The macula is the part of the retina (the lining inside the back of the eye) that gives us the central vision that is important for fine visual tasks such as reading and driving. A macular hole is when a hole develops in the macula.
OCT showing a full-thickness hole in the centre of the macula (the fovea).
Normal OCT.
What are the symptoms of a macular hole?
Macular holes usually produce blurred or distorted vision.
What is the treatment for macular holes?
There are three treatment options – observation, an eye injection of a drug called ocriplasmin (Jetrea), or eye surgery (vitrectomy).
Professor Jackson will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option in your case, to help you make a decision about the best way forward. Most patients elect to undergo vitrectomy.
Treatment is not urgent, but longstanding macular holes are less responsive to treatment, so ideally please book to see Professor Jackson within no more than a few weeks.
Further information about macular holes and their treatment can be found in the patient information leaflet.