Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey

Michigan's Leading Eye Care Physicians

Repairing Macular Holes

Eye Michigan Repairing Macular Holes

Every eye contains a light-sensitive tissue known as the retina. This tissue houses the macula, which gives us the central vision we need to drive, read, and see details. A number of health and aging factors can cause a hole to form in the macula, which affects our ability to see.

What Causes Macular Holes?

Macular holes are more common in people over 55. The condition is spontaneous, which means that there is no preventative treatment available. Several factors increase the risk of a macular hole, including:

  • Diabetes-related eye disease
  • High degree of nearsightedness (myopia)
  • Eye trauma or injury
  • Retinal detachment
  • Shrinking vitreous due to aging

How Does a Vitrectomy Work?

If you are diagnosed with a macular hole, then you may need to undergo a vitrectomy. The procedure can take several hours. You will stay awake and apply numbing drops or shots in the eye, or you may be put under general anesthesia.

The doctor will cut the exterior of the eye and the sclera. Vitreous fluid is removed with a needle. Debris or scar tissue is also removed. This clears the way for the doctor to make the needed repairs. A bubble of gas may be injected to keep your retina in place during the procedure. This will gradually go away on its own.

Once the doctor has made the repairs, they will refill the eye with saline or silicone. An antibiotic ointment will be applied, and you will have to cover it with a patch during recovery.

Macular Hole Symptoms

Patients notice a minor distortion in their straight-ahead sight during the early stages of a macular hole. Straight lines may appear wavy. This will affect reading and similar activities. If you notice any of these symptoms or other changes in your vision, contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey ophthalmologists right away to schedule an appointment.

Understanding Vitreoretinal Diseases

Eye Michigan Vitreoretinal Disease

Vitreoretinal diseases affect the vitreous and retina. This region, which is found at the back of the eye, is not visible. The retina serves as an extension of the brain. It creates the interior lining of each eye and consists of light-sensitive nerve endings that are photoreceptor cells known as cones and rods. Vitreous is the gel-like material that fills the area between the retina and the lens.

What Conditions Affect the Retina and Vitreous?

Many conditions can affect the retina and vitreous, including:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy

This diabetic eye condition often has no early warning signs. Risk increases the longer a patient has diabetes. Proper treatment can dramatically increase the chances of retaining vision.

  • Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration happens when the center of the retina deteriorates. It is more common in older individuals and can be prevented with a healthy lifestyle.

  • Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the layer under it, disconnecting it from the blood vessels that are needed to supply nourishment and oxygen. A retinal tear can also happen when the vitreous pulls hard enough to cause a tear to form.

  • Retinoblastoma

Retinoblastoma is a form of cancer that grows in the retina. It can occur when something goes wrong and causes a gene mutation while a baby is inside the womb.

  • Retinitis Pigmentosa

This condition is inherited and can lead to vision impairment. Symptoms begin with decreased night vision and a loss of mid-peripheral vision. Other symptoms include slow adjustment from dark to light, blurry vision, poor separation of color, and tunnel vision.

The best way to diagnose and treat vitreoretinal diseases early is with regular dilated eye exams with your ophthalmologist. Contact Eye Michigan’s Southeast Michigan office to schedule your appointment today.

#EyeMichigan #DiabeticRetinopathy #MacularDegeneration #RetinalDetachment #VitreoretinalDiseases

 

Why Do I Have Vision Loss in One Eye?

Eye Michigan Vision Loss in One Eye

Vision loss doesn’t always mean complete blindness. It can mean an inability to see in just one eye. This condition can be very frightening and can happen very quickly. Sudden vision loss is considered any loss of sight that occurs within a few minutes or over the course of a day or two. Many conditions can cause this problem, which is why it’s important to seek help as soon as it happens.

Common Causes of Vision Loss in One Eye

There are four common causes of vision loss in a single eye. They include:

  • Abnormalities in the optic nerve and related pathways that carry signals from the eyes to the brain
  • Abnormalities in the retina
  • Clouding of transparent eye structures
  • Trauma

Other Visual Problems

Blindness isn’t the only indication of a problem. Some people notice shadows, flashing lights, or floaters. If you notice increased floaters, flashing lights, or a gray shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision, this could indicate a retinal detachment. Many factors can increase your risk for this condition, including:

  • Increased age
  • A previous detachment
  • Family history
  • Extreme nearsightedness
  • Previous eye injury
  • Previous disease or inflammation

What to Do When You Experience Vision Loss

While some symptoms may be mild and common, vision loss should always be considered a serious problem. Seek the assistance of your Eye Michigan ophthalmologist right away if you lose vision in one or both eyes, even if it is only a partial loss. Contact our offices in Southeast Michigan to schedule an appointment for a routine or non-routine comprehensive eye exam.

If there is any indication of retinal detachment, eye trauma, or other eye emergency, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

#EyeMichigan #PreventVisionLoss

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