The macula is responsible for central vision, i.e. the fine and detailed vision that allows to read, recognize faces, watch TV, drive a car, etc. In the presence of traction on the macula, the patient can experience symptoms such as:

• Blurred central vision;
• Distorted central vision;
• Perception of a blind spot in the center of vision (central scotoma).

In the case of a macular hole, the lack of a prompt intervention will cause irreversible loss of central vision and, in some cases, retinal detachment.

There are several conditions that can lead to a macular hole:

• Vitreomacular traction (VMT);
• Myopia magna;
• Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR);
• Diabetic macular edema;
• Post-operative macular edema;
• Persistent intraocular inflammation.

A macular hole can be diagnosed using tests such as:

• Ophthalmoscopy;
• Slit lamp;
• The Watzke-Allen test;
• High resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT);
• Computerized visual field;
• Microperimetry;
• B-Scan ultrasound (essential in the case of opaque vitreous body).

A macular hole must be treated promptly by means of a pars plana vitrectomy, which involves the removal of the vitreous body responsible for the traction on the macula. The intervention allows the restoration of central vision or, in the case macular damage has already occurred, to safeguard the residual vision.