Our EBRC physicians specialize in a wide range of
retinal and macular disease
A Macular Pucker is a film of scar tissue that lies on the macula, which is the central vision area of the retina at the back of the eye. When it wrinkles and contracts, this creates creases or bulges within the macula causing visual disturbances such as blurred central vision, difficulty reading or performing detailed tasks, cloudy area in the central area, central blind spot and/or
distortion.
What causes a Macular Pucker?
- As you age, the vitreous gel in the middle cavity of the eye begins to shrink and contract and eventually pulls away from the retina. Occasionally after separation, the vitreous leaves behind scar tissue. This scar tissue develops on the macula eventually leading to further contraction and warpage of the center portion of your vision.
- Eye conditions associated with Macular Pucker:
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal tear or detachment
- Inflammation or Uveitis in the eye
- Previous trauma to the eye (either from surgery or injury)
- Disorders of the retinal blood vessels
How is a Macular Pucker treated?
- Observation if symptoms are mild and not interfering with daily activities.
- Vitrectomy surgery can be performed in cases with severe symptoms and vision slowly improves after the scar tissue is removed and the macula flattens, but may not return all the way to normal.
- Updating your eyeglasses prescription may improve vision, but may not improve the distortion.
For More Information and Educational Resources
The Eye Encyclopedia written by Eye Physicians & Surgeons, sponsored by The American Academy of Ophthalmology
Eye Health information from The American Academy of Ophthalmology
Patient-information resource hosted by The American Society of Retina Specialists
Complete Patient Forms
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