How is it diagnosed?
Detailed retinal checkup of your retina with your ophthalmologist helps in making early diagnosis. Fundus Fluorescein Angiography &/or OCT may be needed for diagnosis.

What is the treatment of macular pucker?
If the visual symptoms are minimal due to macular pucker, then usually the policy is to observe the eye. However if your complaint is mainly distorted & decreased central vision due to macular pucker, then the surgical treatment is required.

A procedure known as vitrectomy along with peeling of the membrane is performed with specialized instruments. This relieves traction on the retina and abnormal scar tissue is also removed. This helps in reducing visual symptoms.

What is post-operative routine?
Usually patient can go home on the same day or one-day hospitalization may be required. Oral tablets and eye drops are prescribed. Regular follow-up is required for 1st six weeks of surgery. After approximately 10- 12 weeks of surgery, when macula has reasonably healed, refraction is performed and glasses are prescribed. Full visual recovery usually takes 4- 6 months or sometimes more.

What are the complications of the surgery?
The most common complication of vitrectomy surgery is cataract formation , which may result in gradual deterioration of vision. But it can be managed easily with the cataract extraction. Rarely peeling of the membrane may cause microscopic retinal holes and retinal detachment, which may require one or more surgery. Usually complications like eye infections are very uncommon.

How much visual improvement can you expect?
Usually one can expect visual improvement by 2-3 lines (50%) if the cause of your reduced vision was mainly due to macular pucker. Rarely, very minimal improvement occurs in the vision. However seeing of distorted images gets better which is often a chief complaint.

Can it recur back?
Rarely, depending on the reactivation of healing process, macular pucker may recur after a period of 1-2 years. Fortunately it is very rare.

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