Macular Hole
Restoring the Center of Your Vision
Full-thickness macular hole: The white arrow points to the circular opening in the center of the fovea.
At a Glance
- The Problem: A small, circular opening in the center of the retina.
- Common Symptoms: A dark “missing spot” or distortion in central vision.
- The Fix: Surgery is typically required to close the hole and improve vision.
What is a Macular Hole?
A macular hole is a small, circular opening that develops in the center of the retina. Because the macula is responsible for sharp, detailed vision, even a tiny hole can cause a dark or “missing” spot in your central field of vision. This condition most commonly affects adults over age 60.
Symptoms of a Macular Hole
A macular hole primarily affects your central vision, necessary for tasks like reading and recognizing faces. Because it often only affects one eye, you may not notice symptoms immediately unless you cover your healthy eye.
- Blurred Central Vision: Words or fine details may appear fuzzy or “washed out.”
- Wavy or Distorted Lines: Straight objects, such as door frames, may appear bent or rippled.
- Central Blind Spot: A small gray or dark spot (scotoma) may develop in the center of your sight.
- Missing Pieces: Parts of objects or faces may seem to “disappear” when you look directly at them.
You can use an Amsler Grid at home to monitor for these changes.
Expert Macular Hole Repair
Early surgical intervention is key to closing the macular hole and improving your “fine-detail” vision.
- Learn more about this topic from Dr. Elshatory’s article “A Hole in My Vision.”
This information is provided for educational purposes and has been reviewed by Dr. Yasser Elshatory.