Macular disorders like macular puckers and macular holes can cause vision problems, including blind spots and central vision loss if untreated. At Retina Institute of Michigan, skilled retinal specialist Anu Patel, MD, offers expert diagnostic services and state-of-the-art treatments for all kinds of retinal problems, and she’s here to help you now. Call the office in Bingham Farms or send us a message through our website.
What is a macular pucker?
A macular pucker is a small area of scar tissue on the macula, the middle part of the retina at the back of your eye. As you age, the vitreous body that fills the middle of your eye naturally shrinks and separates from your retina. The microscopic fibers in the vitreous can tug on your retina instead of separating cleanly, which triggers the scar tissue that makes a macular pucker. The scar tissue is your body’s attempt to heal your eye.
A macular pucker usually develops in just one eye, and it can cause central vision issues, such as:
- Blurriness
- Straight lines look wavy
- Blind spots
- Trouble seeing details
It’s rare for a macular pucker to cause total vision loss. In some cases, a macular pucker clears up naturally, but it can also cause vision problems serious enough to affect your quality of life. In rare situations, a macular pucker can turn into a macular hole.
What is a macular hole?
A macular hole is an opening that goes all the way through your macula. As with a macular pucker, a macular hole is usually related to the vitreous body pulling on your retina as it shrinks. But, with a macular hole, the damage is more extensive.
Macular holes usually affect one eye and can affect your central vision in all the same ways as a macular pucker. You’re more likely to have a blind spot with a macular hole, though.
How are macular disorders treated?
Treatment of macular disorders like macular puckers and macular holes depends on the extent of the damage and how it’s affecting your life. For a macular pucker, Dr. Patel might recommend monitoring rather than immediate treatment if you do not have any serious symptoms.
Macular holes can sometimes heal naturally, but in many situations, a surgery called vitrectomy is the best solution. Vitrectomy can also help with severe macular puckers. In this procedure, Dr. Patel removes the vitreous body and replaces it with a bubble made of air and gas.
For help with macular disorders and other conditions affecting the retina, call Retina Institute of Michigan or send us a message through our website