Macular Hole

A Macular Hole is a condition that affects the very central portion of the retina.  A Macular Hole may occur for a number of reasons including eye injuries, inflammation inside the eye and most commonly, the normal aging process.  As we age, the Vitreous gel in the back of our eye becomes more liquefied and often results in a Vitreous Detachment with associated floaters.  Sometimes, when the Vitreous “pulls’ it can actually form a Macular Hole.

Macular holes often begin slowly but usually will affect central vision depending on the severity.  They can occur as partial holes only affect part of the macular layers, causing wavy, distorted, blurred vision or they can occur as full thickness holes causing a complete loss of central vision.

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Signs and Symptoms of Macular Holes

The severity of the symptoms of Macular Holes depend on whether the hole is partial thickness or full thickness, but in general may include the following:

• Blurred Central Vision
• Distorted, "Wavy" Vision
• Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail even with glasses
• Grayish Area in Central Vision
• Central Blind Spot or “Dark Spot”

Diagnosis and Treatment of Macular Holes

Macular Holes are easily detected through Visual Acuity testing in conjunction with an Amsler Grid Test, a dilated pupil examination of the Macula with an Ophthalmoscope and Slit Lamp High Magnification Fundus Lens, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and sometimes an Intravenous Fluorescein Angiogram (IVF) or other specialized photographs.

Some Macular Holes seal by themselves and do not require treatment.  In many cases however, surgery called Vitrectomy is necessary to close the hole and restore useful vision.  During Vitrectomy, the Retinal surgeon will gently remove the Vitreous gel in order to eliminate any traction on the Macula.  A gas bubble is then injected into the eye to place gentle pressure on the Macula and help the hole to seal.  In many cases, patients enjoy functional vision after the bubble has been absorbed and the eye has healed.

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If you, a family member or friend is concerned about Macular Disease please schedule an appointment with Center for Sight Retinal Specialist Robert Kelly, M.D. by calling Center for Sight in Fall River, Massachusetts at 508.677.0041.

Center for Sight is conveniently located for patients in need of evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a macular hole in Massachusetts or Rhode Island from Attleboro, Fairhaven, Fall River, Franklin, Mansfield, Marion, Mattapoisett, Medfield, Milford, New Bedford, North Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Norton, Oxford, Rehobeth, Somerset, Swansea, Taunton, Walpole, Whitinsville, Woonsocket, Providence, Smithfield, Westport, Lakeville, Dighton, Little Compton, and Tiverton.

Macular Disease

Macular Hole

Macular Pucker

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy