Are macular pucker, macular hole and macular degeneration related in any way?
Macular pucker and macular hole both result from excessive traction and pulling by the vitreous on the surface of the retina. If mild to moderate traction occurs as the vitreous separates from the retinal surface, then a healing response may take place resulting in a macular pucker. However, if the traction is more severe, a true defect in the retina may occur resulting in the formation of a macular hole. Macular degeneration, on the other hand, is a distinct entity involving the tissues underlying the retina. There is no direct relationship between macular degeneration and these other two conditions. If I have surgery, what type of vision improvement can be expected? Typically, a vision improvement of about 3 lines in an eye chart (or 50% improvement in vision) can be achieved. This is an “average” vision improvement, however. Recovery does vary on a patient-by-patient basis. Each individual must be evaluated and discuss with their eye care physician the expectations for visual recove
