Macular Hole

Macular Hole

The vitreous is a jelly-like substance that adheres to the retina. The macula is the area of the retina that provides the best vision needed for reading and fine detail. As we get older, the vitreous shrinks in size and pulls away from the retina (and macula). We call this a posterior vitreous detachment. Sometimes, the vitreous pulls on the retina too hard and creates a hole in the macula. This is called a macular hole. This causes blurred vision and problems with reading and seeing fine detail. To fix this, we can perform a surgery called a vitrectomy. Sometimes we peel off fine scar tissue that forms around the macular hole. We then fill the eye with gas to tamponade the hole closed. The gas stays in the eyes for up to 3 months. For the first few weeks, patients will need to keep their head down, to allow the gas to push the hole closed. Statistically, three quarters of patients will get better vision after this surgery. As with all surgeries - the risks, benefits, and alternatives must always be considered.