Can the epiretinal membrane regrow post surgery 2 months?

[anntab]

I had erm surgery 2 months ago.  I have not felt like I was improving and that perhaps I had another problem. My doctor said that he still sees the membrane on the scan.   He did not do the surgery.  Is it possible it could regrow in that short a time, or would it be more likely that my surgeon did not get it all?

[MrPresley]

Like Dr. Hagar mentioned there is a lot variability in restoration of vision after ERM surgery, and mine took about a year to get back close to the point it was before.

[MrPresley]

Apologize for the autocorrect of your name Dr. Hagan, normally I catch those.

[JohnHaganMD]

No problem, I've been called a lot worse including some on this forum. Appreciate your input MrsBresley. Just paying you back, kidding MrPresely.

[MrPresley]

thankyuh...thankyuhverruhmuch! (using best Elvis accent)

Believe it or not, the autocorrect attempted to kick in again and change it from Hagan to "Havana" this time.  Smart phones must not be smart enough to "learn" from previously entered words.

[JohnHaganMD]

Yes "autospell" is hell

[anntab]

Thank you Dr. Hagan.   My retina surgeon says that the entire membrane was removed.  It was quite thick. The foveal depression has not reformed, but he says that I don't need it to have improved vision, but that it takes time. Do you know what the average times for improvement are.   I am 2 months out from surgery.

[JohnHaganMD]

There is a great deal of variability with this type of surgery but I would think that your vision 4-6 months post surgery might be considered a final result.

[JohnHaganMD]

It could be either. It could also be that your optometrist or ophthalmologist is just seeing the ERM around the edge of the macula. They sometimes will leave the edge of a large ERM and just remove the section over the macula and not the paramacular area. I would ask the retina surgeon.

[anntab]

Thank you Dr. Hagen:   My retinal surgeon says he removed the whole membrane and that I need to have patience.   It was quite thick and grew in one year from being less so when I initially saw him.  The foveal depression has not reformed, but he says that it not necessary.   I am just wondering how long it takes to have vision improvement on average, if there even is an on average. My vision was good before the surgery at 20/25, but the distortion was interfering with everyday activities especially driving.