Macular hole is a problem that affects the very central portion of the retina. It happens for a variety of reasons such as: eye injuries, certain diseases, and inflammation inside the eye. However, the most common cause is related to the normal aging process.
The vitreous gel inside the eye is firmly attached to the macula. With age, the vitreous becomes thinner and separates from the retina. Sometimes this creates traction on the macula, causing a hole to form.
Macular holes often begin gradually and affect central vision depending on the severity and extent of the problem. Partial holes only affect part of the macular layers, causing wavy, distorted, blurred vision. Patients with full-thickness macular holes experience a complete loss of central vision.