This is a cleavage of the photoreceptors (nerve cells of the retina) which causes a void in the middle of the macula. This is due to traction of the vitreous, it most often appears on an eye without history, in subjects aged over 60 and most frequently affects women.
A macular hole can appear after a contusion of the eyeball, or associated with high myopia.
Patients complain of a rapid onset of visual acuity loss with a central scotoma often associated with metamorphopsia.
The ophthalmologist will do an OCT to analyze the hole and monitor its progress as well as an FO.
Vitrectomy (removal of the vitreous body) combined with peeling of the most superficial part of the retina allows the edges of the macula to be reattached. For proper reapplication, the use of gas is often necessary to press on the macula.
In 75 to 90% of cases, surgery allows the macular hole to close, and in 50 to 70% of cases, an improvement in functional signs.
Treatment with eye drops is also essential, particularly antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, for a period of one month most often.
Follow-up with an ophthalmologist is necessary for a period of several months.
