[ditka41]

My wife was told Monday that she has a "macular hole" in one eye that is causing a blurred spot surrounded by good vision. Surgery was suggested but with a warning that it may or may NOT be successful.

Has anyone had this problem, and can you offer any advice regarding surgeons to either use or avoid? Naturally, the doctor who discovered the problem had a surgeon to recommend, but we would like a more unbiased opinion from someone who has experienced this problem personally. Specifically, any comments regarding "Florida Retina Institute" would be appreciated.

Thank you.

[mraines]

I'm not sure what a "black hole" is but I have macular. I have lost the center vision in my left eye due to a leakage. This vision cannot be restored as far as I know. I have had leakage in my right eye and am currently receiving injections to help prevent further damage. I am a patient of Dr. Maizel at Mid Fl. Eye and think very highly of him. Good luck.

[mraines]

Sorry, "macular hole"

[Mikeod]

A macular hole usually occurs when the gel in the back chamber of the eye detaches from the retina. The vast majority of the time it causes no damage and the result is those floater things people see in bright situations. But it can also exert traction on the retina causing a retinal detachment. There is a firm attachment point between the gel and the retina at the macula, where best vision occurs. When the gel pulls on this point, it can cause a macular hole. Retina surgeons can actually go into the area and release the attachment, allowing the macula to settle back into place. Sometimes better vision returns, sometimes it doesn't. But it likely won't get better doing nothing.

[EyeSite@TheVillages]

We at EyeSite recommend Florida Retina Specialists almost exclusively. They are top notch! We particularly recommend Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Mavrofrides.

If you have any questions, feel free to private message us and we will have our Eye Doctor get back with you.



EyeSite of The Villages

Grand Traverse "Publix" Plaza

Call (352) 674-3937

Click here for our Website

[Carla B]

My brother had that problem some years ago in both eyes. One eye was operated on in Baltimore and one later in Boise, Idaho. The operation in Baltimore was more successful. I remember he had to lie face down all day after surgery for some weeks. He rigged up a platform where he could work on his computer in that position.

[petsetc]

My wife was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration about 10 years ago. She was given a series of shots (3?) of Avastin and a few years later a follow-up shot. Her seepage was stopped and she actually experienced a slight improvement in vision. She regularly follows up but all is still well. I believe the Avastin is a vasoconstrictor and it's use for wet macular. It is an "off-label" use but is still covered by most insurers including Medicare (at least at that time). The drug cost at that time was around $75 as compared to the "approved" shot at $2,000. It does not reverse the damage, it just stopped the progression.

Hope that helps.

[Whit53]

Originally Posted by EyeSite@TheVillages

We at EyeSite recommend Florida Retina Specialists almost exclusively. They are top notch! We particularly recommend Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Mavrofrides.

If you have any questions, feel free to private message us and we will have our Eye Doctor get back with you.



EyeSite of The Villages

Grand Traverse "Publix" Plaza

Call (352) 674-3937

Click here for our Website

I have many retina issues. I am currently a patient of Dr Mavrofrides.
He is absolutely fabulous. He's not only a great doctor but such a kind caring man. I recommend him highly.

[laceylady]

My husband and I both see a doctor at Florida Retina Institute and have for the past 4 years. They were recommended to me by my eye doctor in Washington State. They are the best. I would not hesitate to go there.

[ditka41]

Your comments are all deeply appreciated. Good to hear positive comments about the doctors and facility. It is encouraging and we anticipate things will go well. We are starting to consider how to stay face down for two weeks and were encouraged to find that special equipment is available, on a rental basis, to help make the healing time more pleasant. (I was starting to make sketches of a full-face, motorcycle helmet with tie-downs to hold the head in the right position, but some more humane solutions appear to be available.) Thank you for being so responsive.

[paulascorpio]

Highly recommend Dr Mavrofriedes