Glaucoma Care

Macular Hole

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Facts:

Certain nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vinpocetine, l-lysine, a number of vitamins & enzymes, and fish oil may help recovery from a Macular Hole and preserve vision. Some research indicates that daily use of Microcurrent Stimulation may help preserve vision as well.

Overview:

The eye contains a jelly-like substance called the vitreous. With age, the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the surface of the retina. In most cases, this pulling away or vitreous separation occurs without any negative effect. A patient may notice floaters but no significant visual damage occurs. In some individuals, however, there may be an area where the vitreous is firmly attached to the surface of the retina. As the shrinkage and forward movement of the vitreous progresses, pulling can can be exerted on the retina, and eventually a small hole may form in the central portion of the retina (the macula), known as a macular hole. The fluid which has replaced the vitreous jell in many areas may then seep through the hole, causing a localized separation of the retina centrally. This process results in a defect or dark spot in the central vision with distortion and central vision loss resulting.

Symptoms:

The severity of the symptoms is dependent on whether the hole is partial or full-thickness.

  • Blurred central vision
  • Distorted, "wavy" vision
  • Difficulty reading or performing tasks that require seeing detail
  • Gray area in central vision
  • Central blind spot

Causes:

In very rare instances, trauma or other conditions lead to the development of a macular hole. In the vast majority of cases, however, macular holes develop spontaneously. As a result, from traditional thinking there is no known way to prevent their development through any nutritional or chemical means, nor is there any way to know who is at risk for developing a hole prior to its appearance in one or both eyes.

Conventional Treatment:

A surgical procedure called vitrectomy is often used to treat holes that go all the way through the macula. The vitreous is removed to prevent it from pulling on the retina. It is replaced with a gas bubble that eventually fills with natural fluids.

Following surgery, patients must usually keep their faces down for two or three weeks. This position allows the bubble to press against the macula and seal the hole. At the end of the 2-3 week period of strict face-down positioning, the patient is then permitted to resume a more normal upright posture. The air bubble itself, however, may take anywhere from 6-8 weeks following surgery to completely disappear. The air bubble is gradually resorbed by the body, and the vitreous cavity is then filled with liquid produced by cells in the front of the eye.

Vitrectomy can lead to complications, most commonly an increase in how fast cataracts develop. Other less common complications include infection and retinal detachment either during surgery or afterward.

Typically, for macular holes less than six months in duration, a vision improvement of approximately three lines on the eye chart (or 50% improvement) can be achieved. Obviously, this is an "average" visual improvement. Vision recovery varies on a patient-by-patient basis, and each patient must be evaluated on an individual basis and discuss with their physician the expectations for visual recovery. Some patients achieve only a small amount of vision recovery, while others achieve a more significant improvement.

Complementary Treatment:

Shopping Tips

On a tight budget?

Here's our single most important recommendation:

Doctor's Choice: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula - Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle



Essential: Advanced Eye & Vision Support Formula - Dr. Grossman's Advanced Eye & Vision (whole food) Support Formula - 60 vcaps per bottle

Essential: MacuHealth with LMZ - 90 capsules (3 month supply) with10mg of meso-zeanthin per capsule. Meso-zeanthin is an essential antioxidant found in the macula (center of the retina).

Essential: Carlsons Super Omega-3 250 - 1000 mg gelcaps - Omega-3 250 gelcaps 1,000mg per gelcap - Natural Lemon Flavor

Essential: Ligament Restore 120 caps - Ligament Restore 120 caps - excellent product for helping preserve, maintain and restoring collagen (connective tissue). Natural anti-inflammatory properties as well.

Essential: Retinal Support - 2oz - based on classic Kidney and Spleen Chinese medicine formulas to help support the retina by building blood, improving circulation, eliminating dampness, and strengthening overall energy.

Very Important: Viteyes Complete - Viteyes Complete is the most comprehensive eye multivitamin available, and serves both as a multivitamin and an eye multivitamin.

Very Important: Microcurrent Stimulation 100ile Purchase Option - helps stimulate energy production (ATP) in the retina, improve circulation and reduce waste build-up.

Important: CoQ10 & L-Carnitine 60 softgels - CoQ10 & L-Carnitine 60 softgels - helps support healthy heart function and may improve retinal function in patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Important: Pure Focus - is a liquid based formula absorbed sublingually (under the tongue) for vision health.

Important: Gingko Biloba Extract (2 oz bottle) - 2oz bottle - Ginkgo Biloba has superb antioxidant and circulatory supporting actions.

Helpful: Fruits N Greens 180 gm - 180 gram organic formula loaded with fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Recommended Vitamins, Supplements, Herbs & Other Nutritional Products

Since we consider most eye conditions to be a reflection of the health of the whole body, lifestyle choices and diet can play a major factor in getting and maintaining good vision. Below are some recommendations:

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