---
title: "Macular hole | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What a macular hole is, why it causes distorted or missing central vision, how it differs from macular degeneration, and when surgery helps."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/macular-hole/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Macular hole

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A macular hole is a small tear or gap in the macula, the central part of the retina used for sharp detail. It causes blurred, distorted or missing central vision, usually in one eye. Many holes are treated with vitrectomy surgery, which can improve vision if done early.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Practical guides
9. Treatments & Surgery
10. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The macula provides detailed central vision for reading and faces. A macular hole is a full-thickness defect in this area, often developing when the vitreous gel pulls on the macula as it shrinks with age.

## Common symptoms

Symptoms usually develop gradually in one eye.

- Blurred or missing central vision
- Straight lines looking bent or wavy
- A grey or blank patch in the centre
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine detail

## Causes and risk factors

Most macular holes are age-related and more common in women. Severe short-sightedness, eye injury and retinal detachment increase the risk. They are different from macular degeneration, though both affect central vision.

## Treatment

Many macular holes are treated with vitrectomy surgery to close the hole and improve vision, especially when caught early. Without treatment, central vision often worsens. An OCT scan helps confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Is a macular hole the same as macular degeneration?

No. A macular hole is a physical gap in the central retina, often treated with surgery. Macular degeneration is a different condition involving gradual damage to the macula, usually managed without hole-closing surgery.

### Can a macular hole heal on its own?

A small number of early holes can close without surgery, but many need vitrectomy for the best chance of vision improvement. Specialist assessment guides the decision.

### How successful is macular hole surgery?

Surgery closes most holes and improves vision in many people, especially when treated early. Recovery takes weeks to months, and reading vision may continue improving over time.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Macular Hole](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-hole)