Understanding A Macular Hole
So, what exactly is a macular hole? A macular hole in the eye is a condition in which a small piece in the center of the retina is missing.
Causes
Though there are specific circumstances that may be thought to lead to a macular hole in the eye, usually this eye condition arises on its own for no identifiable reason other than atypical aging changes.
Some potential causes of a macular hole may be:
-Physical Injury
Whether minor or severe, an eye injury may create a macular hole.
-Extreme myopia
A serious case of myopia, or nearsightedness, can be a precursor to the eye condition as well.
-Vitreous detachment and shrinking
Vitreous, a relatively clear substance that fills the majority of the eye. The older a person gets, the more the vitreous may change. As a result of this, fibers can end up pulling on the retina. This can pull on the center of the macula and lead to hole formation.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is a missing spot in the center of the vision or blurriness in the very center of the vision.
Treatment Options
Even though a macular hole will not directly cause you to lose all of your vision because you typically still are capable of seeing on each side, it is usually recommended to seek treatment.
The most common method of treatment for a macular hole is vitrectomy surgery. Performed by an ophthalmologist that is a fellowship trained retina specialist, a vitrectomy is where the vitreous gel is removed from the eye. Next, usually a small membrane on the retinal surface is gently removed. After this removal, a type of gas is dispensed into the eye. Patients typically are instructed to maintain face down positioning for approximately one
week. The macular hole usually will close up, and as a result, complete vision should be improved.
A less common treatment for some small macular holes is an injection of a medication called Jetrea. This is an office based procedure, but does not have the same success rate as vitrectomy surgery.
A macular hole is an eye condition that should not go ignored. Learning about the causes, symptoms, and recommended treatments for a macular hole problem can benefit you by providing knowledge about the condition, but there’s nothing like turning to a professional at an eye care center, especially when you’re in need of one! If you feel you are experiencing symptoms of a macular hole or displaying any signs of an eye problem, then you should make it a point to see your trusted ophthalmologists and fellowship trained eye surgeons at the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute.