Can a Macular Pucker Heal on its Own?

A macular pucker is scar tissue that has formed on the eye’s macula, located in the center of the retina—your eye’s light-sensitive tissue. The macula is responsible for central vision which is the sharp, straight-ahead vision we all need for reading, driving and seeing fine detail. As we grow older, the thick vitreous gel in the middle of our eyes begins to shrink and pull away from the macula. Sometimes, as the vitreous pulls away, it causes microscopic damage to the surface of the retina (this is different than a macular hole).

Most macular puckering is related to aging, but it can also be caused by other eye conditions. These include detached retina, inflammation of the eye (uveitis) and diabetic retinopathy. A macular pucker can be caused by trauma from eye surgery or eye injury as well.

The main symptom of macular pucker is changes in vision. People with a macular pucker might notice that their vision is blurry or slightly distorted, and straight lines can appear wavy. They might have difficulty seeing fine details or reading small print. They might also have a gray area in the center of vision or even a blind spot.

A macular pucker usually does not need treatment. Vision problems are usually mild and do not interfere with daily activities. In many cases, people can adjust to the changes in their vision.

In serious cases, people with a macular pucker develop vision problems that are severe enough to interfere with their daily activities. If this occurs, surgery can be performed to treat the macular pucker.

Sometimes the scar tissue that causes the macular pucker separates from the retina, and the macular pucker heals on its own.

If you notice a change in your vision, it’s important to contact your eye doctor right away. To learn more about macular pucker, contact Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 or associatedretinaconsultants.com.