Macular Pucker Treatment in Weatherford, TX

The retina is a region of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye which is responsible for receiving light and sending it to the brain for visual recognition. Located at the center of the retina, the macula is responsible for central vision, rendering the sharp sight necessary for such tasks as reading, driving and seeing in fine detail. However, as we age our ability to process light, due to a number of factors, worsens as our eyesight dims. One of these disruptive factors may be a macular pucker. A macular pucker, also known as an epiretinal membrane, is a layer of scar tissue that forms on the macula, causing vision distortion.

To schedule a consultation with a retina specialist in Weatherford that can provide macular pucker treatment, call (817) 203-2760 or contact The New You Medical & Infusion Clinic online.

What Causes a Macular Pucker?

Your eye is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous which helps it maintain its round shape. However, as we age, vitreous detachment - the process of the vitreous slowly shrinking and pulling away from the retinal surface - may take place. When this occurs, the retina can become damaged. To repair the damaged area, the retina forms scar tissue called “epiretinal membrane” which attaches firmly to the retinal surface; however, when this scar tissue forms over the part of retina containing the macula, the sharp vision the macula is responsible for creating becomes blurred and distorted.

A macular pucker is most commonly associated with aging; however, it may be the result of trauma from an eye injury or certain surgeries, or it may be caused by other eye conditions including:

• Detached retina
• Inflammation of the eye (uveitis)
• Diabetic retinopathy

Macular Pucker Symptoms

Macular puckers usually cause change in vision, ranging from mild to severe. Severe vision loss is less common. Common macular pucker symptoms you may notice include:

• Vison has become blurry or slightly distorted
• Straight lines appear wavy
• Seeing fine details and reading small print has become difficult
• Gray areas, or even a blind spot, have appeared in the center of vision

While the symptoms of macular pucker may be similar to age-related macular degeneration, these conditions are different and require separate treatment plans. Your healthcare provider will be able to differentiate between these conditions and should be consulted if you suspect you are experiencing symptoms of either.

Macular Pucker Surgery

Mild, macular puckers don’t typically require treatment as they won’t interfere with daily activities such as reading and driving. In these mild cases, you’ll adjust to your change in vision.

However, in the severe case of a macular pucker causing significant vision problems which interfere with daily life, surgical intervention may become necessary. The medically-recognized name for macular pucker surgery is vitrectomy with membrane peel. During the vitrectomy portion of the surgery, your healthcare provider will put you under local anesthesia, and steps will be taken to remove the vitreous gel in order to prevent it from pulling on the retina. This gel will then be replaced with a salt solution. Your healthcare provider will then perform the membrane peel portion of the surgery, which consists of removing the scar tissue which is causing the puckering.

After the procedure, you will need to wear an eye shield for a duration of time ranging from a few days to a few weeks - this will protect your eyes. You will also need to use medically-prescribed eye drops to protect your eyes from infection and inflammation.

In severe cases, a macular pucker surgery may be your best option for regaining your clarity of vision. Macular pucker surgery can improve your vision, while in some cases only partial vision is restored. It is important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether you are a good candidate for a macular pucker surgery.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced surgeon in Weatherford that is qualified to provide macular pucker treatment! Call (817) 203-2760 or contact The New You Medical & Infusion Clinic online.