Macular Hole Specialist

What is a macular hole?

A macular hole is a tiny opening in your eye's macula. Because your macula delivers sharp central vision, any damage to it can cause some serious issues.

When you have a macular hole, you may experience symptoms like:

• Blurry vision
• Distorted vision
• Black dot in your central vision field
• Straight lines look curved or wavy

Usually, symptoms start slow and then gradually grow worse until you have trouble doing simple things like reading.

Why do macular holes develop?

Macular holes may happen due to age-related eye changes. Your eye contains a large amount of vitreous, which is a gel-like material that supports your whole eye. The vitreous connects to your retina through ultrathin fibers.

Over the years, the vitreous material naturally decreases, gradually separating from the retina. Your body produces natural substances to fill the vacant area. In some cases, the vitreous is still stuck to your retina when it starts to separate and this results in a tear that causes a macular hole.

In other cases, the vitreous pulls away successfully, but the connecting fibers stay attached to the retina. If those fibers contract while they're still attached to your retina, they can create a macular hole in that way too. Once the hole is there, inner-eye fluids can move through it to cause vision problems.

How is a macular hole related to age-related macular degeneration?

Although they sound similar, they're two totally different things. Having one doesn't mean you've got or will develop the other. However, macular holes could lead to even more serious issue like retinal detachment if you don't get treatment.

What is the treatment for macular holes?

It depends on the size of the macular hole. There are some macular holes that require monitoring but not treatment. Sometimes, macular holes can heal themselves.

However, you may need a surgery, called a vitrectomy, where Dr. Taba replaces your vitreous with a self-dissolving support bubble made of gas. This keeps your macular hole in the right position for healing. Dr. Taba creates a macular hole treatment plan that helps you heal and prevents potential complications like retinal detachment.

Use the online booking tool to schedule your appointment now, or call the Personalized Retina Care of Naples office today.