgen was pleased with me at week after appontment hoping to get new glasses soon which will help my reading hope u inproving to x
ooh am sorry to hear that l had right eye macular hole done 3 years ago. Have still got distorted vision in that eye. Was unlucky enough to get another in my left eye so sight has been bad had gas bubble put in that eye 3 weeks ago and can now see much better but not read too good yet but sight can keep inproving for up to 6 months so is early days yet but looking much better wishing you luck and hoping its not another one for you to .
Well, Im very glad to read all your experiences. It was so good to me finding these informations - I was very paranoid about the distortions after macular hole surgery Im seeing.
Im 24 yo, and had a macular hole after retinal detachment treatment in my only working eye. The other eye cant see but lights, due to retinal detachment that couldnt be fixed - even with 5 surgeries.
Well, my doc put a long time gás bubble in my eye - it takes almost three months to Go away completely. Now it's been 35 days of surgery and Im still with 50℅ of gas. Im very sad, because Im seeing a distortion that is in the same shape of the distortion that I was experiencing before surgery, but much smaller - I can read, use my smartphone. Would that mean that my hole wasnt fully gone? Doc says that we Will only know with an OCT exam, after the gas is less than 40℅. Im very anxious.
Cheers and good luck to you all. Sorry for my bad english!
Hi, Felipe. Try not to worry. If there's still 50% of the gas in your eye, that will probably be causing some distortion. Also, you say the distortion is already much smaller than it was before, and that you can read aand write, so there has already been significant improvement. It's 18 months since my operation to close a macular hole and there is some residual distortion (apparently) caused by the tiny scar from the operation, but I can easily live with that, and I'm happy about the improvement the op has brought about. I hope you will be, too, when the gas has gone.
Edward
I am going on 5 weeks post op. Had the unfortunate complication of a corneal abrasion after surgery. I am told this is not uncommon. Can be due to prep in surgery, and also from extremely dried eyes from surgery. Abrasion is 95% healed, it has taken 4 weeks to heal- a 3mmx1mm abrasion. Also, I cannot see very well in my operated eye, even with corrective lenses. Everything is foggy and blurry, and blank spot is still in the middle although the hole is closed. I am hoping that my vision will improve.
Thanks a lot, Edward! Your comment hás brought me a lot of peace, just as the Kerry's comment below.
I hope we will suceed. I'll come back to tell you all the results soon as possible. At the moment Im also seeing a blank space in the middle of the vision like Kerry. Heard that can be healed with time - good luck to us!
Thank you all for your information. My husband had macular hole surgery 3 days ago. After his first night of sleeping face down he too had horrible back pain which radiated down his leg. Were you able to take a medication to help alleviate the pain? Also, had you had back issues prior to the face down positioning?
Hi, Vicki. I've just discovered that "a moderator" has deleted my replies, in which I recommended the only thing that helped me with the back pain I suffered from the face-down positioning. The moderators evidently forbid any mention of any product, even if it is meant to be helpful and relieve suffering. Anyway, let me try again, without mentioning the name of the product: it is a disposable "heat wrap" that you wrap around your waist, and it provides soothing warmth for about 24 hours. You buy them in packs. For me, they were wonderful, and my brother and a freind also tried them and were very pleased with the results.
I was diagnosed with a Macular Hole 15 years' ago. The operation had only been available for 2 years at that time, otherwise nothing could be done to prevent further deterioration. I was 65 years old then and my operation was considered to be a success. I had to posture for 3 weeks. As I lived alone I actually hired equipment which was a massage chair. I had to pay £225 for the hire. The equipment was delivered to my door and taken away when finished with. I do not regret one penny as I was determined to follow all the instructions correctly to render the operation a success.
I did not develop the promised cataract until about 8 years later and while I was on the hospital waiting list for the cataract I developed a detached retina. Both these are listed as possible side effects due to the operation, but you would expect to take them soon after the operation and not 8 years later. However, upon the discovery of the detached retina I was admitted the very next morning for surgery (yes that is how serious a detached retina is considerd or you could go completely blind in that eye if left for even 2 weeks i.e according to the operating surgeon.). While operating on the detached retina they also removed the cataract "(two for the price of one" said the surgeon). This time my posturing was for 2 weeks and I had to sit up straight which was a big improvement on my macular hole posturing.
Here I am today almost 80 years of age and the eye with the macular hole has only a slight distortion (not perfect as previous to the operation). and my other eye has perfect sight. I go every year to my local university department's eye clinic to get tested as (sorry) don't really trust a lot of high street opticians. I now keep hearing of such posturing times which amazes me. One woman I know was at the hairdressers just under a week on after her macular hole operation, albeit she had to use a washbasin which tilted her head backwards!!. I was told not even to lift my head up. Trust this helps anyone with concerns.
I've just a macular hole surgery combined with IOL replacement (to prevent cataract development). Statistically I am too young for this problem with my 35y but I have myopia too which might have contributed to this problem.
Staying with the face down isn't the greatest fun but my first impressions are mixed- I was expecting some pain in my operated eye but it doesn't really hurt and despite the gas bubble I am able to see some foggy picture.
However, the neck is killing me and I only can imagine how agonising it must be in more advanced age to remain for long period in such uncomfortable position. Therefore my advice - if you have this surgery, rent, borrow or even buy a massage bed with attachable head support- it will make your life and your night sleep so much easier!!! Firstly it will keep your body leveled in more natural and comfortable position, support your head, allow you to breathe and you can even read or browse the Internet peeking through the head support hole. I also bought a massage chair with the head support which helps me to be able to sit during the day. Although it seems to week or two only, but help yourself with these devices and it will alleviate the physical stress a lot.
Now I am praying for a good outcome and to be able to read with the affected eye again as my vision rapidly went from 0.8 when it was first diagnosed to 0.2 prior to the surgery few months after.
Good luck to all of you and take care of your lovely eyes!!!
Refering to the last paragraphof my communication regarding the woman who recently had had a macular hole operation and was at the hairdressers a few days later, when she returned within 10 days for her first examination by the surgeon he stated quite as a matter of fact "The operationa has failed". Offered 2nd operatin which would only be about 50% chance which she has turned down. After a further couple of visits to the surgeon (her vision is stll very bad during this time) he then informs her she has also got dry macular degeneration. Macular degeneration has two types i.e. dry and wet, of which the wet variatiion is the worst. She is stunned but the whole experience. Why was this not mentioned from the beginning as only about 3 weeks had passed and she most certainly did not develop macular degeneration in three weeks.
She lives in the UK. I do not want to judge but she was only told to posture for the one night while she was in hospital and, as proves by this thread and my own experience of 3 weeks' posturing, it is the norm for most people. I could not believe when she told me she was at the hairdressers within a few days.
I just re-read through all of the comments on this discussion. It is so good to be able to read through other experiences, as this is not a really common thing. I found out that the problem i am having in my right (good) eye is a "floater". They tell me it will always be with me, so I have affectionaly called him "freddie". Anyway, now I have developed the long promised cataract in my operated eye. I am nervous about this procedure as well. The thought of someone working on my eye while I am awake is unsettling to say the least. Coupled with the thought of how well I will be able to see when this is done - I am anxious. I understand that it needs to be done, my eye sight has deteriorated from 20/60 the beginning of december to 20/200 last week. The surgery is scheduled for Jan. 26 for removal of the cataract - i pray for strength to complete the journey with this macular hole / cataract and hope that my vision will be fine when it is all over. Once again, thank you to all of you who have responded - I appreciate you sharing your experiences, and words of encouragement.
Prayers for you, Carol. You have the strength. Let us know how it goes.
I had my cataract surgery on Thursday Jan. 26. The next morning my eye was reading 20/60 without my glasses and 20/30 with my glasses. She told me that once the healing process is complete the eye will read slightly better or slightly worse - everyone heals differently. I have a small flicker in the left portion of my left eye. I am hoping that this will go away once I am completely healed. I still have the blurry in the eye from the macular hole. But, I am very happy that the surgery portions of this ordeal are over.
I had my surgery a month after finding out about my condition. The hole was small I handleed my recovery pretty good, followed but cataract surgery. Till today no one can tell what the cause to this condition beside the fact that it mostly happen to women over 60 and possible trauma to the eye.the only thing that bothers me is, my
Peripheral vision is 20/20 BUT the center, where the hole was closed have no sight. Maybe scar tissue? If I had to relay on reading with only that eye I can say I can not read. What scares me the most, my Dr says 90% of the time it WILL happen in the other eye. Your thought would be greatly appreciated
I am one of the unfortunate people to have a macular hole in both eyes. Two years ago I was diagnosed with stage 4 macular hole in my left eye. I received a bad advice and left the whole there and depended upon my right eye for vision. The left eye was quite distorted and impossible to read with.
In December of this year, I developed a stage one macular hole in my right eye. I went to Columbia-Presbyterian to see Dr S Chang. Per Internet review, Dr. Chang is the best in the country for macular surgery. I had great success with the vitrectomy and installation of gas bubble in that eye.
Dr. Chang said average time face down would be five days. Unfortunately I did not respond that quickly. I was facedown for 15 days. It was difficult, but when it's over it's over! I am now seeing 20/40 from that Eye without glasses. Corrected vision should be 20/20.
Dr Chang advised me to attempt to correct the left I. His theory is I have issues with both eyes and should keep both eyes at maximum health. Unfortunately I am not having the same success with my left I. I attribute this to the fact that I left it for too long. Dr. Chang is still not giving up on me. It is a difficult process but my eyesight is worth it. My vision prior to correction in my left eye is 20/125. Two procedures so far; I have not had success. I will be seeing him on Wednesday and make the determination on how to follow up with my left eye. My advice to you is find a good surgeon and take care of this problem as soon as possible.
I am looking at getting the Jetrea for a small macular hole. Would you recommend this?
I came across this page as I was researching Macular Holes & hope I can get some help & reassurance before my operation!
On 17th May I went for my usual yearly eye test (I'd also had my annual diabetic screening eye test a week before - type 2, controlling it so far with diet & exercise), both times I mentioned distorted & pinched vision in my left eye. Nothing was taken further at the diabetic screening, however luckily when I had my eye test, the Optometrist diagnosed a possible Macular Hole. She felt it needed urgent treatment & tried to phone the hospital to get me an appointment. No one was picking up, so she gave me letter to take to my doctor & ask them to contact the hospital ASAP. She also wrote on the envelope 'Please make an appt. within 1 week'.
I finally got an appt. for yesterday, 13th June, & her diagnosis was correct, I have a Macular Hole in my left eye. (My age is 73)
In the 4 weeks waiting for the appt. I've scared myself silly reading about the operation, the 'posturing', possible risks etc.
Yesterday the consultant recommended an operation & said as I had a cataract forming, they would also remove that at the same time. He said nowadays they recommend keeping your head downwards for between 3 & 5 days, for 50 mins each hour, with 10 mins for toilet breaks etc.
Now my questions if you can help please!
1)What's the average length of time people had to wait for their operation (the consultant said the sooner it's done, the more chance of success)
2)Has the 'posturing' really come down to 3-5 days, as lots of people on here seem to have to do it for much longer, or could it be because my cataract will be removed at the same time?
3)How painful is the actual operation & post op? I'm such a coward, with a low pain threshold, & already stressing out! (Can't believe I gave birth to 3 children!)
4)In view of my previous question, should I opt for local or general anethestic? The consultant said most people opted for local, however the nurse who then did all my pre-op details, arranged ECG/blood tests etc, said if I was really anxious I may be best having a general one.
I realise you recover more quickly from the actual operation with a local anethestic, but will I be able to keep perfectly still for between 60/90 mins!
I'm also worrying about having a general anesthetic, as I know there's more risks involved, & worry I won't wake up!
5) Has everyone who had the operation been glad they had it done, & has their vision improved significantly. (At the moment I can hardly read the second line of the eye chart, with my left eye)
Finally - we have a couple of (UK) family hols booked within the next 6 weeks, if I get an appt.for a couple of weeks before the holiday should I go ahead, or defer it till we come back?? I've told the hospital my holiday dates.
Sorry for such a long post, & thanks for your patience in reading to the end!
I will try to answer some of your questions. We were petrified when we learned my husband had a Macular Hole. We were also told the sooner you get it fixed the better but the earliest he could. Get the surgery scheduled was probably a month and a half out.
His posturing ended up being for 7 days. I took sick leave from my job so I could be there the entire time. We also ordered and rented all the "Face Down equipment". Get it a day or 2 ahead of time and get it put together. He just pretty much stayed face down. He didn't do the interval thing. Part way thru the 7 days I got him into a massage therapist which really helped ... she was a sweetheart and it helped a lot with his necklace stiffness etc. The most difficult time being Face Down is trying to sleep at night. but we rigged it up so it worked by not having a foot board on the bed and then butting a massage table against it to rest the Face Down apparatus on.
As far as pain after the surgery the worst of it ended up a lower backache from his first night trying to sleep Face Down. We tried to use the wedge like was described but it put his back in a bad position so it spasmed on him. I gave him the numerous eye drops religiously.
He had a local and a general and while doing that they advised he have a sleep study done due to certain factors they saw sooooo we had that all done post MH surgery and he is now on a CPAP.
He really had no choice but to get it down. Like I told him what other major medical situation is there that if you do what is prescribed for 7 days you are pretty much 95% guaranteed getting your medical problem solved. He was told prior to surgery that almost all MH surgeries then require cataract surgery because the surgery pretty much causes a cataract to form. So he had now had that. BTW he is 65 years old.
He just got his new glasses and his correction in that eye had improved! PTL !
As far as you trip goes ... do you have to fly or increase in elevation to get where you are going ? After his MH surgery our plans had to change and he was pretty much "grounded" for several months. We live in NE Wyoming so to go anywhere would have required an increase in elevation.
In a nutshell, yes, it is all worth it in the end ! Take care... you can do it! Frankly, he couldn't have done it without my help.., he is the chef in the family so I even learned how to cook.., haha,