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How Effective Is Vitrectomy In Curing Macular Hole?

Posted on Sat, 11 Apr 2015

Question: I have had a macular hole for over 10 years and a Doctor wants to do a Vitrectomy. Can this type of procedure be successful after having had the problem for 10 years or more? I have not noticed a big change to the hole over the years but Doctor says they usually grow bigger.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I would like you to answer a few questions.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to Health Care Magic,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your message and will try to help you in best possible way.

I would like you to give me some more info in this regard.

Here i will ask you some questions to guide our conversation

1) How did you find it?

2) Have it affected your vision?

3) Has the symptoms gotten worse over the years?

4) Have your tests gotten worse that dr is asking for a viterectomy?

5) Are you in a position to get a second opinion?

6) Is there any other medical condition like diabetes or hypertension you suffer from?

I am waiting for your input.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad

Resident M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (42 minutes later)

I noticed a little difference in my vision and went to macular specialist 10 years ago. I do not think it has changed that much over the years. About the size of a pea and, of course, that affects my vision if I close my good eye. This is the 3rd doctor that has started with the practice in 10 years. He says it is a full thickness but he does not have my records/pictures for all 10 years --only the past 2 years and says it has gotten larger since last year. I have mild hypertension controlled with 5 mg Benicar. I have confidence in the Dr. and see him again on April 3 and will tell him then that I have had for 10 years at least. I do not think he knows that as he just started with the practice and I did not think to tell him.

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your history suggest you should go for it.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks a heap for writing back in detail,

As you said your vision hasen't been affected much over these years... it means it is affected to some extent that shows this hole is geting worsened , slowly though.

Then you also told me thay you doctor noticed a size change since last year.

These two things are top indications of viterectomy, you have confidence in your doctor and he is lookinge at this since two years.

If in these setting he is in view that you should get viterectomy in my opinion you might want to consider it.

Because when symptoms are worsening and size is getting larger, one has to get intervention , the sooner the better.

I would suggest you to discuss with your doctor and get viterectomy done.

Wish you the very best of health and luck.

Stay blessed.

Regards.

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad
Resident. M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar