Overview

A macular hole, a rupture in the macula, the middle part of the retina, is a condition that significantly impacts clear, focused vision. Macular holes can be categorised into primary and secondary types. For example, a primary macular hole develops from no other medical condition, not a traumatic eye injury. In contrast, a secondary macular hole may occur from a traumatic injury or inflammation of the eye (uveitis).

Common Signs of a Macular Hole

The early signs of a macular hole include the following:

Hazy vision
Obscured vision
Straight lines appear curvy
Trouble reading the fine print

In an advanced stage, a dark spot may obscure central vision. However, these are considered general symptoms; only a qualified ophthalmologist like Dr Yako can confirm a diagnosis, giving you confidence that your eye health is being taken care of.

Possible Causes of a Macular Hole

Vitreous traction occurs with age and is a common cause of a macular hole. However, this condition may also arise from a traumatic eye injury or an underlying health condition that affects eye health. You may also be at higher risk of a macular hole if you are diagnosed with high myopia, uveitis or severe eye trauma.

How do you diagnose macular holes?

Your ophthalmologist starts the process of diagnosing macular holes by gathering information about your medical history and any family history of ocular diseases. This helps them better understand your overall health. They then conduct a detailed eye exam, using a slit lamp and dilating drops to thoroughly examine your eyes. If necessary, Dr Yako may decide to carry out additional tests such as fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography. These tests provide more detailed information about the condition of your eyes and can help confirm a diagnosis of macular holes.

How do you treat macular holes?

Vitrectomy is a commonly performed surgical procedure to treat macular holes. It involves removing the vitreous gel and membranes that strain the macula.