A macular hole is a small full-thickness defect in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It can cause blurred, distorted, or missing central vision in the affected eye.
Why Macular Holes Develop
Most macular holes develop as the vitreous gel separates from the retina with age and pulls on the macula. Trauma or high myopia can also contribute.
- Symptoms often start with distortion or a blurred central spot
- Peripheral vision usually remains normal
- More common in people over 60
Treatment
Many macular holes are treated with vitrectomy surgery, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade; patients may need temporary face-down positioning. Further detail on surgical techniques is described on the vitreoretinal surgery page and in the Blue Fin Vision® article what is vitrectomy surgery?.
Outlook
Early treatment improves the chance of hole closure and visual improvement, so new central distortion or missing areas of vision should be assessed promptly.
