Macular Hole Treatment in Yuma

Macular hole treatment in Yuma can help protect the detailed central vision you rely on for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and seeing objects directly in front of you. 

Aiello Eye Institute provides retinal evaluations, advanced macular imaging, and surgical retina care for patients in Yuma, the Foothills, and surrounding communities across southwestern Arizona.

What Is a Macular Hole?

The macula is the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. A macular hole develops when the tissue in this area stretches or separates enough to create an opening.

Most macular holes develop as the vitreous, the clear gel filling the eye, changes with age and pulls away from the retina. When the vitreous remains attached to the macula, that pulling can damage the delicate central tissue.

Macular holes are different from age-related macular degeneration, although both conditions can affect central vision.

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Symptoms of a Macular Hole

Aiello Eye Institute macular hole treatment in Yuma image of a woman covering one eye while checking her central vision with an Amsler grid.

Symptoms often develop slowly and may affect only one eye. The stronger eye can sometimes compensate, making the change difficult to notice at first. Possible symptoms include:


Aiello Eye Institute’s guide to vitreomacular traction explains how pulling between the vitreous and macula can contribute to holes, swelling, and other retinal changes.

Sudden flashes, a rapid increase in floaters, a dark curtain, or sudden vision loss may signal a different retinal emergency. Call Aiello Eye Institute at 928-782-1980 during business hours. After hours, call 911.

Macular Hole Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the hole’s size, its effect on vision, and whether it is progressing. Some small or early macular holes may remain stable or close without surgery. A retina specialist may monitor these cases with follow-up examinations and OCT imaging.

Many full-thickness macular holes require vitrectomy surgery. The surgeon removes the vitreous gel and tissue pulling on the macula, then may place a temporary gas bubble inside the eye to support healing.

If a gas bubble is used, you may need special head positioning and temporary activity restrictions. You must also avoid air travel and higher elevations until your surgeon confirms that the bubble is gone. Your surgeon will provide individualized guidance about work, driving, and recovery.

Aiello Eye Institute provides access to retina and vitreous surgeon Delu Song, MD, PhD, MTR and retinal surgical care through the Yuma Surgery Center.

Aiello Eye Institute macular hole treatment in Yuma consultation with a retina specialist explaining an OCT scan to an older woman.

Recovery After Macular Hole Surgery

Aiello Eye Institute macular hole treatment in Yuma image of a woman reviewing postoperative instructions during recovery from macular hole surgery.

Vision usually changes gradually as the eye heals. The final result depends on several factors, including the size and duration of the hole, the condition of the retinal tissue, and the eye’s response to surgery.

A successfully closed hole may improve central vision and reduce distortion, but treatment cannot guarantee that vision will return to its previous level.

Keep every follow-up appointment and follow postoperative instructions carefully. Call immediately for increasing pain, redness, sudden vision loss, new flashes, or a sudden increase in floaters.

FAQ: Macular Hole Treatment in Yuma

A small or early macular hole may occasionally close without surgery, but many full-thickness holes require treatment. A retina specialist can monitor the hole with OCT imaging and recommend the appropriate next step.

No. A macular hole is an opening in the center of the retina, while age-related macular degeneration damages macular tissue through a different disease process. Both can cause blurry, distorted, or missing central vision.

Straight lines may appear bent, text may look distorted, or a small blurred or missing area may appear in the center of vision. Symptoms often affect one eye more than the other.

A macular hole is usually diagnosed with a dilated retinal examination and optical coherence tomography. OCT shows detailed retinal layers and helps the doctor evaluate the size and depth of the opening.

The most common procedure is a vitrectomy. The surgeon removes the vitreous gel, releases traction on the macula, and may place a temporary gas bubble to support healing.

You must not fly while a gas bubble remains inside the eye. Changes in altitude can dangerously increase eye pressure. Your surgeon will tell you when air travel is safe.

Aiello Eye Institute provides retinal evaluations, advanced imaging, and surgical retina care for patients at its Yuma and Foothills clinics, with surgical care available through the Yuma Surgery Center.

Find Macular Hole Care in Yuma

A bent window frame, a missing letter, or a blurred face may be more than a temporary vision change. Early retinal evaluation gives your specialist the clearest opportunity to diagnose the problem and discuss appropriate treatment.

Aiello Eye Institute provides retinal imaging and specialist care at its Yuma and Foothills eye centers. Call 928-782-1980 or request an appointment for macular hole treatment in Yuma.

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