What Are Macular Holes?

As its name implies, a macular hole is a break within the macula. The macula is responsible for the sharp vision essential for activities such as reading, driving, or noticing finer details. Macular holes (MHs) may cause blurred, distorted or complete loss of central vision. MHs are more common in patients over the age of sixty.

Macular holes occur in stages with the first stage associated with foveal detachment (central part of the macula). This stage may be asymptomatic or only show mild symptoms. Many macular holes progress leading to a partial or full thickness holes, which is likely associated with more severe visual problems. If left untreated, the prognosis worsens.

Although many macular holes are idiopathic and associated with aging, other causes including high myopia (nearsightedness), surgery, epiretinal membranes (previously discussed) and retinal vascular disease. If you’re experiencing blurry or distorted central vision, it could be a macular diseases, such as a macular hole and requires immediate attention for best outcome.

This information is presented by Retina Macula Specialists of Miami, the largest private retina practice in the city. We are a nationally acclaimed retina practice dedicated to the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal diseases. Each of our extensively trained doctors are Diplomates of the American Board of Ophthalmology and are highly qualified to treat a wide variety of retinal conditions including but not limited to diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular problems like macular holes, age-related macular degeneration, and centralserous retinopathies. We have three convenient locations in Miami, Coral Gables, and North Miami Beach. For contact information or to request an appointment, please visit http://retinamaculamiami.com.