What is a Macular Hole?
A macular hole is a condition where a very small hole has developed right in the center of the retina in an area that is responsible for our sharpest vision. The part of the eye affected is called the macula. The macula is made up of special nerve cells that provide us with the sharp central vision we need for seeing fine detail (reading, driving etc.). When a macular hole develops, you will suffer from symptoms such as a dark area right in the center of your vision, distortion, or general blurring.

Why do I have a Macular Hole?
We do not know why people develop macular holes. However, we do know that it occurs more often in patients later in life (60 years of age and older) and occurs more often in females. Macular holes are not related to macular degeneration. If you have a macular hole you have less than a 25% risk of developing a macular hole in your fellow eye.

Assessment for a Macular Hole
We are able to detect a macular hole during an eye examination. Sometimes, a special scan of the back of the eye (Optical Coherence Tomography) may be needed to confirm the presence of a macular hole. If a macular hole is present, your surgeon will likely recommend a surgical procedure to try to close the hole and improve your vision. Surgery is the only way to treat a macular hole, there are no eye drops or medications that you can take that will help.