Macular Hole

What is a macular hole?

A macular hole is a tear in the center of the retina. In most cases, it occurs with age, without a specific cause – most often in people over 60 years old, and more frequently in women. Sometimes it can result from trauma (impact) to the eye.

Symptoms:

• You see less clearly in the center of the visual field – difficulties with reading, recognizing faces, and details.
• Usually, only one eye is affected.
• There is no pain, so it is often discovered late – especially if the other eye sees well.
• You may notice missing letters or that straight lines appear broken.

What is the treatment?

A macular hole is usually treated with surgery. For very small holes, eye injections can be used, but the effect is limited.

The surgery is called vitrectomy – a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. Through small incisions (about 1 mm), fine instruments are introduced to remove the membrane or close the hole.

Most patients improve their vision – especially if the treatment is started in time.

What happens after surgery?

• At the end of the surgery, air or gas is introduced into the eye to help the retina and macula regain their normal shape.
• The air or gas naturally dissipates from the eye within 2 to 4 weeks – without the need for a secondary procedure.
• After the surgery, eye drops are applied for some time, and a specific head position (e.g., bent forward) may be required for a few days.

Why choose Pentagram Clinic?

• We have next-generation OCT that detects even the finest changes.
• The surgery takes about 1 hour, is performed under local anesthesia, and is painless.
• We use air or short-duration gas to speed up the recovery.
• If necessary, we perform a combined surgery – for cataract and macula – to avoid a second intervention. The additional time is only about 5 minutes.

Synonyms: Macular tear, Macular hole, Retinal hole, Central scotoma