LaserVision

Treatment at a glance

Treatment Time

40 minutes

Anaesthetic

Local anaesthetic

Downtime

2 - 12 weeks

Longevity

Permanent

Key Benefit

Improved vision

What is Macula Hole / VMT Surgery?

In this procedure, the vitreous gel and the abnormal membrane that has grown across the macula causing vitreomacular traction is removed, and the posterior chamber filled with a balanced salt solution. It can be completed under local or general anaesthetic.

A gas bubble is usually inserted into the eye at the end of surgery to apply a tamponade effect against the retina / macula. The gas bubble will remain in the eye for between 2-12 weeks depending on the type of medical gas used. Removal of the vitreous and the epiretinal membrane allows the retina to return to its normal shape and configuration, significantly improving the quality of the central vision. 

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Treatment Benefits Benefits

What are the benefits of Macula Hole / VMT Surgery?

  • Stabilise / improve vision
  • Remove VMT / membrane and associated traction
  • Close macular hole

How is it performed?

  • 1. Performed under local or general anaesthetic.
  • 2.The vitreous gel is removed along with any vitreo-macula traction
  • 3.Gas is inserted to tamponade the retina which is slowly absorbed by the eye over 2-12 weeks depending on the type of medical gas inserted
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LaserVision-FAQ-Main

Frequently Asked Questions

The gas bubble will likely make your vision blurry for a few weeks after surgery. However, the bubble will disappear between 2 and 12 weeks by itself depending on the type of medical gas used, eventually breaking up into smaller bubbles and disappearing completely from vision. As the bubble reduces in size it will appear as a fluid level (like a spirit level). 

One of the most common side effects is the formation of a cataract. Approximately 70-90% of our patients go on to develop a cataract in the first year following surgery. Laser Vision ophthalmologists are capable of safely treating any secondary cataract and simultaneously correcting the need for spectacles after surgery. 

The majority of patients will experience a significant improvement in vision following surgery.  The outcome will ultimately depend upon the extent and duration of the macula hole and other ocular comorbidities

Treatment Options

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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Related Concerns

Choosing the right vision correction clinic for your surgery is paramount. This is a life changing procedure after all, and you need to have complete trust in your surgeon and care team of professionals.

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Patient Experience