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  • Read our important medical disclaimer.

  • Can I Wait to Have Macular Hole Repair Surgery?

    JUL 25, 2013

    Question:

    About a week ago, I was diagnosed with a stage 4 macular hole that will require surgery. I am scheduled to go on vacation for a week. I would like to schedule the surgery when I return from the vacation. On average, what are the chances that a macular hole worsens such that waiting 30 days presents more risk in repairing the hole by surgery?


    Answer:

    That is a difficult question. Certainly the duration of the macular hole has a very strong impact on recovery and these should be fixed as soon as possible after being discovered. However, if you have had this macular hole for more than several weeks or months and it is stage 4 then I doubt waiting a few more weeks will make a difference. If it is a new macular hole associated with visual loss I would have the surgery as soon as possible and reschedule the vacation.


    Answered By: Gary S Hirshfield MD

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    Not every question will receive a direct response from an ophthalmologist. However, we will follow up with suggested ways to find appropriate information related to your question. Medical disclaimer

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