Can holes in retina be repaired?
Although some macular holes can seal themselves and require no treatment, surgery is necessary in many cases to help improve vision. In this surgical procedure – called a vitrectomy – the vitreous gel is removed to prevent it from pulling on the retina and replaced with a bubble containing a mixture of air and gas.
Do retinal holes need treatment?
Some retinal detachments don’t need treatment, but most require treatment to prevent complete blindness. If you are experiencing floaters (black, enlarged spots) in your vision, it is a good idea to get your retinal evaluation done by a good retina eye doctor.
How common is a hole in the retina?
Macular holes are most common in people age 60 or older and seem to be more common in women. Age is the primary risk factor for the development of macular pucker, but additional risk factors include: History of a retinal tear or detachment.
Are retinal holes common?
Idiopathic atrophic retinal hole is the most common presentation. There are no generally accepted risk factors for this condition but lesions have been cited more often in younger myopic patients. It has been estimated about 5% of the general population has atrophic holes.
What causes retinal holes and tears?
Peripheral retinal holes and tears are defects in the retina which may be caused by a number of conditions including PVD, retinal traction, ocular trauma and high myopia (nearsightedness). This is usually an urgent condition requiring treatment as soon as possible.
What do you need to know about retinal holes?
A Field Guide to Retinal Holes and Tears Atrophic Retinal Holes. These are most often found during routine exam of the peripheral retina ( Figure 1 ). Operculated Retinal Holes. Unlike atrophic holes, operculated holes usually originate in focal areas of vitreoretinal abnormalities. Horseshoe or Flap Tears. Giant Retinal Breaks and Retinal Dialysis.
What should I do about a hole in my retina?
The main types of treatment are: Laser photocoagulation. Highly focused beams of light seal the tissue around the hole or tear. Cryopexy. An instrument called a cryoprobe is used to freeze the tissue around the hole and secure it to the inside of the eyeball. Diathermy.
What is the meaning of retinal holes?
A retinal hole is a small break or defect in the light-sensitive retina that lines the inside of the back of the eye. Retinal holes can occur anywhere in the retina. When a hole develops in the macula lutea (the most sensitive part of the central retina), it’s called a macular hole .
Is surgery always indicated for a retinal hole?
Surgery is almost always used to repair a retinal tear, hole or detachment. Various techniques are available. Ask your ophthalmologist about the risks and benefits of your treatment options. Together you can determine what procedure or combination of procedures is best for you.