Your Health

A small central break in the macula tissue of the retina at the back of the eye is called a macular hole. If left untreated, it can lead to severe vision loss, including retinal detachment. If enough fibers connected to the vitreous separate over time, it can cause posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). When a PVD occurs, individuals may experience a sudden increase in Floaters. If the vitreous is firmly attached to the retina when it pulls away, it can create a Macular Hole. Once the macular hole is formed, it will cause blurred and distorted central vision. 

In some cases, a small Macular Hole may close or heal on its own or need a surgical procedure known as a vitrectomy. During this procedure, your retinal specialist removes some of the vitreous gel and replaces it with a bubble of gas. The bubble helps close the Macular Hole and gradually dissolves over time.

Floaters appear as black spots or spider webs that seem to float in a cluster or individually within your vision. Flashes are flickering or flashing lights that are most prominent when you look at a bright background. With age, floaters can be caused by tiny bits of vitreous gel or cells that cast shadows on the retina. New floaters can sometimes be a sign of a more urgent retina problem. Flashes occur when the vitreous tugs on the sensitive retinal tissue. In some cases, floaters and flashes may be symptoms of more severe problems, such as retinal tears or retinal detachment. All patients who notice flashes or new floaters should seek immediate medical attention.

An epimacular membrane is a thin layer of tissue on the front surface of the macula. Decreased and distortion of central vision are the most common complaints by patients with an epimacular membrane. They do not cause total blindness. Most EMMs develop due to the separation of the vitreous (the jelly-like filling of the eye) from the macula. In rare cases, prior retinal freezing or laser procedures, retinal detachment surgery, or inflammatory and vascular diseases of the eye may be the contributing factors. Epimacular membranes typically develop in one eye, and over four to six weeks, most remain relatively stable after that. The only effective treatment is vitrectomy surgery and peeling of the membrane and ILM (internal limiting membrane).

Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye’s structures responsible for its blood supply. There are three major types of uveitis, each classified by the structures it affects.

1. Anterior uveitis affects the iris and ciliary body. Symptoms include light sensitivity, blurred vision, redness, pain, small pupils, and tearing.

2. Posterior uveitis involves the retina and choroid. Blurred vision and floaters are the most common symptoms.

3. Pan uveitis affects structures in both the front and back of the eye. It may have a combination of symptoms experienced with the other forms of uveitis.

Treatment is dependent on the severity of the disease and the ocular structures involved. Generally, topical eye drops and oral medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation. After the inflammation has been treated, the eye should be evaluated for secondary conditions, such as scar tissue, cataracts, or glaucoma.