I was diagnosed about 15 years ago with something called "macular puckering." I saw no signs of it but was referred to an ophthalmologist who specialized in the retina. Once a year I would get checked and was always given the admonition that if when I looked at the grid chart [Amsler Grid] and the lines looked wavy, call him immediately.

So for years the lines were straight.

Then in February of 2016 the lines became wavy. He told me I needed a vitrectomy and we could do it immediately or sit and wait a while. I chose to wait.

I wasn't too happy with his unwillingness to explain in detail about the condition or the recovery time, so I decided another opinion was a good idea.

I went to another leading retinologist and he explained it all. I had macular holes, but my real issue was macular edema in both eyes., the right one being worse. He gave me a Kenalog injection in the right eye and it did nothing. Based on that it was his feeling that surgery would not have a good outcome for me. My best hope was for the disease to stabilize.

Now I had two totally different opinions. So I decided a third one was in order.

I went to a highly regarded retinologist at UC-Irvine Med School and she agreed with the second retinologist. Best hope is that it stabilizes.

I think it has, to some extent, but will know more when I see retinologist number 2 next week and the OCT is run again. At the very least, I'm adapting. It's not easy to read and glasses don't help. But driving is fine.

I have the same complaint about my doctor. I never get an explanation. I was told that my condition was caused by my diabetes. My diabetes is in excellent control and my eyes have gotten worse' I get injections every 6 weeks. You were smart to get a second and third opinion. I want to do that but the practice I go to is the only retina specialist in my area. Were you told what caused your condition?

They don't know what caused my condition...I've asked.

They keep asking me about my type 2 Diabetes. My A1C has never been over 6.3.;It is mostly 5.7 - 6.0

Now I'm reading that fat cells can be a cause. I'm 40 pounds overweight now....On a diet....Again
..
Will ask you to be a friend...

wow! Your numbers are fabulous. I've been managing my diabetes really well the last few months. My last A1c was 6. i don't remember the last time It was so low.. I din't know that weight could be a cause. when I first experienced the problem with my eye I couldn't read at all' That was horrible because I am an avid reader. Now I can see pretty good in my right eye. The left hasn't responded well to the medicine. i was told a couple of months ago that I have a membrane on the retina in my left eye. The doctor suggested surgery but I don't want it. It helps to think of dieting as a lifestyle change. I have been eating well for the last few months. I also have stage 4 kidney disease so it was important that I change my mindset. I am so encouraged by my bloodwork results and the improvemnt in my kidney function and how good I feel' I don't have any desire to eat off my meal pln. I even got through the holidays without cheating once.i hope that helps you.

I have several autoimmune diseases. Several of them may involve uveitis. There seems to be a loose connection between uveitis and macular edema/holes.

Have they mentioned vitrectomy for you? The recovery can because bear, depending on which position your doctor uses.

i don't know what vitrectomy or uveitis are. No, that hasn't been mentioned to me. the doctor wanted ro inject a steroid inmy eyes but I said no. My insurance wouldn't cover it so he quickly dropped it.

The Kenalog
...A steroid....reduces inflsmmation. Wonder why your insurance wouldn't cover it. It works for some people.

Do you get regular OCT scans,?

i have pictures taken of my eyes each time i get the shot in my right eye. Is that what you mean by an otc scan? I didn't want the steroid, too many complications can happen. I have enough problems already.

There's numerical info on the OCT that relates to whether you're getting, better, worse or stabilizing.

Had to postpone this week's appt.....Bad cold.

I am sorry to hear you aren't feeling well. I ho[e you feel better soon. I have an appointment on Friday at the eye doctor. I am perplexed that my eyes haven't improved despite my excellent blood sugar control. I am going to ask bout it and see if I get an answer. Last time he said that my sugars now determine improvement three months down the line.. Not an acceptable answer!

I had to postpone my ophthalmology appointment. Bad cold that I wouldn't wish on anyone.

I agree, about the unacceptable answer. I really think it's time for you to go out of your area for a consultation, preferably at a medical teaching university hospital.

About the membrane: it's called the epiretinal membrane and they usually remove it during the course of a vitrectomy. I have this, too. But before you start wondering about that, you really should go to a teaching hospital where they love to answer questions like yours.

I hope you are feeling better. I went to the doctor today and my eyes have improved significantly! I was surprised because I have needed to use the magnifying glass a lot lately. He said if I continue to have such good control of my sugars he might be able to eventually get me off the shots. I am not holding my breath on that!. I've heard it too many times before. I don't drive so it would be diffiult to get to a hospital but it is a good suggestion. Thank you!

So glad for you!

I had a macular pucker and had the vitrectomy done in January. It has left me with terrible vision in that eye. I have what looks like dark shading and distortion. I can't get a straight answer from my surgeon about why it is like this. He just said he hoped that the cataract surgery I was going to have would help it. I had the cataract surgery and it didn't help that eye but thankfully it did well in my other eye. I am thankful that since I can see so well in my good eye that I get along ok even with the bad vision in the right eye. However it is depressing and frustrating to have my vision so much worse. I think the surgeon owes me some answers but he is the abrupt type and I am kind of timid. The doctor who did my cataract surgery says that sadly my vision in the right eye probably will not improve. I am seeing the retina surgeon again in October and I dread it.