Macula Hole Repair Without Face Down Positioning

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A macular hole is a defect in the central portion of the retina. The macula is the small central portion of the retina that is
responsible for clear, central vision.

 

 

The vitreous (clear gel substance that fills your eye) over time will begin to shrink and pull away from the retina. This is a
normal process that comes with age. As the vitreous pulls away, it may cause a break or hole in the retina located on the
macula. Anothe possible cause is the accumulation of fluid in the retina as a result of trauma or disease. This fluid, or
swelling can eventually lead to a macular hole.

 

 

With a macular hole you may notice your vision is blurry centrally. You may also notice distortion or letters and words
missing when reading.

 

 

Your doctor can diagnose by doing a dilated exam, as well as fluorescein angiogram and/or optical coherence
tomography. Fluorescein angiogram and optical coherence tomography are both important test that are done to help
diagnose this condition.

 

 

Not all macular holes require treatment. Sometimes, they close on their own. However, for most macular holes, surgery
or an in office procedure is required. With successful closure vision is usually significantly improved.
The surgical procedure to repair a macular hole is called a vitrectomy. This requires the removal of the gel, the vitreous,
that fills the back compartment of the eye. In addition, a thin membrane is usually removed from the surface of the
macula followed by the placement of a gas bubble. The gas bubble will remain in the eye from 2 to 8 weeks depending on
the type of macular hole treated. FACE DOWN POSITIONING IS RARELY REQUIRED.

 

 

There is no known way of preventing a macular hole. Dilated eye exams are important for early detection.

 

For more information you can visit macularholesurgeons.com