The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision, necessary for reading, recognizing faces and precision activities. When affected by epiretinal membranes, macular holes or vitreomacular traction, blurred vision, image distortion or dark spots in the center of vision may appear.
What is it?
Macular surgery includes microsurgical procedures aimed at repairing alterations in the macular region. Depending on the condition, the goal may be to remove membranes that deform the retina, release traction on the macula or promote closure of a macular hole to improve or stabilize central vision.
Who is it for?
For people with macular diseases such as epiretinal membrane, macular hole, vitreomacular traction or other macular conditions that cause vision loss or image distortion. Each case is evaluated individually to determine whether surgical treatment can offer visual benefit.
How is it performed?
Surgery is performed through vitrectomy using very fine microsurgical instruments to access the inside of the eye. Depending on the case, membranes are peeled, vitreomacular traction is released or the macular hole is treated. In some procedures a gas bubble is placed inside the eye to support anatomical recovery of the macula.
Recovery
Visual recovery is usually progressive and may continue for weeks or months, depending on the type of lesion and time of evolution prior to surgery. When intraocular gas is used, a specific head position may be required for several days to support, for example, proper closure of a macular hole.