Macular Surgery

The macula is the central part of your retina, or the nerve in the eye and plays an important role in your vision. If damaged or compromised this can impact vision.

You may have been told that you have a “macular hole” or “epiretinal membrane”.

These conditions often result in increased distortion or blurring of your central vision.

Some patients may also have a concurrent cataract together with one of these macular conditions and may be offered a combined procedure to address both conditions simultaneously and if this is the case your ophthalmologist will discuss the best options to treat your condition and outline a clear plan at your appointment.

Some types of macular surgery require a special gas to be placed in the eye during surgery. This is to help support the retina while it heals. Your vision will be poor while this gas remains in the eye. In time it will dissipate.

The success of macular hole or epiretinal membrane surgery is high with greater than 90% noticing an improvement of their symptoms.

What to expect when considering macular surgery:

  • Surgery time is likely to be 60 minutes
  • It is a day hospital procedure
  • Recovery/time off work is between 2-8 weeks
  • You will be reasonably mobile after 1 day
  • Exercise limitations to be practiced for 2-4 weeks
  • Avoid driving for 2-8 weeks
  • Pat dry, and keep out for a direct shower for 3 days

Book complimentary laser assessment

To understand your best laser options we provide either a tele-consultation or in-house assessment that is no cost to the participant. Provided by a skilled refractive counsellor from ParkView Day Surgery, our affiliated day surgery facility, during this appointment we are able to refine what your personal eye solution is, and provide you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

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Are you suitable for eye laser surgery?

Not all people are suitable for laser surgery and a thorough examination with an Ophthalmologist is necessary to determine suitability, however, there are some general guidelines and questions which can provide an initial indication of suitability. Take the suitability test and take your first step to a clearer brighter future.

Take the Suitability Test

Your questions answered here

We understand that having eye laser surgery is an important decision and that you may have questions about the procedure, your immediate recovery and what you can expect in the days, weeks and months after surgery. We have answered as many as we can here.

Eye Laser Surgery FAQ’s