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The retina consists of thin nerve tissues and photoreceptor cells that send signals to the brain, resulting in your ability to see. The macula, located in the retina’s center, produces sharp, color vision for everyday tasks like driving and reading. However, certain conditions, including macular hole and macular pucker, can interfere with your eyesight. Here’s a closer look at each of these conditions and how eye doctors can treat them.

Macular Hole

A macular hole is a defect of the fovea, which is the center of the macula. It occurs when the vitreous gel that fills the eye interior pulls away from the retina, leaving a tear or hole.

The most common cause is vitreous traction, or the shrinking of the inner eye gel, which occurs with age. Other possible causes include injury, blunt force trauma, and diabetic eye disease. This condition affects your ability to see in front of you, which is known as central vision. This may manifest as blurred or distorted vision and dark spots in the central field of view. 

optometristsEye surgeons recommend vitrectomy to correct macular holes. During this surgical procedure, your eye doctor will remove the vitreous to prevent it from pulling at the retina. They’ll replace the gel with a gas bubble that holds the macular hole closed as it heals. 

Macular Pucker

Macular pucker—also known as an epiretinal membrane—occurs when scar tissue forms after the macula pulls away from the retina. The scar tissue develops in an effort to heal the damaged retina, but when the tissue shrinks, it causes retinal puckering or wrinkling. 

Aging is among the most likely causes. However, puckering may occur as a result of certain eye conditions, such as a detached retina or diabetic retinopathy.

Similar to a macular hole, macular pucker causes problems with central vision, including blurring and distortion, making it difficult to see details and read fine print. Additionally, you may experience gray areas or blind spots. 

If poor vision interferes with your daily activities, you may need a vitrectomy with membrane peel. The process is similar to a vitrectomy for a macular hole but also includes the removal of retinal scar tissue.

 

If you’re experiencing vision problems, get in touch with Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight. These eye doctors and optometrists provide eye exams and corrective surgery to clients throughout Greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky. Call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an eye surgery consultation and visit the website to learn more about options for improving vision. 

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