What are the Symptoms of Macular Holes?
June 30, 2021
A macular hole is a defect on the part of the retina tissue of the eye that affects central vision for images. It is basically a medical condition where the nerve cells covering the retina, called macula, experience a small break, affecting vision.
According to research, this condition mostly occurs among elderly people who are about 60 years old and above. In addition, injury or medical disorders of the eye, such as being short-sighted, might also result in macular holes. Prompt response by a qualified eye professional during the early stages of this disease after diagnosis is important for a better visual outcome. The disease can be treated by undergoing surgery, known as vitrectomy, to improve vision. Research shows that around 90% of the cases recorded improved vision after undergoing successful surgery.
Stages of the Macular Holes
There are three stages of this condition, with slightly similar symptoms for each stage.
i. Foveal detachments: The macula starts developing an impending hole.
ii. Partial-thickness holes: Half of the holes progress spontaneously.
iii. Full-thickness holes: The rest of the detached cells develop into full-thickness holes. Vision deteriorates during this phase. Immediate medical attention is advised to prevent complete loss of central vision.
What are the Distinct Symptoms of Macular Holes?
The changes experienced by macular holes patients may be mild and gradual at the initial stage of the disease. However, as the disease progresses, patients start noticing some changes in their vision. Since macular holes commonly occur in only one eye, they may be discovered when the suspected patient covers one eye and eventually exhibits some of the symptoms discussed below.
• Blurry vision. The affected eye experiences decreased sharpness in vision. Objects start appearing cloudy. Vision becomes almost similar to looking through a wavy glass or thick fog.
• Start perceiving waviness in straight lines or objects. For instance, door frames or electricity poles start appearing bent.
• A person’s ability to see fine details when looking at something directly is decreased. It impairs the ability to see clearly when looking directly at an object, whether far from sight or at a close range.
• A blurred area starts appearing in the middle of vision. As this hole progresses, a small black patch is seen in the center of the field of view.
• Reading and performing some of the routine tasks become difficult with the affected eye. Some of the daily activities, such as driving, watching television, and recognizing faces, become unbearable.
Make an Appointment
It is advisable for a person to book an appointment with their eye care practitioner immediately they start experiencing one or more of the above symptoms. At Anh Nguyen Ophthalmology, the doctor will examine the affected eye with special attention to the macula using a specialized instrument and advise the patient accordingly. Failure to seek immediate medical attention can lead to detachment of the retina, which is a serious sight-threatening condition. Contact us for your appointment today and see what we can do for you!
