A macular hole is a small gap that opens at the centre of the retina, in an area called the macula. The retina is the light-sensitive film at the back of the eye. In the centre is the macula – the part responsible for central and fine-detail vision needed for tasks such as reading.
How serious is a hole in the macula?
Full-thickness holes (Stage III). When a Stage III macular hole develops, most central and detailed vision can be lost. If left untreated, a macular hole can lead to a detached retina, a sight-threatening condition that should receive immediate medical attention.
What is the treatment for a macular hole?
Vitrectomy is the most common treatment for macular holes. In this surgical procedure, the vitreous gel is removed to stop it from pulling on the retina, and most commonly a gas bubble is placed in the eye to gently hold the edges of the macular hole closed until it heals.
Is macular hole an emergency?
Macular Hole Spontaneous Closure Since macular hole surgery is never an emergency, it is sometimes worthwhile waiting a short time to see if a small macular hole will close on its own. When macular holes abort, or spontaneously close, the vision often returns all the way to normal over the course of about a year.
What is a Stage 3 macular hole?
Stage 3 is when a full-thickness hole exists. It is greater than 400 µm in size and is still attached with partial vitreomacular adhesion/traction. Stage 4 is when a full-thickness macular hole exists in the presence of a complete separation of the vitreous from the macula and the optic disc.
What should I do about a hole in my retina?
The main types of treatment are: Laser photocoagulation. Highly focused beams of light seal the tissue around the hole or tear. Cryopexy. An instrument called a cryoprobe is used to freeze the tissue around the hole and secure it to the inside of the eyeball. Diathermy.
What is the best treatment for macular hole?
A vitrectomy is the most common treatment for macular holes. In this surgery, a retinal specialist removes the vitreous gel to stop it from pulling on the retina. Then the specialist inserts a mixture of air and gas into the space once occupied by the vitreous.
What causes a hole in the retina?
However, if the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina when it pulls away, it can tear the retina and create a macular hole. Also, once the vitreous has pulled away from the surface of the retina, some of the fibers can remain on the retinal surface and can contract. This increases tension on the retina and can lead to a macular hole.
