The retina is a layer of light-sensing cells lining the back of your eye. As light rays enter your eye, the retina converts the rays into signals, which are sent through the optic nerve to your brain where they are recognized as images. The macula is the central portion of the retina responsible for clear, detailed vision which is needed for activities such as reading and driving.

A macular hole is a small break in the macula, located in the center of the eye's light-sensitive tissue called the retina. A macular hole can cause blurred and distorted central vision. Our team of ophthalmologists offer macular hole surgery and treatment solutions to clients in Michigan and Ohio. Give our staff of doctors a call at (877) 852-8463 to receive a macular hole diagnosis.

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Macular Hole Treatment Options

A hole can form in the retina if your macula nerve cells separate and pull away from the back of your eye. Our team of ophthalmologists and optometrists recommend scheduling regular eye examinations to ensure we are able to monitor the progression of the condition. If your vision worsens, you may be prescribed medication or given a gas bubble injection so the hole can close. In severe cases, macular hole surgery may be recommended. Our doctors offer macular hole treatment and eye care solutions to clients in areas such as Ann Arbor, Toledo, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, and Lansing. Give our team a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss available macular hole repair and treatment solutions.

What Are the Symptoms of a Macular Hole?

Macular holes often begin gradually. In the early stages of hole formation, your central vision becomes blurred and distorted. Our team of ophthalmologists provide dependable macular hole repair, treatments, and surgery options to clients to prevent issues such as vision loss and blindness. This condition can negatively impact your ability to see at both distant and close ranges. It is important to note that if the macula is damaged, you will not lose your vision entirely. You will still have peripheral, or side vision. To prevent vision issues, request an appointment with our doctors. Our staff of ophthalmologists will perform an exam to diagnose a macular hole or the source of your symptoms.

Causes of Macular Holes

Macular holes tend to appear in women who are 55 years or older. Although it’s difficult to prevent a macular hole, here are some conditions that can increase the risk. Look out for these during regular eye exams with a dedicated physician at Specialty Eye Institute.

Vitreous traction
Blunt injury trauma
Diabetic eye disease
Severe nearsightedness
Macular scar tissue pucker
Retina detachment

Although macular holes are more typically seen with older women, men and young adults can experience them. We’ve narrowed down the top risks to look out for.

Injury Or Trauma

Young adults in high contact sports are more susceptible to an eye injury that could create a macular hole. If you were recently injured and believe you are experiencing the symptoms of a macular hole, give our doctors a call by phone at (877) 852-8463. Our team of ophthalmologists offer innovative macular hole surgery, treatment, and repair options to clients in your area. To prevent vision issues, it’s important to be conscious of anything that may hit or hurt your eyes while you are engaged in a sport or activity.

Severe Nearsightedness

Unfortunately, you’re at a higher risk for macular hole development if you have a corrective lens prescription of at least -6.00. It is important to keep up with regular eye exams to watch for any changes.

Ocular Inflammation

If you’re dealing with any disease that weakens your immune system, you may suffer from ocular inflammation. It’s a normal reaction to eye infections but could lead to more.

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What Happens in the Procedure to Treat a Macular Hole?

To undergo a macular hole surgery, you must first be given anesthesia. Next, a vitrectomy is performed to remove the vitreous gel from your eye. Any tissue that is preventing the hole from closing will also be removed using special equipment. Once the vitreous and tissue are removed, your eye is filled with a sterile gas so the macular hole can properly heal. To keep this air bubble in place over the macular hole, you will be given specific instructions for your head positioning following surgery, during the healing process.

How Successful is Macular Hole Surgery?

Maintaining a face-down position is crucial to the success of the macular hole surgery. Since this can be difficult for some people, it is important to discuss this with your doctor before surgery. Your doctor can advise you on how to use various pieces of equipment to make this easier for you. You can expect some discomfort at the conclusion of the macular hole surgery, repair, and treatment. You will need to wear an eye patch for a short time.

In addition, you will be prescribed eye drops and be advised when to resume normal activity. Do not fly in an airplane or travel at high altitudes until the gas bubble has dissolved. A rapid increase in altitude can cause a dangerous rise in eye pressure. Our team of doctors offers eye care solutions for macular holes and other types of vision conditions in areas such as Adrian, Toledo, Battle Creek, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, and Jackson. Vision improvement varies from patient to patient. The outcome for vision may depend on the size of the hole and how long it was present before surgery. Although the macular hole treatments offered by our team of doctors can help improve your vision, it will not return all the way to normal.

Types of Macular Holes

There are three types of macular holes that can also be separated into the stages of progression. In all cases be sure to seek medical help to prevent a detached retina, which could cause blindness.

Stage 1: Foveal Detachments

Half of all foveal detachments may develop into partial-thickness holes.

Stage 2: Partial-Thickness Holes

70% of all partial-thickness holes may develop into full-thickness holes.

Stage 3: Full-Thickness Holes

Depending on where the hole is located in your retina, you can lose or distort your front-facing eyesight.

What Test Will Be Performed?

Our team of ophthalmologists will determine if you require a macular hole surgery or repair treatment by looking inside your eye with special instruments. Your ophthalmologist may use a test called Optical Coherence Tomography, or OCT, to scan and examine your retina for a macular hole. OCT uses light waves to reveal specific layers of the retina.

What Are the Risks of Macular Hole Surgery?

Some of the risks of vitrectomy include: infection of the eye, bleeding of the eye, retinal detachment, high pressure in the eye, poor vision, and accelerated cataract formation. It is important that you discuss the potential risks and benefits of macular hole repair and treatment with your ophthalmologist before making a decision. Give our staff of ophthalmologists a call by phone at (877) 852-8463 to discuss the benefits of receiving surgery for a macular hole. In addition, our staff of doctors offers other types of eye care solutions such as LASIK eye surgery, keratoconus treatments, and cataract surgery. Our team has the equipment and skills necessary to improve your vision.

Macular Hole Surgery & Treatments Offered at Specialty Eye Institute

Help heal your retina under the guidance of an eye care expert at Specialty Eye Institute. Request an appointment online or at (877) 852-8463 so we can evaluate your macular health.

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