Epiretinal Membrane?

[LouAvul]

That’s interesting. My consult with the surgeon is about a month off and the surgery will be even after that. It would be nice, but like you said, it’s rare (the condition correcting itself).

[lula]

I had it, doctor watched for a couple of months. It’s the membrane that as you age separates from the macula. Usually without consequences. For some it gets stuck and pulls on your macula creating a macular hole. Mine did and had to have a vitrectomy. I opted for being awake but anesthetized so I didn’t feel pain...it was interesting to watch. They put a gas bubble to hold the macula in place while healing. Piece of cake. Had to do the head down for 5 days that was hard. As the gas bubble absorbed into the eye it was weird.
A year later had cataract surgery. My eyesight is 20/20. Still have slight spot but I can read well enough. My retina surgeon saved my sight. I’m blessed.

[LouAvul]

Had to do the head down for 5 days that was hard.

What does that entail? You had to look down; never look to the horizon; never look up?

[lula]

Yes, they make a contrption you can put on the end of your bed and hold you head down. You can use it on a table too. I watched movies on my iPad. For sleeping I needed a certain pillow always pointing my head down.

[JoJo354]

Do you know if Medicare will cover this type of surgery? I’ve tried to look it up but can’t find much on it. Thanks.

[deoetdoctrinae]

My conclusion about my improvement was just subjective on my part. I suppose I was hoping for something more miraculous, but looking back, that was unrealistic on my part. Pre-procedure, my vision in that eye was about 20/60. After, got it close to 20/30. My cataract surgery needed to be done regardless, so it was nice to have them both done at the same time. Eye glasses do a pretty good job of getting me close to normal.

Interestingly, I just got back from appt with my regular eye doctor this morning, and it has dropped back to about 20/40. But it's just age related, nothing to do with the earlier procedure.

I can still shoot okay, although I've been conserving ammo lately, lol. All things considered, I believe it was a worthwhile procedure, and would probably still do it even knowing what I know now. Wishing you the best with it my FRiend.

[deoetdoctrinae]

Do you know if Medicare will cover this type of surgery?

It should. It did for me if I remember correctly, (well, Medicare and my supplement). Someone in your doctor's office should be able to give you a definitive answer.

[sitetest]

I have an ERM. I also have a bunch of other stuff. The time to fully heal from a vitrectomy is long, and the likelihood that I’d get all that time to heal before my next medical “adventure” seems low.

So far, I’ve held off.

[JoJo354]

Thanks, I will.

[chuck allen]

I’m sorry I don’t know, I will though in about 4 years.