The macula is a part of the eye that is crucial to good vision. As we age, it can be damaged by macular holes and macular puckers. Macular hole treatment must begin as soon as possible before turning to natural treatments for macular hole. Otherwise, you risk a failed macular hole surgery. Learn more about macular holes and puckers to find out whether you need to see your doctor and start treatment immediately!

Macular Holes and Puckers | Everything You Need to Know

The Macula

The macula is the central part of the retina and is yellowish in color. It is the part of the retina that creates a clear, sharp and focused vision, and responsible for letting us see color. The retina is a thin layer at the back of the eye. The lens of the eye uses the macula to focus light in order to send it through the optic nerve to the brain and interpreted.

The Vitreous

The vitreous is in the front layer of the retina and it’s a squishy, gel-filled area that helps maintain the eye’s round shape. It has many small fibers that attach to the retina. As we age, the vitreous frequently dries out and shrinks, and the fibers attached to the retina start to pull, which can cause macular problems. Two common macular issues that can develop as we age are macular holes and macular puckers.

Macular Holes Causes

When the vitreous shrinks, the empty space fills with fluid without many eye complications. Sometimes, though, the fibers do not separate from the retina and end up tearing it. A tear in the central area of the retina is a macular hole. Fluid can seep into this hole and create a blurred and distorted vision. This condition is most common in people over the age of 60.

Symptoms of Macular Holes

In the early stages of a macular hole, visual changes may be subtle. People may notice that lines appear wavy in their straight-ahead vision. Additionally, reading may become difficult and objects may be a little blurred. More of your central vision can be lost if your macular holes continue to worsen. Have your macular holes diagnosed with a thorough eye exam that checks visual ability and dilates the pupil to enable a close examination of the retina.

Macular Holes Treatment

Sometimes they repair themselves and no macular holes treatment is required. More frequently, surgery is performed to get the macula to reseal itself. The surgery carries a risk of complications, including the development of a severe cataract, and creates varying levels of vision improvement. Patients with a macular hole that is less than six months old have a better prognosis than those patients with a long-existing problem. This is a very good reason to get regular eye exams and consider alternative treatments.

Macular Puckers Causes

Macular puckers are similar to macular holes because they are also caused by a shrinking vitreous. However, in the case of a macular pucker, the retina repairs itself and the repair leads to a scar on the macula. Macular puckers can cause blurred and distorted vision, but usually to a lesser degree than macular holes. Unless vision loss or distortion is severe, there is typically no need to treat a macular pucker.

Symptoms of Macular Puckers

In many cases, macular puckers cause no change in vision but you can still experience blurry or distorted vision and some straight lines may appear wavy. There can also be a blind spot or gray area in the center of the visual field. A diagnostic exam for macular puckers includes a thorough eye exam where the pupils are dilated for a good view of the retina.

Macular Puckers Treatment

Microcurrent can help! The results of Dr. Kondrot’s published study revealed an average acuity change of 4.3 letters better after three days of microcurrent. During your next checkup, ask your doctor to test for heavy metals to find out if you need to start a detoxification program right away.

Watch this video from Assil Eye Institute for more information about macular holes!

While there are no definitive preventative measures for macular holes or macular puckers, health maintenance with a special focus on the eyes may aid in prevention. Once you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your doctor right away. Call your doctor today and have your macula diagnosed so you can start treatment as soon as possible!

If you are interested in learning more about homeopathic or alternative macular holes and macular puckers treatment options for your eyes, visit our website today at www.HealingTheEye.com!

Have you had a macular hole or macular pucker? What was your experience? Share your thoughts and experience with us in the comments below!

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Editor’s Note – This post was originally published on September 26, 2017 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.