Macular Hole

Macular Hole – is a small break in the macula, located in the center of the eye’s light-sensitive tissue called the retina. The macula is the sweet spot of vision, and when it has a hole in it, you lose detailed center vision. A macular hole is an age related process which is caused by the contraction of the gel-like substance called vitreous that fills our eye. With age, the vitreous gel shrinks and pulls away from the macula, usually without any negative effect on our sight. In some cases, the vitreous gel sticks to the macula and is unable to pull away. This causes the macular tissues to stretch and after weeks or months the macula tears, forming a hole.

Macular Hole imageSymptoms for Macular Hole:

  • Blurred and distorted central vision
  • Blind spot in central vision

 

Macular Hole: Vitrectomy Surgery

 

Treatment for Macular Hole:

The only treatment for macular hole is eye surgery. Our surgeons perform a small gauge Vitrectomy in an operating room to remove the vitreous gel that is pulling on the macula. The vitreous is replaced with a gas bubble to help flatten the hole and hold it in place while it heals. This surgery is the most effective treatment to repair a macular hole. This often involves some face down positioning for a few days after surgery.
Vitrectomy Surgery Diagram

ASHLAND

1700 Winchester Avenue
Ashland, Kentucky 41101
Toll Free: (800) 627-2020
Phone: (859) 263-3900
Main Fax: (859) 263-3757
Scheduling Fax: (859) 264-2911

LEXINGTON

120 North Eagle Creek Drive
Suite 500
Lexington, Kentucky 40509
Toll Free: (800) 627-2020
Office: (859) 263-3900
Main Fax: (859) 263-3757
Scheduling Fax: (859) 264-2911

LOUISVILLE

6450 Dutchman's Parkway
Louisville, Kentucky 40205
Toll Free: (800) 627-2020
Office: (502) 895-2600
Main Fax: (502) 895-4002
Scheduling Fax: (859) 264-2911

Other Locations

Danville
Elizabethtown
Frankfort
Jeffersonville
Paintsville
Somerset