Book an appointment within a few days. The result of surgery is best when the hole is new.
What is a macular hole?
When the vitreous gel separates from the retina, in rare cases it can pull so much on the macula that a small hole forms in the centre. The hole affects central vision, while side vision is normal.
Symptoms
- A blurred or dark spot in the centre of your vision
- Straight lines bend in towards the centre
- Difficulty reading and seeing details
Because the other eye often sees normally, many people only discover the hole when they happen to close the healthy eye.
Treatment
A macular hole is treated with surgery on the vitreous (vitrectomy) at a hospital eye department. The eye is filled with a gas bubble that presses the hole closed while it heals. After surgery you may need to keep your head in a particular position for a few days. The hole closes in the vast majority of cases, and the result is best when surgery takes place soon after the symptoms appear.
Test yourself
Close one eye at a time and look at a straight line, e.g. a door frame. If the line bends or kinks in one eye, book an appointment.
This text is general information and does not replace an examination. If you are unsure about your symptoms, call us.