Santa Ana Macular Pucker

The condition known as macular pucker is one of the most common reasons why California patients consult with our Santa Ana macular pucker doctors. The macular is located in the center of the retina. The job of the macular is to provide sharp and central vision a person needs in order to drive, read, and see fine details. When scar tissue forms around the macula, this is called a macular pucker. A patient who has a macular pucker often suffers with central vision that is blurred or distorted.

How Do Macular Puckers Form?

In order to understand how macular puckers form, it is helpful to understand the makeup of the eye. Approximately 80 percent of the inside of the eye is filled with a gel-like substance called vitreous. Vitreous is made up of millions of fine fibers which are actually attached to the retina. As a person ages, the vitreous gradually begins to shrink, causing it to pull away from the surface of the retina. Vitreous detachment is a common and normal occurrence. There are no real negative effects for this condition, although many people do report seeing more “floaters.”

Occasionally, when the vitreous pulls away from the retina, it causes some damage to the surface of the retain. As the retina heals, scar tissue is formed and firmly attaches to the retina’s surface. When this scar tissue contracts, the retina puckers up. While this typically has no effect on the person’s vision, if the scar tissue develops over the macular, the vision is affected.

The majority of people who develop macular puckers are usually 50 years of age or older, not surprising since it is aging that increases the risk of the condition. There are also certain health conditions that can cause a macular pucker, including:

• Detached retina
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Eye trauma
• Inflammation of the eye

Symptoms of Macular Pucka

As a Santa Ana macular pucker doctor can explain, there are several symptoms a person may suffer that indicate a macular pucker has formed:

• Blindspot or gray area in the center of the person’s vision
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty making out fine detail
• Difficulty reading small print
• Distorted vision
• Straight lines appearing wavy

Fortunately, for most people who develop macular pucker, their vision issues do not usually get any worse. Typically, the condition only affects one eye, but there is the potential for the other eye to eventually develop the condition. If the condition is mild, the patient will likely need no treatment. In some cases, the scar tissue that is causing the condition pulls away completely from the retina and the condition clears up on its own.

However, there are also situation where the patient’s vision continues to worsen and begins to interfere with their ability to perform even their daily activities. In these situations, surgery may be the best option.

If you are having issues with your vision, contact the Retina Associates of Orange County to schedule an appointment with one of our Santa Ana macular pucker doctors.