Monitoring an ERM (Macular Pucker)

[paj123]

I am 65 and have had a ERM (Macular Pucker) in my right eye for about 3 years. It is idiopathic and I was diagnosed by an Ophthalmologist who conducted an eye examination and ordered an OTC scan as part of the diagnosis. The Ophthalmologist retired and closed his practice shortly after the diagnosis. Since then I have been going to an Optometrist for eye examinations, OTC scans and visual field testing.

Images in my affected eye are larger, distorted and blurry/hazy. Over time these symptoms have increased slightly and as a result my vision along with my depth perception has deteriorated to some extent. My current corrected vision in my affected eye is still fairly good, a blurry distorted 20/25 but it does bother me. The latest OTC scan shows that the macular thickness has increased over the past 18 months and it looks like the membrane is starting to release. My questions are:

How often should I be getting an eye examination and OTC scan?

Is being followed by an Optometrist adequate or should I be followed by an Ophthalmologist or a Retinal Specialist?

I am checking my vision at home on a regular basis with an Amsler Grid and Snellen Chart for any major changes.

Paul

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

If you want optimal care see an ophthalmologist.  Do an Amsler Grid test at home at least once/week on each eye.  see a retina specialist to discuss the risk/benefit of membrane peel. That will always cause a cataract that grows quickly so within 3 years you would need cataract surgery.

[paj123]

Doctor Hagan:

Thank you for responding to my questions and your advice. I live in Canada and will require a referral to see a specialist (including an ophthalmologist). I will look into it and in the mean time I will continue to monitor my vision with an Amsler grid on a regular basis.

Once again thank you for your advice.

Paul

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

Best of luck Paul. Be persistent and your own best advocate. You need the best possible care which in my opinion is an Eye MD not a non MD non physician optometrist

[paj123]

Sorry OCT scan not OTC scan.