Macular Holes
The macula is the centre of the retina and provides the central vision we need for tasks such as reading and seeing fine detail. A macular hole occurs when the vitreous separates from the centre of the retina or the macula. The vitreous causes traction on the macula, which can lead to a macular hole. This condition is often related to aging and is more common in women.
Causes & Symptoms of Macular Hole
Common causes of a macular hole include:
•High myopia (nearsightedness)
• Injury or trauma to the eye
• Diabetic eye disease
• Retinal detachment
• Macular pucker
Symptoms of a macular hole include vision loss, blurry vision or a dark spot in your central vision. You may experience difficulties driving or reading, and objects may look wavy or bent.
Treatment for a Macular Hole
If left untreated, macular holes will grow and vision will continue to decline. Rarely, a macular hole may heal on its own if the vitreous completely separates without any intervention. If the hole is small enough, the edges of the hole may find each other and close on their own. If your optometrist or ophthalmologist determines that you have a macular hole, you will likely see a vitreoretinal surgeon to discuss closing the macular hole and improving or stabilizing visual acuity. Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure that has a 90 percent success rate, meaning that the macular hole closes and vision is improved or stabilized. Commonly after pars plana vitrectomy, the vitreoretinal surgeon places a gas bubble in the eye.
Following pars plana vitrectomy for a macular hole, the patient will be required to maintain a particular head position determined by the vitreoretinal surgeon. People who have had a macular hole in one eye have a higher chance of developing a macular hole in their other eye, so it’s important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams.
Talk to your eye doctor if you'd like more information on macular holes.
Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on eye diseases and surgery.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
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Common causes of a macular hole include high myopia (nearsightedness), injury or trauma to the eye, diabetic eye disease, retinal detachment and macular pucker.
-
Symptoms of a macular hole include vision loss, blurry vision or a dark spot in your central vision.
-
If your optometrist or ophthalmologist determines that you have a macular hole, you will likely see a vitreoretinal surgeon to discuss closing the macular hole and improving or stabilizing visual acuity.
-
Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure that has a 90 percent success rate, meaning that the macular hole closes and vision is improved or stabilized.
-
People who have had a macular hole in one eye have a higher chance of developing a macular hole in their other eye, so it’s important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams.
Diseases
Conditions
Macular Hole
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Information - Macular Holes
The macula is the centre of the retina and provides the central vision we need for tasks such as reading and seeing fine detail. A macular hole occurs when the vitreous separates from the centre of the retina or the macula. The vitreous causes traction on the macula, which can lead to a macular hole. This condition is often related to aging and is more common in women.
Causes & Symptoms of Macular Hole
Common causes of a macular hole include:
•High myopia (nearsightedness)
• Injury or trauma to the eye
• Diabetic eye disease
• Retinal detachment
• Macular pucker
Symptoms of a macular hole include vision loss, blurry vision or a dark spot in your central vision. You may experience difficulties driving or reading, and objects may look wavy or bent.
Treatment for a Macular Hole
If left untreated, macular holes will grow and vision will continue to decline. Rarely, a macular hole may heal on its own if the vitreous completely separates without any intervention. If the hole is small enough, the edges of the hole may find each other and close on their own. If your optometrist or ophthalmologist determines that you have a macular hole, you will likely see a vitreoretinal surgeon to discuss closing the macular hole and improving or stabilizing visual acuity. Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure that has a 90 percent success rate, meaning that the macular hole closes and vision is improved or stabilized. Commonly after pars plana vitrectomy, the vitreoretinal surgeon places a gas bubble in the eye.
Following pars plana vitrectomy for a macular hole, the patient will be required to maintain a particular head position determined by the vitreoretinal surgeon. People who have had a macular hole in one eye have a higher chance of developing a macular hole in their other eye, so it’s important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams.
Talk to your eye doctor if you'd like more information on macular holes.
Visit HealthChoicesFirst.com for more videos and resources on eye diseases and surgery.
Print this Action Plan and check off items that you want to discuss with your healthcare provider
-
Common causes of a macular hole include high myopia (nearsightedness), injury or trauma to the eye, diabetic eye disease, retinal detachment and macular pucker.
-
Symptoms of a macular hole include vision loss, blurry vision or a dark spot in your central vision.
-
If your optometrist or ophthalmologist determines that you have a macular hole, you will likely see a vitreoretinal surgeon to discuss closing the macular hole and improving or stabilizing visual acuity.
-
Pars plana vitrectomy is a common surgical procedure that has a 90 percent success rate, meaning that the macular hole closes and vision is improved or stabilized.
-
People who have had a macular hole in one eye have a higher chance of developing a macular hole in their other eye, so it’s important to see your eye doctor for regular eye exams.
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