A macular hole is a small hole in the central part of the retina which can lead to distortion and blurring of central vision. A macular hole normally only occurs in one eye, although they are present in both eyes in 10-15% of cases. They can be detected by a scan of the back of the eye.Macular holes are not related to macular degeneration.

What are the symptoms?

There may be no symptoms in the early stages of a macular hole and clarity of vision can still be good. As a hole progresses, patients may notice distortion and blurring of vision.

Causes

As we age, the vitreous ‘gel’ inside the eye naturally shrinks and pulls away from the retina. Occasionally, the vitreous gel can pull on the retina and create a macular hole. In some cases, the fluid that fills the gap left by the vitreous gel may seep through the hole onto the macula, causing blurring and distortion.

Other conditions that increase risk

The presence of another eye condition may increase your chances of developing a macular hole. These include:

• Severe short sightedness
• Epiretinal membranes that progress to the ‘macular pucker’ stage
• Retinal detachment
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Eye injury or trauma

 

What is the treatment?

Every patient is unique, so we offer a detailed consultation with one of our Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons to determine suitability, answer all your questions and explain the treatment options.

Vitrectomy: surgical removal of the vitreous gel from the eye, which is then replaced by a bubble of inert gas allowing the hole to close.

 

before surgery

After surgeryOther treatments include injections of ocriplasmin (Jetrea) into the eye to separate the vitreous gel from the retina.