FAQS About Macular Hole

Ocular side effects of medications are becoming increasingly more common. Just listening to the potential side effects rattled off on new prescription drugs on commercials you start to wonder if you might just be better off dealing with the condition than taking a chance on what might happen with the medication that is supposed to help. For example, if you take medication to lower your blood pressure, it is important to know that you may be at increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration. AMD is very common and as the macula deteriorates, central vision becomes impacted. Although different, AMD and macular holes present very similar symptoms. A macular hole is a condition that occurs because of changes in the eye and not usually from outside factors. As you age, the vitreous, gel-like substance that fills the eye and gives it its rounded shape, begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. This can lead to retinal detachment which can be a threat to your vision and even cause blindness. Although macular holes are a rare condition, blurred central vision can lead to central blind spots. Because the two conditions can develop from different causes yet present in the same way with blurry or wavy vision in the early stages and loss of central vision as later symptoms, it is important to talk with your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment options.

In addition to the definition of a macular hole and if it is the same as age-related macular degeneration, other frequently asked questions about macular hole include: Am I at risk? What causes it? How is it diagnosed? Are there treatment options? At Associated Retina Consultants, we seek to provide our patients with transparent and accurate information. You may be at risk for a macular hole if you are age 60 or older, are extremely nearsighted, and have had a previous eye surgery or eye injury. Macular holes usually develop simply due to the changes in your eye as you get older. Your eye doctor can evaluate your eyes by performing an optical coherence tomography (OCT) that uses light waves to capture detailed pictures of your retina while your eyes are dilated. If a macular hole is detected and begins to blur your vision, your eye doctor will recommend a surgery called vitrectomy. This procedure will remove the vitreous along with some tissues on the surface of the macula. Next, a gas bubble will be injected into the eye that will serve as a temporary bandage holding the edges of the macular hole together as the eye closes the hole. Early detection is key to catching a macular hole before it causes visual impairment.

If you are concerned about signs and symptoms of a macular hole or any changes to your vision, call Associated Retina Consultants at 602-242-4928 for your comprehensive eye exam. Submit your request for an appointment online here WEBSITE.