A macular hole is a small gap that opens at the centre of the retina, in an area called the macula.
A macular hole can cause blurred and distorted vision. It may feel like you have a patch or hole missing in your vision.
They most often affect people aged 60 to 80 and are more common in women than men.
The only consistently successful way to treat macular hole is surgery (vitrectomy) as eye drops and glasses are ineffective.
This keyhole procedure can be performed under local or general anaesthetic – your consultant can advise on the best option for you.
During a vitrectomy to repair the macular hole, the vitreous jelly is removed and then a very delicate layer (the inner limiting membrane) is carefully peeled off the surface of the retina around the hole to release the forces that keep the hole open.
The eye is then filled with a temporary gas bubble, which presses the hole flat onto the back of the eye to help it seal.
