Epiretinal membrane

To: Michael J Kutryb, MD
I reached my retinologists' office today and the nurse said that it is not serious--only a trace.

I later realized that I should have asked her if it made a difference that I am in the 10% who make too much scar tissue--I have had 5 retina surgeries in 9 months, and I have lost most of the vision in my left eye, due to scar tissue, including erm, and hypotony. I am now trying to save the eye itself. It looks as if the left eye not may have stopped manufacturing scar tissue.  The problem started with a detached retina. The erm came later, with the other scar tissue, and as a result of the surgeries, I believe.

I was really scared when I saw that the doctor had noted the erm od on Friday.He did not discuss it with me. However, it looks like it may never get worse, right, even though my body makes too much scar tissue?

Of course, I must avoid any surgery in the right eye, even cataract surgery. I wish there were a med to prevent cataracts.

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

To reduce the risk of cataracts, eat a good diet, fruits, veggies, etc. do not smoke, protect your eye from prolonged sundlight (hat, UV blocking sunglasses), protect you eye from injury, take a multi vitamin.  Stay slim and trim and don't get weight related diabetes.

There is some promiseing research being done on medications to prevent cataracts. Some studies indicate that taking extra vitimen C and E  (500 C, 400 Natural mixed tocoperals Vit E) may also help. Do not take extra vit C and E without asking your family FP GP as some people with heart trouble should not take extra vits.

JCH III MD

[AnnaE]

Thank you for the tremendously valuable information.