Is a macular hole the same as macular degeneration? Most mention injections but I have to have surgery where the hole is closed.

[Elisa212]

Once the hole is closed my sight should return with 90% success rate. The Vitreous in the eye is taken out & replaced with gas which acts as splint until Macular Hole closes. The gas disappears after about 2 weeks. Posturing is important to keep gas to back of eye to close the gap.

[GrittyReads]

I don't know the answer for certain, myself, but I'm sure this is discussed on the Macular society site, and someone there will explain. I hope you get the advice you need.

Can I ask, did you have a macular pucker (epiretinal membrane pulling on the macular) before the hole developed? I have this according to my optician (very expensive OCT scan every year) but she doesn't seem to think I need to do anything about it.

Good luck, take care.

[andy1955 Macular Society]

Hi Elisa,

A macular hole is not macular degeneration; it is where the vitreous gel in your eye contacts, (it does so with everyone as they get older), and the gel sticks to the retina/macular and tugs on it and causes a tiny hole to appear.

This will cause similar symptoms as macular degeneration to occur; central vision may become distorted and blurred.

We have a factsheet about macular holes and macular hole surgery.

I can email a copy to you if you email a request to [e-mail]

Best wishes

Helpline

Macular Society