Request. My 85-year-old mother has a macular hole in both eyes. It was operated on about 15 years ago at the Forlanini hospital in Rome by dr. Pietravalle. Initially it seemed to have stopped but over the years to come it has steadily deteriorated and to this day, vision is almost completely lost. I wanted to know if there are new ways of intervening for this type of problem.
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Answer. The macular hole manifests itself as an alteration of central vision, which can range from blurring and distortion of images to the perception of a central “black spot” (scotoma). This is the consequence of a lesion of the retina in its central portion: the macula. The macula is responsible for the distinct vision, the one that allows us to read and guide. The formation of a macular hole is the result of tractions exerted on the retinal surface following degenerative or traumatic processes. Treatment of this disease usually involves surgery. The intervention aims to remove the tractions and facilitate the closure of the solution continuously. However, it is possible to recur even after surgical success. If so, further action may be required. Furthermore, it should be specified that the anatomical success, that is the restoration of a normal conformation of the macula, does not always correspond to a comparable visual functional success. The most important factor in hoping for a good recovery of sight is to intervene early. The only possible prevention is to undergo periodic eye exams, with a fundus examination.
* full professor Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University “G.d’Annunzio” of Chieti-breaking latest news
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