Macular Pucker
What is a macular pucker?
A macular pucker is an uncommon eye disorder that can cause your vision to appear wavy or distorted. In most instances, the exact cause remains unknown to specialists.
Many individuals with a macular pucker experience mild symptoms, and the majority do not require any form of treatment. However, if a macular pucker significantly interferes with your daily activities, surgical intervention may be necessary to improve your vision.
What are the symptoms of a macular pucker?
A macular pucker can lead to visual distortions, making objects appear wavy or bent. For instance, straight lines—such as text in a book—might seem curved or undulating. While reading, you may find that letters or words are difficult to decipher, missing, or appear crowded together. Additionally, you might struggle to see fine details clearly.
If the macular pucker progresses, letters or objects could become so blurred that recognizing them becomes a challenge.
Typically, a macular pucker affects one eye. In most cases, symptoms are mild and tend to worsen gradually. Some individuals adapt to the changes in their vision; however, if you observe any alterations, it is crucial to consult your eye care professional.
In rare instances, a macular pucker can lead to significant vision impairment or result in a related eye condition known as a macular hole.
Is a macular pucker the same as age-related macular degeneration?
No, macular puckers and age-related macular degeneration may exhibit similar symptoms, but they are distinctly different conditions. If you are uncertain about which condition you are experiencing, it is advisable to consult your eye doctor.
Learn more about age-related macular degeneration
Am I at risk for a macular pucker?
A macular pucker can occur at any age; however, the likelihood increases as you grow older.
You may also be at an elevated risk for developing a macular pucker if you:
Experience floaters
Have had vitreous detachment
Suffered from a retinal tear or retinal detachment
Underwent an eye injury, laser treatment, or eye surgery
Have a history of uveitis (inflammation within the eye)
What causes a macular pucker?
In most cases, a macular pucker arises due to the natural changes that occur in your eyes as you age.
As you get older, the vitreous—the clear gel that fills your eye and maintains its spherical shape—begins to shrink and detach from the retina (the light-sensitive tissue layer located at the back of the eye). This phenomenon is known as vitreous detachment and is a common occurrence for everyone as they age.
In certain individuals, a membrane may develop on the surface of the retina. This membrane can create wrinkles or "puckers." If this membrane forms over a specific area of the retina called the macula, it can lead to the development of a macular pucker.
How will a doctor check for a macular pucker?
Your eye care professional will assess for a macular pucker during a dilated eye examination. This exam is straightforward and painless. Your doctor will administer eye drops to dilate (enlarge) your pupil, allowing them to examine the retina closely.
If your doctor suspects the presence of a macular pucker, they may conduct a test known as optical coherence tomography (OCT). This test enables the doctor to evaluate the severity of the macular pucker. OCT is a quick and painless procedure that utilizes light waves to capture detailed images of your retina. Prior to the test, your doctor may apply eye drops to dilate (enlarge) your pupil.
What's the treatment for a macular pucker?
Most individuals with a macular pucker experience mild symptoms that do not necessitate treatment; however, it is essential to have regular eye examinations to monitor the condition and ensure it does not worsen. Your eye doctor may also suggest glasses or an updated prescription to enhance your vision.
If a macular pucker interferes with your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as reading or driving, consult your eye doctor. Surgical options may be available to remove the membrane and smooth out the wrinkles on your retina.
There are two primary surgical procedures for addressing a macular pucker:
Vitrectomy. In a vitrectomy, the doctor removes the vitreous gel and subsequently extracts the membrane from the retina.
Membranectomy. During this procedure, the eye doctor removes the membrane from your retina. This surgery typically lasts less than 30 minutes and can be performed in a doctor's office.