“Can A Macular Pucker Heal On Its Own?”

As we age, we are often looking for more ways to prevent the signs and symptoms of its effects. Preventative eye care is no different. While there is no easy cure for a macular pucker or any way for it to heal on its own, easy ways to prevent or help delay the development of a macular pucker include maintaining a healthy weight and blood pressure, daily aerobic exercise, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, filtering screens with blue-light blockers, better sleep, reduce in stress and consuming nutrient rich vitamins and supplements that are ideal for eye health. 

Most macular pucker development is due to aging, affecting folks over 50 years old. Typically, macular pucker causes changes in vision. Common issues include blurry or slightly distorted vison as well as straight lines appearing wavy, appearance of a gray area in central vision or blind spots. Difficulty reading small print and driving are also typical side effects of a macular pucker.

Macular pucker occurs when vitreous, a gel-like substance responsible for maintaining the shape of the eyes, starts slowly shrinking or pulling away, causing the retina to wrinkle or form a pucker. The macula needs to lie flat against the back of the eye to function properly. If the scar tissue forms over the part of the retina that contains the macula, central vision becomes blurred and distorted. Central vision is responsible for sharp, finite details when looking ahead. 

Macular pucker occurs very slowly over time. One is eye is typically affected, causing mild distortion. Less often it affects both eyes. For serious cases, a surgery called vitrectomy can be performed. Patients can expect about half the vision lost to be restored. Vision distortion can also be greatly improved. Recovery time can take up to 3 months and cataract development is a common complication from surgery. Since most patients have only mild symptoms, new eyeglasses or magnifiers are prescribed most frequently.

Scheduling your annual exam with your eye doctor is key to monitoring your eye health. The progress of macular pucker can be measured with visual acuity tests. The team at Associated Retina Consultants offers consultations to help with your vision needs. To schedule, please contact at 602-242-4928 or website.