Macular hole
Overview
A macular hole is a small gap that opens at the centre of the retina, in an area called the macula.
Causes
We don't know why macular holes develop. The vast majority of cases have no obvious cause. They most often affect people aged 60 to 80 and are more common in women than men. One possible risk factor is a condition called vitreomacular traction. As you get older, the vitreous jelly in the middle of your eye starts to pull away from the retina and macula at the back of the eye. If some of the vitreous jelly remains attached to the retina as it shrinks, it can pull a section of the retina away with it, leading to a macular hole. A few cases may be associated with: retinal detachment– when the retina begins to pull away from the blood vessels that supply it with oxygen and nutrientssevere injury to the eyebeing slightlylong-sighted (hyperopic)being veryshort-sighted (myopic)persistent swelling of the central retina (cystoid macular oedema)
Treatment
You'll usually be prescribed eye drops to use after surgery. These can help prevent infection and reduce inflammation. You'll be seen again in the clinic about 2 weeks after the operation and, if all is well, the drops will be reduced over the following weeks. If you need a general anaesthetic while the gas is still in your eye, it's vital you tell the anaesthetist so they can avoid certain anaesthetic agents that can cause expansion of the bubble. The same advice applies if you are offered gas and air (Entonox), a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide gas, for pain relief.