The macula is a small part of the retina responsible for central vision and is crucial for daily activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces. At University Retina, our team of retinal specialists have extensive experience in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the macula, including macular pucker and macular holes.
What is a Macular Hole?
Macular holes are a common eye condition that affects people of all ages. The macula is located in the retina, which is responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.
The macula is essential for sharp and detailed vision; any damage or change to this area can cause significant vision loss. Macular holes can occur spontaneously, from trauma, scarring, and from previous surgery.
As you age, the gel-like substance in your eyes, known as the vitreous, begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. This is another potential cause of microscopic tears or holes in the macula.
The symptoms of a macular hole may start mild, such as blurred or distorted vision, but can progress to a more significant loss of central vision. This can make it difficult to perform everyday activities.
Early detection and treatment of macular holes can prevent further vision loss and improve your chances of a successful outcome.
More About Macular Hole
What is a Macular Pucker?
Macular pucker, also known as epiretinal membrane, is another eye condition that affects the retina. Macular pucker is a wrinkling of the retina due to the formation of scar tissue on the macula.
If the vitreous detaches from the retina due to age, this process can damage the surface of the retina, leading to the formation of scar tissue on the macula. The scar tissue can cause the macula to wrinkle or pucker, which can distort or blur your vision.
A macular pucker can develop slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. However, as the scar tissue thickens and contracts, it can lead to more significant vision problems, such as difficulty reading or recognizing faces.
As with macular holes, early detection and treatment of macular pucker can help prevent further vision loss.
How Are Macular Holes and Macular Pucker Treated?
At University Retina, our retinal specialists have the experience and knowledge to help treat your macular hole or macular pucker and help improve your vision as well as your quality of life. Our retinal specialists use the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options to help restore your vision and improve your overall eye health.
The treatment options for these conditions may vary depending on the severity of the condition, the size of the hole or pucker, and the symptoms you are experiencing. Macular pucker may not require treatment.
If you’re diagnosed with macular pucker, your eye doctor may recommend monitoring the condition. Macular holes sometimes repair themselves, but surgery is often necessary to prevent further vision loss and restore health to the affected eye.
In some cases, macular holes and macular pucker may require a repair procedure called a vitrectomy. During this procedure, the vitreous gel in the eye is removed and replaced with either a solution or gas.
For macular pucker, scar tissue is also removed, which reduces the pucker and often resolves symptoms. In the case of a macular hole, your eye doctor may fill the eye with a gas bubble.
The bubble acts as a bandage to the macular hole, holding it in place while it heals. After the procedure, you may need to wear an eye patch temporarily or use medicated eye drops to help with the healing process.
It is essential to follow the post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your recovery and ensure that your vision is improving.
More About Macular Pucker
Reviewed By the Doctors at University Retina
The medical information provided on this page has been reviewed and approved by the physicians at University Retina. Our team of board-certified ophthalmologists has thoroughly evaluated the content to ensure it provides accurate, up-to-date information on education, diagnosis, and treatment of retina based conditions. This content is intended to educate patients and share the clinical expertise of University Retina's experienced providers. Please seek medical attention in case of an emergency.
