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The macula is the small part of the retina responsible for
central vision. A tear or hole in the macula impairs a person’s
ability to see. Many activities, including reading and writing,
may become nearly impossible.
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Eye before surgery>
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This condition, most prevalent among
the elderly, arises when the vitreous (the jelly-like substance
which fills the inner eye) becomes condensed and fibrous.
The fibers often bond to the macula, and when they shrink
they exert a pulling force. A hole is opened (see Fig. 1),
and the surrounding tissue peels away from the eye, causing
a loss of central vision.
To repair the retinal tear, the surgeon removes some of
the vitreous and replaces it with a bubble of gas or some
other liquid. (see Fig. 2).
The bubble rises and applies pressure to the area in need
of healing.
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Eye with normal head position>
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Since the macula is at the back of the
eye, the bubble will only work if the patient’s head
is positioned face down. Pressure against the hole flattens
the macula against the wall of the eye (see Fig. 3) and
the impaired visual area is minimized.
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Eye with face-down position>
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During the ensuing weeks, the afflicted
eye begins to heal, and the macula re-bonds to the eye wall.
Video
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