Anonymous said...
Hello,
I am in Italy and need an advice. If you had your child with a macular hole due to a thrauma, and have to go to the best specialists in US to have him operated, where would you bring him?
Thank you so much, it's crucial for us to know the right places-names.
November 16, 2008 10:43 AM
Whew-I am truly flattered, yet humbled, by your question.
I am very proud that you believe coming to the United States of America for medical treatment is the right first step. I believe it too. However, I am afraid it would be inappropriate for me give a particular name or practice; I am personally not qualified to make a determination of any particular surgeons abilities. I can recommend choosing a Board Certified Retinal Surgeon; all have ideally reached a minimal level of competance in order to attain their title.
I have personally seen the expertise and outcomes of several retinal surgeons, but only in the Pittsburgh, PA area. Of the surgeons I have had the experience of working with, I can say with sincerity I would trust a couple of them with my own child. There are several surgeons and practices in other regions that have achieved world wide reputations for their research and prominent journal contributions but the truth of the matter is what you want and need is experience and ability in the operating room.
And now I am going to stick my neck out, just a little. I advise that you be sure the surgeon you choose to treat your child is the same surgeon who actually performs the surgery, this is particularly important if you are being seen in a teaching hospital facility.
Good luck to you and your child.
Toni
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Anonymous said...
ReplyDeletePlease, it's really urgent and serious... I have to do this travel of hope for my child, they suggested me to go to USA, but I don't know where to go and to which specialist...
Please help me!
November 18, 2008 2:13 PM
OK, I am working on getting some names for you, check back soon!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous: I put your question to the members of an eye community forum I recently joined and here are the responses I got:
ReplyDeleteI'm sure there are many excellent surgeons in Italy that are well qualified to handle the situation. However, if the parents insist on traveling to the U.S. they can search for a board certified vitreo-retinal specialist by visiting www.aao.org. Also, Dr. Hagan posted on the site a list of "Best Eye Care in the World" just search the site the post should turn up. Hope this helps.
And here is that post:
WHO GIVES THE BEST EYE CARE IN THE WORLD
by John C Hagan III, MD, FACS
There are many questions posted here by people with very complex eye problems or things that are very difficult to diagnose. I'm often asked WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE IN THE WORLD FOR THESE EYE PROBLEMS
Each year academic eye surgeons are polled about their opinion of the best programs in the USA (which put them on a par with anywhere in the world). Here is the 2008 list as published in the October 15, 2008 Ophthalmology Times
BEST OVERALL OPHTHALMOLOGY PROGRAMS:
1. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of U of Miami
2. Wilmer Eye Institute of John Hopkins University
3. Wills Eye Hospital/Thomas Jefferson University
4. Duke University
5. Jules Stein Eye Institute/UCLA
6. (tie) Beckman Center/U Cal San Francisco AND WK Kellogg Eye Center U of Michigan
8. U of Iowa and Emory Eye Center/ Emory University
10. Massachusetts Eye and Infirmary/Harvard
This does not mean that every complex or difficult problem needs to trek to these centers as there are literally hundreds of other fine centers, hospitals, clinics and outstanding ophthalmologists in private practice.
Nevertheless because this comes up so much I wanted to post this list. I'm pleased that the program that I trained in (Emory External and internal eye anatomy
Eye Center) is listed in the top ten in all lists: Best overall Program, Best Research Programs, Best Ophthalmology Residency and Best Clinical-Patient Care Programs.
JCH MD
Hope this helps you! PLEASE let me know how it goes for you.
Toni
Please know that closing a macular hole can mean using a gas bubble or other means in which you can't fly or do high altitude until the bubble goes away; check with your local eye care specialist about how long no flying or high altitude (trains going up, buses, etc.) might be.
ReplyDeleteis it possible to repair a long-standing full-thickness macular hole? my daughter injured her eye at age 2 (she's 26 now). there was a macular pucker to begin; the opthamologist had her see a retinal specialist at age 3; she was uncooperative and specialist didn't get a good look. then by age 6 the opthamologist suggested she see the retinal specialist again, who then confirmed she had a full-thickness retinal hole. I've always hoped that the technology would improve to the point that repair would be possible.
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteMy son has a macular hole, caused by soccer ball hit a couple of days ago. The doctor said is very risky to have surgery. please tell me if you have any inforamtion about this on teenagers.
Dear Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteThe leading cause of macular holes in young people is trauma. I have had several customers in your situation but each case is different. If you have sought out a retina specialist for an opinion on proceeding with surgery and you were told the surgery is risky, there may be other factors involoved. A second opinion is never a bad idea and be prepared to ask questions such as what the risks are and whether or not there are other problems related to the decrease in vision other than the macular hole. Good luck. Toni
I had a macular hole 4 years ago and now have distortion and depth perception problems. I am a golfer and now need assistance. A month ago I was told I have 80% of a hole in my other eye. I really need great results or I won't be able to even drive a car. Same surgeon - same result?? I need the best. My doctor says we won't know how well the surgery goes till afterwards. How can I increase my odds of perfect results?
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous:
ReplyDeleteEvery eye is a different story. Perfect results can be gauged in two ways. One, ideal anatomical closure of the hole. Two, visual outcome. Visual outcome is rarely perfect. The tissue has been compromised from having the hole in the first place. Repairing the hole generally brings about visual improvement but 20/20 is not the expected outcome. To increase your odds of the best possible outcome you should address the hole sooner than later and follow your surgeons directions for post operative recovery.
I have a friend who was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 Macular hole or Partial-thickness holes. She was treated at the Arizona Retinal Specialists Center, and they did a great job. Good thing she opted for a second opinion, because the first doctor she went to told her that her macular hole wasn't that serious and just gave her prescriptions instead.
ReplyDelete