Vision and Amsler testing
Central clarity and distortion are assessed in each eye.
Vitreoretinal surgery
Macular Hole
Specialist diagnosis and keyhole retinal surgery for a central macular opening.
Specialist care · Advanced technology
Macular hole
Understanding the condition
Clear information for confident decisions.
A macular hole is a small opening in the central retina that affects detailed vision.
01Affected areaCentral macula
02Common causeAge-related vitreomacular traction
03Key testOCT macular scan
04Typical treatmentVitrectomy, membrane peel and gas bubble
Symptoms
What you may notice.
Symptoms vary between people, and some conditions cause no early warning. A specialist examination is needed for an accurate diagnosis.
01
Blurred central vision in one eye
02
Straight lines appearing bent or broken
03
A small central missing or dark spot
04
Difficulty reading or recognising faces
05
Reduced fine-detail vision
Causes and risk factors
What may increase your risk.
Having a risk factor does not confirm the condition. Your history and examination are considered together.
01Increasing age
02High short-sightedness
03Previous retinal disease or detachment
04Eye trauma or vitreomacular traction
Assessment01 02 03 04
How it is diagnosed.
Dilated retinal examination
The macula and surrounding retina are examined carefully.
OCT scan
High-resolution cross-sections confirm the hole and show its size and stage.
Fellow-eye assessment
The other eye is checked for vitreomacular traction or related macular change.
Aftercare
Recovery and follow-up.
01
Vision is blurred while a gas bubble remains and usually improves gradually after it absorbs.
02
Follow any face-positioning instruction exactly as prescribed.
03
Do not fly or travel to altitude while gas remains in the eye.
04
Use drops, attend reviews and report increasing pain, redness or worsening vision promptly.
Common questions
Answers with clarity.
These answers are general. Your own care plan may differ after examination.
01Can a macular hole heal without surgery?+
Some small early holes can close, but most full-thickness holes require surgery for the best chance of closure.
02Why is a gas bubble used?+
It provides temporary internal support while the macula heals.
03Will vision return to normal?+
Closure rates are high, but visual recovery varies with size, duration and retinal health.
04Can I fly after surgery?+
Not while an intraocular gas bubble remains. Your surgeon must confirm when flying is safe.