I hv a Early ERM

[damoo]

Hv just operated my right eye cataract and doctor saw an early ERM.
And advise to do an OCT, Why and confirm if I must do It.
My age is 75 old.

[JodieJ]

OCT is a quick and totally painless test which will give your doctor more information about your macula and the ERM.  You look through a viewer for a couple of minutes and watch lines pass through the viewing area.  Of course, you don't have to do it--but what are your objections?  It usually takes an ERM about 1-2 months to develop.  If it doesn't affect your vision significantly, no treatment is needed.  If you do opt for surgery to remove it, then having early surgery is associated with better visual outcomes.  The surgery is an outpatient procedure using tiny instruments.  For me, it was totally painless--a couple of hours after leaving the OR, I was having dinner at a restaurant.  

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear damoo,

An epiretinal membrane is a growth in one’s area of finest acuity. The OCT will enable the doctor to detect whether there is swelling.  Speak with your eyeMD and ask more questions about the best time for this test and why he desired it at this point.


Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California