Macular Rupture: Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

A macular rupture is a full-thickness defect in the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp and detailed vision. This condition leads to progressive central vision loss, making tasks like reading and recognizing faces difficult. Macular ruptures can develop spontaneously due to aging or as a result of retinal traction, trauma, or severe myopia.

Diagnosis

A comprehensive eye examination is essential to confirm a macular rupture. Diagnostic tests include:

• Fundus Examination with Mydriasis – Evaluates the macula under pupil dilation to detect structural abnormalities.

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Provides high-resolution cross-sectional imaging of the retina to assess the size and depth of the rupture.

• Fluorescein Angiography – Uses contrast dye to evaluate retinal blood circulation and rule out other macular conditions.

Treatment Options

The primary treatment for macular rupture is surgical intervention, as spontaneous healing is rare. The procedure includes:

• Vitrectomy – Removal of the vitreous gel to relieve traction on the macula.

• Gas Tamponade (C3F8 or SF6 Gas Injection) – A specialized gas is injected into the eye to help close the macular hole by pressing the edges together, promoting healing.

• Postoperative Care – Patients may need to maintain a face-down position for several days to ensure optimal recovery.

Cost of Diagnosis & Treatment:

• 7,500,000 – 8,500,000 KRW