Macular conditions

If you have these conditions or have had surgery to the macula you may attend our macular clinics.

Macular hole 

This is a small hole in the macular at the centre of the retina. The macula is responsible for sharp, detailed, central vision which is used when looking directly at things such as reading, sewing or using a computer.

In the early stages it is possible for a macular hole to heal itself. However, in most cases surgery is required, usually under local but very occasionally under general anaesthetic. Some of the vitreous jelly of the eye is removed and replaced with gas. This acts like a bandage pressing the macular hole flat onto the back of the eye and encouraging the hole to close and repair itself.

If a gas bubble is used it may be necessary to spend long periods posturing (having the head positioned in a specific way) sometimes for up to two weeks after the operation.

Macular degeneration

This is a condition that leads to the loss of central vision (in the centre of the retina; as opposed to peripheral vision). There are two main types: dry macular degeneration is more common and gradual, while wet macular degeneration is rarer and more serious and can develop more rapidly.

These conditions are more common in older people and sometimes referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

For age-related macular degeneration enquiries please phone 023 8120 8467.