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The macular in the eye is a small area, located in the centre of the retina. The macular is the most sensitive part of the retina and gives us sharp vision, so we can do detailed visual tasks.
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Vitreomacular Traction Treatment Explained The macular in the eye is a small area, located in the centre of the retina. The macular is the most sensitive part of the retina and gives us sharp vision, so we can do detailed visual tasks. As we age, the vitreous gel that fills the eye starts to shrink, pulling away from the macular. In some cases it is successful and in others, it remains partially stuck, pulling on the surface and causing distortion, this is known as vitreomacular traction or VMT. The vitreous gel shrinks with age and pulls away from the macular at various rates, each person is different. It will happen to most people in their lives. Vitreomacular traction only happens when there is an abnormally light adhesion between the vitreous and the macular. The only way to really diagnose vitreomacular traction is a retinal examination, which is done by an ophthalmologist or retinal surgeon. This includes evaluation the retina and the accumulated fluid in the area of the stretched retina. This involves specialist testing, including photographic assessments of the retinal blood flow after an injection of dye. Optical scans are also carried out, helping the ophthalmologist make an accurate diagnosis, determine the severity of the traction and come up with the right vitreomacular traction treatment based on your unique case. Vitreomacular traction causes no symptoms in some people and mild symptoms in others. It does get worse and the traction is increased, at this point it distorts or blurs the central vision. The vitreomacular traction treatment you are provided is based on the severity of the condition. Where your vision is unaffected, you may not be offered any treatment, but rather use the wait and monitor approach with follow up examinations to see if the condition is getting any worse. There are cases where the VMT has resolved without treatment. In the majority of cases, the gel continues to shrink and the vision gets worse. At this point you will be offered a vitrectomy to release the traction. This painless surgery is an outpatient surgery and carried out under a local anaesthetic. During the surgery, which is invasive, the retinal surgeon uses microscopic instruments to release the adhesions. This involves carefully removing the vitreous gel from the eye and replacing it with a gas to aid in the healing process. The gas disappears over a few days or weeks and the eye naturally fills with vitreous gel again. The biggest question you probably have about vitreomacular traction treatment is whether the
surgery will be a success and how much vision will be restored. Generally the results are based on the severity of the VMT and how long you had it prior to surgery. Not all patients will regain their sight with many patients not achieving their normal vision, even after the vitreomacular traction treatment. The majority of patients will have the surgery and regain some of the lost slight over a few weeks or months after the surgery. As with anything to do with your eyes, you don't want to take risks and lose your sight completely. It is advisable to choose your ophthalmologist with care and ensure you have an experienced and reputable surgeon work on your eyes to provide you with your vitreomacular traction treatment. Take advantage of the internet when choosing your ophthalmologist, along with the NHS website, where you can read independent reviews from past patients who have had this treatment and their experience. This will help you choose the right eye doctor based on your needs. About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com/
