Macular translocation surgery has maintained or improved reading vision in a majority of patients. Many patients are able to read magazines and newsprint following surgery, although some require reading glasses or low vision aids, such as handheld magnifiers.

Few patients are able to drive a car following surgery.

Vision is temporarily tilted and some people notice double vision. This happens because the macula's new location has caused a change in central vision. A second surgery perfomed in the muscles of the eye will usually correct this, although there is a chance that some tilt and double vision may persist. This can be managed, generally with glasses. The tilt is demonstrated in these pictures taken by a patient before muscle surgery.