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What is Macular Hole?

What is macular hole?

The hole in the visual center, as if created by a stapler, is called a macular hole.

Why does a hole develop in the macula ?

Spontaneous macular hole increases with age. With aging, structural changes occur in the structure we call vitreous, which fills the inside of the eye. When the vitreous gel separates from the macula to which it adheres, it causes problems in the visual center. These shrinkages may later lead to the formation of a macular hole.

Who are the risk groups?

Macular hole is mostly seen between the ages of 65-80. Female gender is closely related to myopia. However, it is also seen as a result of trauma or eye inflammation.

Can the development of macular hole be prevented?

There are no measures to prevent the formation of holes in the macula

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made by taking a history and fundus examination by dilating the pupil. In some cases, optical coherence tomography (OCT) is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

What are the symptoms of a hole in the retina?

Loss of central vision, blurred and distorted vision, and a black-gray spot in the middle of the image are common complaints. If left untreated, vision gradually worsens and the central dark spot we call scatoma gradually grows.

How is macular hole treated?

Although it varies depending on the stage of the disease, it is mostly treated surgically. Thanks to vitrectomy surgery, we can increase the vision of our patients to a satisfactory level. At the end of vitrectomy surgery, we put air or gas into the eye. Depending on the nature of the gas used, our patients must lie in the prone position for a certain period of time after the surgery. It is dangerous for patients with gas in their eyes to board planes and go to high altitudes. Vitrectomy surgery is often performed with local anesthesia and we get successful results.

Is surgical timing important in macular hole?

Since more successful results in terms of vision can be achieved with early surgical intervention, it is recommended to perform it as early as possible.