Macular Holes

Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to macular holes including topics such as causes of a macular hole, macular hole research, and macular hole symptoms. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.

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Description of Articles in Macular Holes

A macular hole is a tear in the macula (the part of the retina that facilitates sharp, central vision). As this eMedTV article explains, macular holes can often be related to aging. This page provides an in-depth look at macular holes.

A macular hole can be the result of vitreous pulling or certain eye conditions, such as injury to the eye. This eMedTV segment discusses possible causes of a macular hole, as well as factors that put you at higher risk of developing one.

Macular hole symptoms can range from reading difficulties to a detached retina. As this eMedTV article explains, untreated symptoms can gradually progress to a loss of central vision. This page describes various macular hole symptoms.

As described in this eMedTV article, the three macular hole stages are foveal detachment (stage I), partial-thickness hole (stage II), and full-thickness hole (stage III). This resource offers a brief description of each macular hole stage.

The surgery used for macular hole treatment is called a vitrectomy. This part of the eMedTV library offers an in-depth look at macular hole surgery, including information on its risks and its potentially challenging recovery process.

As this eMedTV article explains, macular hole research aims to answer certain questions about the condition. Researchers are also looking at new treatment options, including the use of silicon oil instead of a gas bubble to close the macular hole.