Macular hole

Surgery for macular holes is highly effective, especially when carried out early. As with many eye conditions, spotting the signs of macular holes and promptly seeking treatment can lead to a better chance of a successful outcome.

Macular hole surgery (also known as vitrectomy) stops vision from getting worse in the majority of cases. Patients also report improved vision. 90% of surgeries successfully close the macular hole so that further treatment is not necessary.

Macular holes can be treated using keyhole surgery. This is a specialised kind of procedure in which the eye is operated on through a tiny opening. Usually, surgery for macular holes requires local anaesthetic. The procedure involves removing the vitreous gel from the eye and placing a small bubble of gas inside the eye. This helps to close the macular hole.

The eye will heal over a period of weeks. If a stitch is used to close the opening it will dissolve on its own within 6 – 8 weeks. A shield or patch can be used for one day after the surgery to protect it. Surgery offers the most effective treatment for macular holes and the best prevention from further vision loss. While vision will never be as clear as it was prior to the hole developing, it will stabilise and limit further vision loss.