Vitreomacular Traction Treatment
Vitreomacular traction causes central visual impairment, either in the form of a generalised blurring, or distortion.
Some patients experience virtually no effect on their eyesight, while others report substantial changes to their vision.
Age is the biggest causal factor in vitreomacular traction. As we get older, the clear gel inside our eyes (the vitreous) begins to shrink and yet fails pull away from the retina at the back of our eyes. This tension can lead to distortion in the central part of our vision.
Opting to have surgery for vitreomacular traction is very much a case-by-case decision. As we analyse your eyes, we will be able to give you the right information you need to make the choice.
Frequently asked questions
What is vitreomacular traction and how does it impact vision?
Vitreomacular traction is when the vitreous, the eye’s gel-like substance, sticks to the macula — the part responsible for sharp central vision — whilst the surrounding gel is detaching, and so exerts a pulling force. This condition can lead to visual symptoms such as blurriness, distortion, or a decrease in visual acuity. The traction may also cause swelling or cysts in the macula and can lead to a hole if left untreated, severely impairing detailed vision.
How is vitreomacular traction diagnosed and when is surgery recommended?
Diagnosis involves a comprehensive retinal exam using optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides detailed images of the retina’s structure, allowing for precise identification of the traction. Surgery, typically a vitrectomy, is recommended when the traction does not resolve naturally and starts to affect vision significantly, or if there is an impending macular hole.
What does vitreomacular traction surgery at Sapphire Eye Care involve?
The surgery offered at Sapphire Eye Care for vitreomacular traction is a vitrectomy, a procedure where the vitreous gel causing traction is delicately removed to release the macula. The surgery is minimally invasive and may involve filling the eye with a temporary gas bubble to aid in the healing process and ensure the retina remains in the correct position. The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthesia. The use of intravenous sedation can be discussed with your surgeon in clinic.
What does recovery look like after vitreomacular traction surgery?
As with all vitrectomy surgeries, medicated eyedrops are provided to prevent infection and inflammation, and possibly positioning requirements to maintain the retina’s proper positioning, if an air bubble has been inserted. Visual recovery can be gradual, and the degree of improvement will depend on the traction’s severity and the presence of any associated retinal conditions.