Macular Hole May Require Surgery

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Dr. Phillip L. Carney, Jr.
Dr. Phillip L. Carney, Jr.

The area of the eye called the macula is the very center portion of the retina.  The retina is the inner back surface of the eye.  It is responsible for converting light into the images we see.  A macular hole occurs when the center portion of the retina separates, creating a hole or is pulled upon, creating a hole.  The eye is filled with a clear gel called the vitreous that has many small fibers that attach to the retina.  With aging or trauma, this gel can pull on the delicate retinal tissue and cause a hole or break in the retina.  When a hole occurs in the macula, it is particularly sight threatening because the macula is the portion of the retina responsible for “central” vision.  The person with a macular hole notices a blind or distorted spot in the middle of their field of vision.

 

Treatment usually requires surgery to improve vision.  Macular holes are related to aging, and usually occur in those over 60.  The risk of having a macular hole occur in the opposite eye is low.  Any sudden occurrence of distorted vision or a noticeable blind spot should be examined by an eye doctor as soon as possible.

 

Dr. Carney is available for all your eye care needs by appointment at Wallace Eye Associates by calling (318) 448-0221.