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Epiretinal Membrane
I have an Epiretinal Membrane in my right eye which is 20/60 and blurred. This has been progressing for a number of year. By the time I needed surgery, my retina specialist whom I have a lot of faith in retired. Now, I am contemplating surgery, and I have seen a new doctor who I feel is very good, but I would like to check that out, but I don't know where. I have a lot of fear about having the surgery since I am very nearsignted (-15), and I feel the risk of retinal detachment is greater. The doctor I am seeing has a large practice and has done a lot of this type of surgery. He stated the risk of something happening is only 3%, but I feel with my eyes, I probably fall into that 3%. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
This discussion is related to epiretinal membrane peel & vitrectomy.
This discussion is related to epiretinal membrane peel & vitrectomy.
Dr. Hagan has given you excellent suggestions. If a surgeon is board-certified and has performed your procedure many times, those are very positive signs.
One of the best sources of information about particular surgeons' skills are other ophthalmologists in your community. You could ask your general ophthalmologist who they would see themselves if they needed surgery for an epiretinal membrane.
I'm not sure where in Ohio you live. If you're anywhere near Cleveland, you might consider consulting Dr. Andrew Schachat at the Cleveland Clinic (216-444-0430). He's a Castle-Connolly "top doc" (and specialist in vitreoretinal surgery) with impeccable credentials. (If you choose this option, just make sure beforehand that only Dr. Schachat will perform your surgery.)
One of the best sources of information about particular surgeons' skills are other ophthalmologists in your community. You could ask your general ophthalmologist who they would see themselves if they needed surgery for an epiretinal membrane.
I'm not sure where in Ohio you live. If you're anywhere near Cleveland, you might consider consulting Dr. Andrew Schachat at the Cleveland Clinic (216-444-0430). He's a Castle-Connolly "top doc" (and specialist in vitreoretinal surgery) with impeccable credentials. (If you choose this option, just make sure beforehand that only Dr. Schachat will perform your surgery.)
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
If you have a general ophthalmologist you can ask him/her. There are several internet sites that for a fee will check out things like malpractice judgments, criminal behavior, state board actions, etc.
You can make sure that surgeon is Board Certfied and a member of the Am Acad of Ophthalmology (go to www.aao.org)
You can ask for the names of several patients that have had this type of surgery that would be willing to speak to you. You can ask how many cases of this type the surgeon has done.
You can get a second opinion so you have two surgeons to pick from.
JCH MD
You can make sure that surgeon is Board Certfied and a member of the Am Acad of Ophthalmology (go to www.aao.org)
You can ask for the names of several patients that have had this type of surgery that would be willing to speak to you. You can ask how many cases of this type the surgeon has done.
You can get a second opinion so you have two surgeons to pick from.
JCH MD
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