About Macular Holes

What is a Macular Hole?

A macular hole is a small, round opening in the central area of the retina called the macula. The macula is used for seeing details clearly, and so the symptoms of macular holes usually involve a person’s central vision becoming blurry or distorted. Most macular holes occur as we age. When the vitreous (the jelly inside the eye) ages and shrinks, it can pull on the thin tissue of the macula, causing a tear that can eventually form a small hole. If the problem is left untreated it can progress to being a blind spot in that eye. Macular holes are treatable with surgery and some or most of the lost central vision can slowly return.