Most stage I macular holes are observed periodically for spontaneous resolution or progression to stage II. A highly symptomatic stage I hole may be a candidate for surgery after a thorough discussion with your retinal specialist. A stage II or higher macular hole is usually recommended for surgical intervention. Those who are not candidates for surgery (health reasons, physical limitations) or who do not desire surgery will typically progress until the vision reaches approximately 20/200. Although the central visual loss is rather severe at this level, patients will routinely preserve their side vision in the affected eye. Additionally, they often can compensate with the unaffected eye. Macular hole surgery is the only definitive treatment for effectively removing the traction from a macular hole, sealing the central defect, and attempting the restore lost central vision. The procedure is called a vitrectomy (surgical video) and involves the removal of the vitreous gel and its attachments to the retina through tiny openings in the eye. Sometimes, the innermost layer of the retina, the internal limiting membrane, is also peeled to assure complete relief of traction from the macular hole. At the end of the procedure, the vitreous cavity is filled with a gas bubble to gently press against the hole and help seal the edges. This bubble lasts from 2-6 weeks, and patients cannot see normally through the bubble until it disappears naturally.

Patients are often asked to position their face down for several days to ‘float’ the bubble against the macular hole and help close the defect. After macular hole surgery with a gas bubble, one cannot fly in an airplane or travel to high altitudes since the bubble will expand under these conditions and cause a potentially dangerous increase in eye pressure. In rare cases, an oil bubble is used to seal the hole instead of gas; patients may fly with an oil bubble, but do require a second surgery to have this type of bubble removed. Visual recovery after a vitrectomy for a macular hole usually occurs over several weeks.

The first sign of visual recovery occurs after 2-6 weeks, following the reabsorption of the gas bubble. Over 90% of macular holes are successfully closed at this stage after a single surgery. In these cases, patients typically report significant improvement in blurred vision and distortion, although many are left with some degree of residual visual loss or symptoms. The cause, duration, baseline vision, stage, and severity of the original macular hole all play a role in the ultimate prognosis following surgical intervention. Cataract progression is common following this type of surgery but is usually not of great concern since most macular hole patients already have mild baseline cataracts due to their age. Less common complications include retinal tear (2%) and retinal detachment, both of which are generally treatable. Bleeding and infection are rare complications associated with any surgery.