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Macular Pucker, Symptoms of
Macular Pucker, Causes
A macular pucker is scar tissue that
has formed on the eye's macula,
located in the center of the eye's
light-sensitive tissue called the
retina. The macula provides the
sharp, central vision we need for
reading, driving, and seeing fine
detail. A macular pucker can cause
blurred and distorted central
vision.
Most of the eye's interior is filled
with vitreous, a gel-like substance
that fills about 80 percent of the
eye and helps it maintain a round
shape. The vitreous contains
millions of fine fibers that are
attached to the surface of the
retina. As we age, the vitreous
slowly shrinks and pulls away from
the retinal surface. This is called
a vitreous detachment, and is
normal. In most cases, there are no
adverse effects, except for a small
increase in floaters, which are
little "cobwebs" or specks that seem
to float about in your field of
vision.
However, sometimes when the vitreous
pulls away from the retina, there is
microscopic damage to the retina's
surface (Note: This is not a macular
hole). When this happens, the retina
begins a healing process to the
damaged area and forms scar tissue,
or an epiretinal membrane, on the
surface of the retina. This scar
tissue is firmly attached to the
retina surface. When the scar tissue
contracts, it causes the retina to
wrinkle, or pucker, usually without
any effect on central vision.
However, if the scar tissue has
formed over the macula, our sharp,
central vision becomes blurred and
distorted.
Causes :
Most macular puckers are related to
vitreous detachment, which usually
occurs in people over age 50. As you
age, you are at increased risk for
macular pucker.
A macular pucker can also be
triggered by certain eye diseases
and disorders, such as a detached
retina and inflammation of the eye (uveitis).
Also, people with diabetes sometimes
develop an eye disease called
diabetic retinopathy, which can
cause a macular pucker. A macular
pucker can also be caused by trauma
from either surgery or an eye
injury.
Symptoms :
Vision loss from a macular pucker
can vary from no loss to severe
loss, although severe vision loss is
uncommon. People with a macular
pucker may notice that their vision
is blurry or mildly distorted, and
straight lines can appear wavy. They
may have difficulty in seeing fine
detail and reading small print.
There may be a gray area in the
center of your vision, or perhaps
even a blind spot.
Content Courtesy : www.nei.nih.gov
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
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