swollen retina

[OMIL]

I can only see on one eye.  the 'good' eye suddenly deteriorated within the last 2-3 months.  my vison used to be 20/25, now it is 20/50.
After tests today the Doctor said that the swelling of the retina has increased since last year, but that he is afraid to do surgery since it is my only 'good' eye.  my other eye is a lazy eye.  When I was 4 years old they gave me glasses to correct my 'cross-eye' and that created a lazy eye.  I am 70 years old, but love to read, use the computer, do office work etc.
Now I am scared.  Should I let them do surgery to peel off a layer of the retina?  Should I wait and take my chances and wait until iI can;'t see at all and then let them do it?

This is so new for me, since I am really a healthy 'old' lady and haven't had any major catastrophies in my life.
Any suggestions or answers are very much appreciated.
thank you.

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

Thanks for the help and participation JodiJ

JCH II MD

[JodieJ]

I see that you live in a Northern suburb of Chicago; I'm in the city.  I have three suggestions for excellent area specialists in retina/vitreous surgery.  They are (alphabetically):  Dr. Kirk Packo (Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's 708-596-8710, ask for Rush phone number), Dr. Jose Pulido (University of Illinois 312-996-6660), Dr. Charles Vygantas (Lutheran General Hospital 847-299-0770).  These doctors are all listed as "best doctors" in Castle-Connolly.  You can read more about their credentials and get additional names at www castleconnolly com for a $9.95 fee.  (I've omitted the dots in the web address in an attempt to evade the censor here.  If info gets deleted, you can send me a private message.)  IT'S ALWAYS MUCH BETTER TO HAVE YOUR OPHTHALMOLOGIST REFER YOU RATHER THAN SETTING UP YOUR OWN APPOINTMENT.  Best wishes.

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

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[AnnaE]

I have asked JodieJ to answer this post. I am sure she will when she has the opportunity.

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

Your problem sounds like epiretinal macular membrane and macular edema. Use the search feature and read the many posts about this condition. One of our regular forum members JodieJ has had a membrane stripping and hopefully she will answer your post.

There is no easy answer. In some cases the ERM contracts and may threaten to form a full thickness macular hole. In that situation waiting is not a good idea. In other cases the membrane blurrs vision but is stable and does not form a hole. Those cases can be watched. There is no way I can tell which you have.

You might see a second retina eye MD and get a second opinion. If they both recommend proceeding with the surgery then that is probably your best option.

JCH II MD

[AnnaE]

Hi,

I am not a doctor, but I help here.

I am very sorry about your condition. I also understand. At least some. I lost most of the vision in one eye during the last year.

Have you seen a retinologist? If not, you should do so asap. Find one at www.aao.org.
Dr. Hagan will comment asap.

I wish the best of you. I love a lot of things, too, but my other eye is at risk. It is very difficult. In fact, this kind of worry is more than hearbreaking. Slowly, with support, your options can be explored.