Macular Pucker surgery...to do or not to do?

[homecrafter]

Hello everyone, I'm needing some shared experiences PLEASE.
Last week I was diagnosed with rather severe Macular Pucker in one eye.  I noticed a decline in vision for several months prior, but thought I had an infection from eye makeup.  Saw a retina specialist yesterday , seeing a second opinion Friday but I am expecting the same news.
The pucker is pulling on the retina and nerves a bit and has made my vision in that one eye 20/200 and no corrective lenses will help at this point.  I can still see light, shapes etc. but just cannot make out letters.  I can live with it like this, but the specialist says the tugging my cause more severe damage so I have nothing to loose by doing the surgery right away for the best chance of any improvment.

That is where I'm having the problem ,,,I am 56 and still lead an active life on the lake with waterskiing etc.  I have never needed surgery or prescriptions and take care of myself with exercise and diet.    
I do not want to enter into a lifestyle of surgeries, infections, potential real dangers with retinal detachment or reoccurance of the pucker...etc etc.  Yes, I know every surgery has risks and I should just suck it up, but the fear of making the wrong decision is stressing me greatly.  The Dr. cannot tell if the pucker stabilized or will cause more damage...so do I just leave "well enough alone here"??

Does anyone out there have a similar experience with Macular Pucker surgery ?  I would appreciate any and all comments !

[JohnHaganMD]

answered in your other post
JCH MD

[vjwin]

Can someone recommend top surgeons for epiretinal membrane in Chicago area?

[JohnHaganMD]

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[DEBBYSTW]

I am having the vitrectomy for macular pucker soon so will let you know all about it.  Am going to the Retinal Group of Washington and trust my surgeon, who has a lot of experience.  My vision in one eye has been distorted for several years but has gotten worse this year to the point of nothing to lose.  Also have dry macular, age related and the beginning of cataracts.  I am 65.  Can still drive local roads but not interstate, perform normal everyday functions but cannot read unless glasses are off...same with computer.  Objects are larger and of course wavy lines in the affected eye, along with.blank spots.  I'm hoping for about 75% increase in vision and am aware that cataract surgery will be needed probably within one year.

[JohnHaganMD]

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[CBCT]

I saw Stanley Chang MD at Columbia University.  Be aware that he does not accept insurance.  I paid upfront and then obtained out of network reimbursement from my insurance carrier which is Cigna.
http://www.columbiadoctors.org/prof/schang