Macular hole
What is the macula?
The macula is a layer of tissue that lines the inner wall of the eye. It contains cells called photoreceptions which detect the light that is being focused by the eye. The macula acts in the same way as a film in a camera. When the cells of the macula detect light, they send a visual message that travels from the macula to the brain. If a person has a damaged macula, the eye cannot detect the light passing through it and the vision will be very blurred.
What is a macular hole?
A macular hole occurs when there is a defect in the cell layers of the central macula. It can cause blurred central vision as well as distorted central vision (“metamorphopsia”).
What is the treatment for a macular hole?
If a macular hole is significant and affecting vision, it is most commonly treated with surgery known as a vitrectomy. Vitrectomy is “keyhole” microsurgery, in which the vitreous gel inside the eye is removed and the macular hole is closed usually with the use or gas.
