Macular hole

A macular hole is a disorder that affects the centre of the macula (the central region of the retina). A macular hole can occur with age and is more common in women than men. It measures approximately one millimetre in diameter and occurs in the very centre of your line of vision.

How do macular holes occur?

A macular hole is caused by an abnormal attachment of the vitreous jelly to the macula. This is usually present from birth but does not become evident until separation starts later in life, from the age of approximately 40 to 60. As the vitreous jelly separates from the retina it creates a hole in the macula. This usually appears as blind spot in your vision. Symptoms might show some similarity to macular degeneration so it is worth having your ophthalmic surgeon examine you to find the correct cause of the symptoms.