Vitrectomy Macular Hole

Vitrectomy Macular Hole
A macular hole is a defect in the macula. The macula is a tiny oval area made up of millions of
nerve cells located at the center of the retina. It is responsible for what you see straight ahead:
your sharp, central vision. If you were able to look into someone’s eye through the pupil (the
black hole in the middle of the colored part of your eye) you would be looking directly at the
macula in the back of the eye.
Shrinking of the vitreous, a jelly-like substance that fills the eye, usually causes the hole. As a
normal part of the aging process, the vitreous begins to pull away from the retina. If the
vitreous is firmly attached to the retina when it pulls away, a hole can result from the traction.
Some macular holes are caused by a thin layer of tissue which forms over the macula during the
vitreous aging process. This tissue is called an epiretinal membrane, but is also known as a
retinal pucker or wrinkle.
The size and severity of the hole determines how much it will affect vision. Generally, people
notice distortion and blurred vision. However, if the hole goes all the way through the macula,
you can lose a lot of your central and detailed vision. Difficulty reading is often the first sign of a
problem and is what brings someone to an eye care professional.
Macular holes are treated with an outpatient surgical procedure called vitrectomy. If an
epiretinal membrane is present, the tissue is gently lifted and removed. The vitreous is
removed to prevent it from pulling on the retina and is replaced with a gas bubble. The bubble
fills the eye and its gentle pressure on the macula helps the hole to seal.
Macular hole surgery is dependent not only on the skill of the surgeon but also the
commitment of the patient to post operative instruction. Following surgery, patients must
maintain face down positioning which allows the gas bubble to rise and press against the
macula and seal the hole. Vitrectomy can lead to complications, most commonly an increase in
how fast cataracts develop. Other less common complications include infection and retinal
detachment.
The surgery is about 90 percent effective in closing the hole with proper head positioning
following surgery. However, improvement in people's vision is more variable. More than half of
those who have the surgery can expect an improvement of two lines or more on the vision
chart.

Seated Support
Our seated support chairs are easy to set up and infinitely adjustable. Two
styles are available to fit almost any body type. Removeable knee pads are
now available for those with concerns about leg positioning.
The Seated Support Chair comes with a washable cotton face pad cover. We
also offer three piece face pads for use while wearing glasses and Tempur
Pedic face rest pads which conform to facial contours for custom designed fit.
Prism Glasses
Lightweight, precision ground prisms provide a clear sharp image of images in front of you
while you maintain face down position!
Tortoise shell pattern plastic frames.
Removable head strap with hook and loop closure to hold glasses in
place.
Great for watching television or working on the computer.
Perfect compliment to Mobile Support System!
Economy Vitrectomy Kit
Ecomical addition to the rental items available for face down positioning after retinal surgery.
Provides ergonomic support when used in the bed position by allowing for a more normal curve
to the lower back. Air channels on all sides of face cushion provide increased air flow.
Removable cotton cover for face pad gives more comfortable texture where skin contact is
made with the product. Multiple pads allow for adjustments to people of all heights. Table pad
for elbow comfort when used on tabletop.
For more information please visit
http://www.kellycomfort.com