Post-Operative Concerns After Macular Hole Surgery: What to Expect

Q: Post-Operative Concerns After Macular Hole Surgery: What to Expect

Hello Jeff： 1. <br>The absorption time for autologous blood can vary, so follow-up scans are used for monitoring. <br>2. <br>Typically, even if a macular hole has healed, there may still be some impact on central vision, and it may not return to its previous state. <br>Of course,

Postoperative care after macular hole surgery?

Hello Dr.
Gao, I would like to ask some questions regarding my macular hole surgery.
My surgery involved internal limiting membrane peeling combined with autologous blood to fill the gap of the hole.
During my last follow-up, the optical coherence tomography results showed that the surface has healed, but the autologous blood has not been completely absorbed yet.

I have a couple of questions:
1.
How long does it typically take for autologous blood to be absorbed?
2.
Currently, the gas has completely dissipated, but there is still a small area of blurriness in my central vision.
Is this due to the blood not being absorbed yet, or is it simply because my vision has not fully recovered after the macular surgery? I am still able to see the shapes and colors of objects clearly with my original glasses (though slightly reduced in size), but there remains a small blurred area in the center.
When I asked my surgeon about this issue, they only mentioned to monitor the recovery progress, so I would like to hear another physician's opinion.
Thank you for your assistance.

Jeff, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/09/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Jeff: 1.
The absorption time for autologous blood can vary, so follow-up scans are used for monitoring.
2.
Typically, even if a macular hole has healed, there may still be some impact on central vision, and it may not return to its previous state.
Of course, the fact that the blood has not yet been absorbed is also a contributing factor.
In Taiwan, the Department of Ophthalmology at Puzi Hospital is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical care at a healthcare facility.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2020/09/03

More Info

Post-operative concerns after macular hole surgery are quite common, and it's understandable to have questions about your recovery process. Let's address your specific inquiries regarding the absorption of the self-blood used in the surgery and the visual changes you are experiencing.

1. Absorption of Self-Blood: After macular hole surgery, the self-blood that is injected to help fill the gap created by the hole typically takes several weeks to months to be fully absorbed. The exact duration can vary based on individual healing processes, but generally, you can expect it to take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for the majority of the blood to be reabsorbed. In some cases, it may take longer, especially if there are underlying factors affecting your healing, such as age, overall health, or the presence of other eye conditions.

2. Visual Changes: The persistence of a small area of blurred vision in the center of your visual field can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is possible that the remaining self-blood is still affecting your vision. However, it is also important to note that after surgery, the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision) may take time to heal and regain its function. The healing process can be gradual, and it is not uncommon for patients to experience fluctuations in their vision during this period.
The fact that you can see shapes and colors clearly, albeit slightly diminished, is a positive sign that your vision is improving. The slight distortion or reduction in size of objects you perceive could be related to the ongoing healing of the macula. It is essential to continue monitoring your vision and report any significant changes to your ophthalmologist.

In terms of your post-operative care, it is crucial to follow your surgeon's instructions regarding activity restrictions and follow-up appointments. Avoiding strenuous activities, heavy lifting, or any actions that could put pressure on your eyes is vital during the initial recovery phase.
Additionally, if you experience any sudden changes in vision, increased pain, or other concerning symptoms, you should contact your eye care provider immediately. Regular follow-ups will allow your doctor to assess your healing progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

In summary, the absorption of self-blood can take several weeks to months, and the blurred vision you are experiencing may be due to both the blood and the natural healing process of the macula. Patience is key during this recovery phase, and maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider will help ensure the best possible outcome for your vision.

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