Macular hole
What is it?
A macular hole is an opening or tear that forms in the center of the macula, the area of the retina responsible for central vision and fine detail. It leads to reduced visual acuity and image distortion.
Causes and mechanism
Macular holes occur mainly as a result of the natural aging of the eye. With age, the vitreous (the gel that fills the eye) shrinks and can pull on the macula, causing a tear.
Other possible causes :
- Ocular trauma
- Severe myopia
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachment
Symptoms
- Blurred vision in the center of the visual field
- Appearance of a central dark spot (scotoma)
- Deformation of straight lines (metamorphopsias)
- Difficulty reading or seeing details
Macular hole treatment
The main treatment is vitrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous and injects a gas into the eye to close the macular hole. Recovery may take several weeks, with the need to maintain a head-down position for a few days after the operation to promote healing.