Surviving Recovery from Macular Pseudohole Surgery

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:

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

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.

My Recovery and Visual Outcomes from Macular Pseudohole Surgery

Retinal surgeons now use a faster-acting gas than they did a few years ago. They have learned that the hole closes much faster than they had thought previously. However, there have been no studies I could discover about vision recovery relative to a slow-acting gas (long face-down period) versus a fast-acting gas (short face-down positioning […]

Complications I Experienced Following Vitrectomy Surgery for My Pseudohole

The recovery process from surgery for my pseudohole was difficult. I experienced three complications following vitrectomy surgery for my pseudohole: Shoulder Contraction and Shoulder, Neck, and Lower Back Pain In 2009, the six-week face-down procedure following macular hole surgery was miserably uncomfortable, but I was fine as soon as it was over. In 2012, following […]

My Macular Pseudohole Experience and Surgery

Some Background About My Surgeries In 2007 I was diagnosed with epiretinal membranes in both eyes. I was told that this was an abnormal layer of cells on the retina that would be monitored, but that it was of no concern and was not affecting my vision. In 2008 the epiretinal membrane developed into a […]

How a Macular Pseudohole Differs from a Macular Hole

What Is It? [Editor’s note: OCT is a type of medical imaging technology that produces high-resolution cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of the eye.] Role of the Epiretinal Membrane Causes Effect on Vision Progression Surgical Intervention Vision Recovery Important Advice to All Readers Monitor your vision in both eyes carefully and see your ophthalmologist promptly if […]

What Is a Macular Pseudohole?

Here are some terms that can help to explain macular pucker/epiretinal membrane, macular pseudoholes, and the ways they differ from macular holes. I’ve also included a summary for easier reference. Macular Hole The eye is filled with a gel-like substance called the vitreous, which helps maintain the shape of the eye. As people age, the […]