Why is macular hole surgery done?

Why is macular hole surgery done?

Although some macular holes can seal themselves and require no treatment, surgery is necessary in many cases to help improve vision. In this surgical procedure – called a vitrectomy – the vitreous gel is removed to prevent it from pulling on the retina and replaced with a bubble containing a mixture of air and gas.

What happens if you don’t treat macular hole?

If left untreated, a macular hole can lead to a detached retina. Detached retina is a serious condition that can result in severe vision loss. People with detached retina need immediate medical attention.

Can a macular hole cause blindness?

It happens in 1 to 2 out of every 100 people having macular hole surgery. This can potentially cause blindness, but it’s usually repairable in a further operation. Bleeding occurs very rarely, but severe bleeding within the eye can result in blindness.

How fast does macular hole progress?

Most cases occur in people over the age of 60. At first, a macular hole may only cause a small blurry or distorted area in the center of vision. As the hole grows over several weeks or months, central vision progressively worsens.

How common are macular holes?

Macular holes are relatively rare, and only about 8 out of every 100,000 people will develop one in their lifetime. However, everyone needs to learn about them because they can lead to loss of vision if left untreated, and treatment is relatively quick and easy.

Does a macular hole get worse?

Left untreated, a macular hole can worsen over time. Macular holes occur in three stages: Foveal detachments — about 50 percent worsen without treatment.

How long do you have to be face down after macular hole surgery?

In short, patients with MHs larger than 400 μm should keep the face-down positioning strictly for 3 days after MH surgery. For patients who MH closure is not achieved within 3 days in an FDP, continuing an FDP will not increase healing.

When can I see after macular hole surgery?

You will usually see your ophthalmologist about two or three weeks after the operation to check that your macular hole is healing. At this appointment, you can ask about returning to all your usual activities, including your work, depending on how your eye is recovering.

How soon can I exercise after macular hole surgery?

You should avoid exercising for at least 2 weeks following your surgery. You may resume normal activities, little by little. After week 1, you may start by walking as much as a mile.

Can exercise make a macular hole worse?

Treatment attempts to stop the hole developing to a stage where most central vision can be lost. There is nothing that can be done to prevent a macular hole. Diet or exercise are not thought to contribute to the problem.