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Does the distortion due to Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker) mean I shouldn't drive?

Posted , 4 users are following.

Cheetah
Cheetah

I've had an epiretinal membrane in one eye for about 5 years and haven't driven in that time for a different reason.  I now want to have a refresher course and start driving again, but I'm concerned about the distortion in that eye caused by the membrane.

I see straight lines as somewhat wavy and the image I see in the affected eye is larger than in the normal one because the retina is stretched.  I have difficulty reading text if it's in a grid form.

Has anyone had anything similar and could advise me?  

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • mrsmop
    mrsmop Cheetah

    Posted

    Hello Cheetah I don't have the answer to your question.  I do however have an epiretinal membrane.  I don't have any distortion but I do have a very irritating floater that is worse in brighter light.  When I saw my Consultant at the end of April, he told me that I might want to have a vitrectomy.  I don't know whether this would be appropriate for you & whether you might want to enquire about it before you spend anything on refresher courses etc..

    I'll put a link after this post in case it takes time to be approved.

  • mrsmop
    mrsmop Cheetah

    Posted

    I see my Consultant at Moorfields
    • Cheetah
      Cheetah mrsmop

      Posted

      Thank you very much for your reply and the helpful link.   I was referred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital (Sheffield) two years ago for a vitrectomy and was then told that, as my vision is reasonable, even with the distortions in the one eye, they wouldn't operate.  I saw another ophthalmologist  this year, because of Ocular Rosacea, and when he saw the scan of my right eye, he said he was amazed I could see as well as I could.  So I don't think a vitrectomy is on the cards.  However, I'm aware that I don't see as well as I should, which has caused the concern about driving.  For example, as a passenger, the distortion means that I can't read road signs until I get quite close.  Thanks again for your help and, if you decide to have it, I hope your vitrectomy goes well.  

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