
Even then, a small percentage of patients have holes that can't be successfully closed-and for some, the holes may reopen later or develop other complications, such as a cataract, retinal detachment, scar tissue or peripheral vision loss. Much like a temporary bandage, that bubble helps the edges of the hole approach each other and eventually close. "You're operating on the retinal surface, a very delicate space."Īfterwards, patients must maintain a face-down position for several days and nights while the gas bubble inserted at the end of their surgery floats to the back of their eye. "Retinal surgery is always serious," Skondra said. It's a fairly straightforward operation, but it still carries risk.

Traditionally, treatment for macular holes has involved a vitrectomy, an invasive eye surgery in which the transparent gel from the middle of the eye is removed the eye is then filled with a gas bubble. Even a small unraveling in this light-sensing tissue can cause distorted and blurred central vision. Our maculas provide us with the sharp central vision we need to see read, drive and see fine details. Since 2016, she's been researching whether medicated drops can help close macular holes, a common vision problem in people over the age of 60. Skondra, a retina specialist, focuses on treating retinal, macular and ocular gel problems. Terry Ernest Ocular Imaging Center at the University of Chicago Medicine.

"Our experience shows that the macular holes in some patients respond to a course of prescription eye drops and end up closing," said Skondra, the director of the J.
