Macular Hole
< Macula Hole SymptomsThe macula is made up mostly of cone cells.
These photoreceptor cells provide us with the sharp, central vision we need for reading, driving, and seeing fine detail.
These tears are usually related to aging and occur in people over age 60.
A slight distortion or Blurriness in their straight-ahead vision Straight lines look bent or wavy Reading and performing other routine tasks with the affected eye become difficult. CausesMost of the eye's interior is filled with vitreous, a gel-like substance that fills about 80 percent of the eye and helps it maintain a round shape. The vitreous contains millions of fine fibers that are attached to the surface of the retina. As we age, the vitreous slowly shrinks and pulls away from the retinal surface. Natural fluids fill the area where the vitreous has contracted. This is normal. In most cases, there are no adverse effects. Some patients may experience a small increase in floaters , which are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. However, if the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina when it pulls away, it can tear the retina and create a hole. Also, once the vitreous has pulled away from the surface of the retina, some of the fibers can remain on the retinal surface and can contract. This increased tension on the retina can lead to a macular hole. In either case, the fluid that has replaced the shrunken vitreous can then seep through that hole which then alters the surface of the macula and causes the distortion in vision. A macula hole can also occur from 1) High Myopia (nearsightedness) 3) Retinal Detachment 4) Diabetic Retinopathy 6) Injury to the Eye. Stages of a Macula HoleThe three stages are:
* Foveal detachments (Stage I). Without treatment, about half of Stage I macular holes will progress.
* Partial-thickness holes (Stage II). Without treatment, about 70 percent of Stage II macular holes will progress. * Full-thickness holes (Stage III). The size of the hole and its location on the retina determine how much it will affect a person's vision. When a Stage III hole develops, most central and detailed vision can be lost. If left untreated, a macula hole can lead to a detached retina, a sight-threatening condition that should receive immediate medical attention.
Macular Hole Surgery
Sometimes a macula hole can seal itself and requires no treatment. However, surgery is necessary in many cases to help improve vision. In this surgical procedure--
called a vitrectomy
-the vitreous gel is removed to prevent it from pulling on the retina and replaced with a bubble containing a mixture of air and gas. The bubble acts as an internal, shor term bandage that holds the edge of the hole in place as it heals. Surgery is performed under local anesthesia and often on an out-patient basis. Following surgery, patients must remain in a face-down position, normally for a day or two but sometimes for as long as two-to-three weeks. This position allows the bubble to press against the macula and be gradually reabsorbed by the eye, sealing the hole. As the bubble is reabsorbed, the vitreous cavity refills with natural eye fluids. Complementary TreatmentComplementary treatment using nutrition and supplements is suggested by Dr. Marc Grossman, optometrist, acupuncturist, and author. He offers free telephone consults and offers high quality eye supplements along with nutritional advice. If this interests you click here:Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations For More Information
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