Macular Hole – is a small break in the macula, located in the center of the eye’s light-sensitive tissue called the retina. The macula is the sweet spot of vision, and when it has a hole in it, you lose detailed center vision. A macular hole is an age related process which is caused by the contraction of the gel-like substance called vitreous that fills our eye. With age, the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the macula, usually without any negative effect on our sight. In some cases, the vitreous gel sticks to the macula and is unable to pull away. This causes the macular tissues to stretch and after weeks or months the macula tears, forming a hole.

Symptoms for Macular Hole:

• Blurred and distorted central vision
• Blind spot in central vision

Macular Hole: Vitrectomy Surgery

Treatment for Macular Hole:

The only treatment for macular hole is eye surgery. Our surgeons perform a small gauge Vitrectomy in an operating room to remove the vitreous gel that is pulling on the macula. The vitreous is replaced with a gas bubble to help flatten the hole and hold it in place while it heals. This surgery is the most effective treatment to repair a macular hole. This often involves some face down positioning for a few days after surgery.