Macular pucker risk of dead receptor cells

[DoubleV1409]

I have had a macular pucker in my right eye for three years. Its not terrible, just very frustrating.

I have not wanted to try vitreous surgery for epimacular membranes (macular pucker 'repair') because of the risk of some of the receptor cells being damaged as the scar tissue (epimacular membrane) is pulled off the macula. I don't want blind spots.

Yesterday an optometrist told me that I risk getting those same blind spots by not having the surgery - because the scar tissue is pulling the receptor cells away from their blood supply.

Is/are there any data or studies that compare the risks of having the surgery with the risks of not having the surgery - as regards damage to the macular cells?

I know that development of cataracts is a well known complication of having the surgery. And having to risk cataract surgery is another reason I have for resisting the pucker repair.  

Thanks.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

best of luck  JCH MD

[DoubleV1409]

Thanks Dr. Hagan.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You should rely on the information given you by your retina Eye MD ophthalmologist not the non-MD, non-physician, non-surgeon optometrist
JCHMD