A macular hole is a small, circular gap which opens at the centre of the retina. This causes blurred vision and often distorted vision where straight lines or letters look wavy or bowed. There may also be a patch of missing vision at the centre.
A macular hole can often be repaired by an operation called a vitrectomy, peel and gas. Extra steps may be done during this surgery depending on the type of macular hole that is present.
The vitreous jelly is removed (vitrectomy), and then a very delicate layer (the inner limiting membrane) is carefully peeled off the surface of the retina around the hole to release the traction forces that keep the hole open. In complex cases, the inner limiting membrane may be used to fill the macular hole and improve closure. The eye is then filled with a temporary gas bubble, which presses against the hole to help it seal. The bubble of gas blocks the vision whilst it is present, but slowly disappears over a period of about 2-8 weeks.
After surgery, you may be given posturing instructions to follow. You can bath or shower but avoid splashing water near the eye. Most people choose not to drive over the first few weeks. You must not fly until the gas bubble has gone and you must inform the anaesthetist if you require a general anaesthetic for any operation while there is gas in your eye.
