Macular Hole/Vitreomacular Traction

Macular holes and vitreomacular traction are two common age-related vision problems that affect the macula –– a small, oval-shaped piece of tissue at the back of the eye that is responsible for central and color vision. At Prestige Retina in Allen, Texas, medical and surgical retina specialist Jason Chien, MD, uses a conservative, patient-centered approach to manage both conditions. Call Prestige Retina to schedule macular hole or vitreomacular traction treatment, or book your appointment online today. 

What’s the difference between a macular hole and vitreomacular traction?

Macular holes and vitreomacular traction both affect the macula, but they aren’t the same. 

Macular hole

A macular hole is a rip or tear in the macula –– the central part of the retina. The retina is a piece of tissue at the back of your eye containing nerve cells that respond to light and let you see. If a hole forms, it can present various side effects but typically distorts or damages central vision.

Vitreomacular traction

Vitreomacular traction occurs when the vitreous –– the gel-like substance in the center of the eyes –– shrinks and pulls away from the retina because of aging. Without treatment, the retina can completely separate from the vitreous, damaging the macula (the retina’s center) and causing vision loss. 

What are the symptoms of macular holes and vitreomacular traction?

Macular holes and vitreomacular traction present various symptoms, including:

• Blurred vision
• Distorted vision
• Difficulty reading small print
• Seeing flashes of light
• Seeing objects that look smaller than their actual size

If you experience any of these symptoms and they last for more than a day or two, contact Prestige Retina immediately.

How are macular holes and vitreomacular traction diagnosed?

Your Prestige Retina provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete an eye exam and may order several tests, including:

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

OCT is a type of diagnostic imaging that takes pictures of the tissues at the back of your eye, including the retina and macula. It lets your provider assess the location and severity of the macula damage.

Fluorescein angiography

This procedure uses a special camera to take detailed photos of your retina. Before taking the photos, your provider injects a small amount of yellow dye into your arm. This lets them see how well blood flows inside the retina. It also highlights macula swelling (a common side effect of vitreomacular traction). 

How are macular holes and vitreomacular traction treated?

Prestige Retina takes a conservative, patient-centered approach to treating macular holes and vitreomacular traction. Your provider might recommend:

Waiting and watching (observation)

Treatment may not be necessary if you have a mild macular hole or vitreomacular traction. Often, minor injuries heal on their own. Routine checkups can monitor the severity of the condition and prevent the need for invasive care.

Vitrectomy

If you have a large macular hole or severe vitreomacular traction, your provider recommends a type of surgery called vitrectomy. During a vitrectomy, they remove the vitreous from your eye. Then, they inject sterile gas or saline fluid into the space, placing pressure on the macular hole or vitreomacular traction until it heals. 

Medication

Some types of vitreomacular traction don’t benefit from surgery. In this case, your provider might inject medication into your eye to relieve the traction and prevent further damage.

Call Prestige Retina to schedule macular hole or vitreomacular traction treatment, or book your appointment online today.