kinda worried - vitreal epiretinal membrane traction syndrome

[SparklyOats]

I had loads of tests and evaluations and was found to have Vitreal epiretinal membrane traction syndrome. Yesterday, I underwent a sutureless vitrectomy and epiretinal membrane "peel" for the scleral buckling.  The outpatient procedure went well, but at today's followup appointment, I was told that my epiretinal membrane was VERY thick, and may, in fact, return which would most likely mean another "peel."

Does anyone have any info about this?  I've found a lot of info on this website about the vitretomy and ERM peel, esp from Jodie J., but not a lot of info about having a thick membrane.  

I also know that I'm likely to develop a cataract within 2 years from this procedure I just had. I'm sure i'll be back with more questions about my astigmatism and intraocular lenses, etc.

The other thing I'm wondering about is my vision for reading, sewing and photography.  Prior to this procedure and for the past 5 months, it was like looking through little thin wavy lines of vaseline.  My vision became steadily worse, as I was checked every couple of months.

I know it's only been a little more than 24 hours, and my top-notch retinal specialist/surgeon mentioned that I'd probably show steady improvement over weeks to months (and perhaps longer).

However, I now have a grayish spot in my vision, sorta like a blind spot, off to one side just short of the center of my field of vision, that I didn't have before. I am hoping someone has some experience with this and can--at the very least--do some cyber hand-holding and tell me they had it too, it eventually went away, and everything will be fine.

Thanks for any help, input, or just good comforting words!  

[SparklyOats]

Hi, Jodie,

Thanks for your helpful response to my question.  I've been reading about your cataract surgery and about IOLs as well.  I'll have to ask my retinal surgeon if any pieces of ERM were left in my eye--he did comment on how thick and tough it was.

Best regards,
Sparkly

[SparklyOats]

Dr. Hagan,

I generally select Medical Help Communities versus the Ask a Doctor forum for the very reason you mentioned--I know doctors and specialists cannot continue answer the same questions over and over again ad infinitum. I also admire that physicians and specialists do try and help, and do so for no financial recompense.

Yes, there are scores of threads to follow after typing something into the search feature, and truly, I had hoped for responses by others who could share their personal experiences with me, thereby limiting my search time on the computer as I follow thread after thread in hopes for specific circumstances and more finely tuned answers.  

Thank you again for all you, and other physicians on this site, do to help others.
Sparkly

[JodieJ]

I believe that if your ERM was completely removed, the chance of recurrence is only about 1%.  I needed a second peel because pieces of ERM were left in my eye after my first surgery.

It unfortunately takes a long time for vision to fully recover after ERM surgery.  Generally, your acuity should be significantly improved after 3 months.  However, it can take 6 months or longer for distortion to resolve.  Sorry, I can't answer your question about the gray spot.  I suspect that it will disappear as your eye heals.

At least in my own case, cataract surgery turned out to be an unexpected gift.  There are excellent astigmatism-correcting IOLs available.

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

I typed "epiretinal membrane" into the search feature and came up with scores of discussions that go over every question you asked. This forum is very time consuming for the physicians and done free. We cannot type out detailed responses to questions that are ask in more or less the same way many times each week. The person will need to do the research
JCH MD

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

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[SparklyOats]

Thanks, Dr. Hagan.  Searching has led me to HOURS of trying to find the info I seek, but I hoped posting the question would get a quicker reply.

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

Use the search feature and archives there are many extended discussions by people that have had the same type of surgery and have shared their experiences.
JCH MD