Could It Be a Macular Hole? What You Need to Know About Central Vision Loss
If you’ve noticed distortions, blurriness, or a small dark spot in the center of your vision, it could be more than just eye strain. These changes may signal a condition called a macular hole, a treatable but serious issue that affects your central vision.
Most macular holes develop gradually with age. As we get older, the eye’s clear, gel-like substance, called the vitreous, begins to shrink and pull away from the retina. In some cases, this pulling creates a small tear or hole in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision.
Early care is key, and at Southeastern Retina Associates, our team specializes in diagnosing and treating retinal conditions like macular holes. Here's what you need to know about macular holes and preserving your vision.
Symptoms of Maular Hole
Although it may sound similar to other macular conditions, a macular hole is a distinct issue. Unlike macular degeneration, which causes the macula to gradually wear down, or a macular pucker, which involves scar tissue forming on the surface of the retina, a macular hole is an actual opening that develops in the center of the macula.
Macular holes often develop gradually. Early signs can be subtle, but they usually involve changes in central vision. Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or distorted vision, especially in the center
- Straight lines appearing bent or wavy
- Difficulty reading small print or seeing details clearly
- A dark spot in the center of your vision
Peripheral vision is typically unaffected, so you might still see well from the sides even as your central vision becomes compromised.
How Are Macular Holes Diagnosed?
If your retina specialist suspects a macular hole, they will likely use a few specialized imaging tests to get a closer look at the retina and confirm the diagnosis. The tests may include:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to take detailed cross-section images of your retina, allowing your doctor to see any thinning, swelling, or openings in the macula.
- Fluorescein angiography, a test that involves injecting a special dye into a vein in your arm. As the dye travels through the blood vessels in your eye, a special camera takes images to check for any abnormalities that might be affecting the retina.
- Fundus photography, a type of imaging that uses a high-resolution camera to take detailed color images of the back of your eye, including the macula and optic nerve.
These tests are performed at all of our offices and can be interpreted by your physician at your visit.
How Are Macular Holes Treated?
Thankfully, macular holes are treatable, especially when caught early. The most common treatment is a vitrectomy, a surgical procedure that removes the vitreous gel, pulling on the macula. Additionally, a gas bubble is placed inside the eye to put pressure on the hole to help it close.
Recovery typically involves keeping your head in a face-down position for several days to allow the bubble to stay in place. Almost 90% of patients experience significant improvement in their vision after surgery, especially when treated in the early stages.
In some early or small cases, your retina specialist may recommend observation to see if the hole closes on its own.
Get Expert Retinal Care Today
When left untreated or the longer treatment is delayed, the greater the risk of permanent vision loss. Early intervention offers the best chance of restoring vision and preventing long-term damage.
If you're experiencing any signs of central vision changes, don’t wait. The retina specialists at Southeastern Retina Associates are here to help you protect and preserve your sight. Schedule an appointment with Southeastern Retina Associates today and get the expert care your eyes deserve.