Macular Hole Repair
Do objects in front of you appear bent or wavy? If so, you might have a macular hole, which is a small break in the macula part of the retina. If you think you might have this severe condition, visit University Retina at one of their locations in Oak Forest, Bedford Park, Lemont, or Downers Grove, Illinois. A macular hole repair procedure can help you regain some or all of your lost vision and restore healthy eyesight. To get started, book an appointment by calling or scheduling online today.
Q & A
What is a macular hole?
A macular hole is a small tear or breaks in the macula, which is part of the retinal tissue at the back of the eye. The macula part of the eye enables you to have sharp, clear vision when it comes to daily tasks like reading, using the computer or seeing fine detail.
A macular hole can cause blurry or distorted vision. The size of a macular hole and where it’s located determine the severity of your symptoms, as well as how it affects your vision.
What are the symptoms of a macular hole?
Many people aren’t aware that they have a macular hole, as symptoms may come on gradually.
Among the most common signs of a macular hole is distortion in the central visual field or increasing difficulty with routine tasks that require fine visual detail. A macular hole might also cause objects that are right in front of you to look bent or wavy.
What causes a macular hole?
The eye structure is filled with a vitreous substance that helps the eye maintain its shape. This vitreous material has fibers that are attached to the surface of the retina. As we age, these fibers detach. If they detach too quickly, they can tug on the retina and create a macular hole.
In other cases, a macular hole can develop from injury to the eye, from nearsightedness, or from retinal detachment.
How are macular holes treated?
Macular holes sometimes repair themselves. However, surgery is often necessary to prevent further vision loss and to restore health to the affected eye.
The surgery is called vitrectomy. In vitrectomy, your physician removes the vitreous gel surrounding the eye and replaces it with a bubble that contains air and gas. The bubble acts as a bandage to the macular hole, holding it in place while it heals and closes.
To learn more about how macular hole repair can save your vision, call University Retina or schedule an appointment online today.