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1139742 tn?1272938194

My progress, post-ERM surgery

Big day.  Went back to my retina specialist for my -- almost -- 3 weeks post-op evaluation.

The tech did the visual acuity test.  Before surgery, my best corrected vision in my left eye was 20/40.  Today it measures 20/30.  I knew it had probably improved, but not that much!  But the tech said when I read the 20/30 line with my right eye, I missed one of the characters, whereas with the left one I got 100 % correct.

Last week, I was trying to read with no glasses from my Bible with the 14-point font.  I decided it was too hard to find the verses, gave up and went to bed.  But the next day, I did not have as many problems seeing the little numbers which are almost like superscript numerals.  I decided that might have been a turning point, however subtle.  I have no idea what the Crystalens in my left eye is doing.  :-)

I'd say intermediate distance is the worst of the three right now.

I know this is going to sound puzzling if you haven't had an epiretinal membrane, but it's like I'm seeing better through the distortion that's still there?  My distortion was never anything weird.  Straight lines looked straight, and characters didn't bend out of their line of type.  I would describe it as sort of patchy vision.  That's the best I can do with my limited descriptive ability here!  Can anyone relate to this?

I acknowledge that some of what I report is terribly subjective.  My surgeon says that the improvement I've seen so far is about what could be expected, and that, in the next couple of months, I may see further improvement.  After that, vision kind of settles in.  We looked at the OCT scan today in his office, and he remarked that "what looked like the snowy Matterhorn before with your ERM now resembles a gentle elevation."

In case anyone is interested, my surgeon is Harry Rosenthal, M.D., in Fort Worth, Texas.  Dr. Rosenthal has developed a very fine reputation here, and I have found him to be warmer and more personable than what I expected to encounter for someone at his level.  My perception is that he has learned well the art of listening and giving feedback.

Hope this helps someone who's in the same situation.  Frankly, there just isn't enough information out there in cyberspace, and I want to make a contribution.

If having the surgery helps me to pass the visual exam at the Department of Motor Vehicles the next time it comes up, it will have been worth it, despite any other irregularities I may have with my vision.

Will post more later.
Best Answer
711220 tn?1251891127
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
The distortion should improve as you neuroadapt.

Dr. O.
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1139742 tn?1272938194
Thanks, Jodie.  I will do that.  I am going to have lots more questions in another few weeks, so be prepared!
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Avatar universal
You are doing really well for only 3 weeks postop, and I'm sure that you will continue to experience improvement.  It can take 6 months or longer for full visual recovery.  So keep us posted.  
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1139742 tn?1272938194
Thank you, Dr. O !!  It is especially nice to hear this from you, as I know you have had to deal with this very condition.
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