Macular Hole / VMT Surgery
Vitrectomy with ILM Peel & Gas Tamponade
Macular Hole / VMT Surgery is a precise retinal procedure that removes traction, closes macular holes, and restores central vision. With modern micro-incision techniques, the procedure offers excellent success rates and significant visual improvement for most patients.
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Read About Our Happy Patients
What a great experience! Very reassuring and I am very grateful for the consultation from Dr Musa he was so helpful in helping me make a decision to proceed to having eye correction surgery. I have the upmost confidence in him and the team at the Eye Doctor Clinic, Huddersfield.
Lozza 747I had implants with Dr Musa ten years ago. It was the best thing I've ever done. They are brilliant. My sight both near and distant was very poor but since the op I've had no glasses no lenses and my sight has been super. It remains really good to this day. Thank you Dr Musa. Brilliant consultations and treatment for glaucoma since.
Kay FitbitI can highly recommend the Eye Doctor Clinic, and I am so pleased I went there. Dr Musa, Gemma and Jess are lovely. They are very knowledgeable and were able to answer all my questions. My vision following surgery is great, and not having to wear glasses is fantastic.
Carol PeelWhat Is Macular Hole / VMT Surgery?
Macular Hole / Vitreomacular Traction (VMT) Surgery is a specialist retinal procedure designed to treat macular holes — full-thickness breaks in the central retina — and significant VMT, where the vitreous gel pulls abnormally on the macula.
Both conditions distort central vision, making reading, recognising faces, and detailed tasks difficult. Surgery involves a pars plana vitrectomy, removal of the vitreous gel, release of traction, and peeling of the Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) to allow the macula to flatten and the hole to close.
In macular holes, a temporary gas bubble is inserted to gently press the retina back into position and promote healing. Modern techniques have high success rates, and many patients regain substantial clarity after the procedure.
Macular Hole / VMT at a Glance
- Treats: Macular holes, vitreomacular traction
- Symptoms: Central blur, distortion, dark spot
- Diagnosis: OCT imaging, visual acuity testing
- Procedure: Vitrectomy, ILM peel, gas bubble
- Duration: 30–60 minutes
- Closure rate: 85–95% with modern techniques
- Recovery: Face-down positioning, gradual improvement
How Macular Hole / VMT Surgery Works
The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.
Anaesthesia
Usually performed with local anaesthetic and light sedation.
Vitrectomy
Ultra-fine, self-sealing micro-incisions allow removal of the vitreous gel that is causing traction.
Relief of Traction
Any abnormal pulling on the macula is released, resolving VMT.
ILM Peel
The internal limiting membrane is stained and gently peeled to improve macular hole closure, reduce the risk of recurrence, and flatten macular distortion.
Gas Bubble Placement
A gas bubble is inserted to act as an internal splint, holding the macula in place while it heals. (Macular hole cases.)
Self-Sealing Wounds
The incisions usually require no stitches.
Benefits of Macular Hole / VMT Surgery
Many patients experience continued improvement over several months as the macula remodels.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Surgery may be recommended if you have:
Early surgery gives the best chance of full closure and visual recovery.
What To Expect During Surgery
Your surgeon will give precise instructions tailored to your case.
When to Consider Surgery Early
You may benefit from early intervention if:
- Distortion and central blur are worsening
- OCT shows a growing macular hole
- VMT is pulling more strongly on the macula
- Reading and near tasks are increasingly difficult
- Glasses no longer help
- Symptoms develop rapidly after a PVD
Treating before severe macular damage occurs leads to better results.
Recovery After Macular Hole / VMT Surgery
General Recovery
If a Gas Bubble Is Used
Most patients notice gradual, meaningful improvement in central vision as the macula heals.
Macular Hole / VMT Surgery FAQs
A macular hole is a small but significant full-thickness break in the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It typically develops when the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina, creating a hole at the very centre of the macula and causing central vision to become blurred or distorted.
VMT occurs when the vitreous gel inside the eye does not fully separate from the macula as it should with age. Instead, it remains abnormally attached and exerts traction (pulling force) on the macula, distorting its surface and causing blurring or central vision loss. VMT can sometimes lead to a macular hole if left untreated.
Not always. Small or early-stage VMT may resolve spontaneously or be managed with observation. However, full-thickness macular holes and symptomatic VMT causing significant vision loss generally benefit greatly from surgical repair. Your specialist will advise based on the size, stage, and impact on your vision.
The procedure is a pars plana vitrectomy. Tiny micro-incisions allow the surgeon to remove the vitreous gel, release traction, and carefully peel the internal limiting membrane (ILM). A gas bubble is then placed inside the eye to support the macula while it heals. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes.
In macular hole cases, face-down positioning is usually required for a period after surgery to keep the gas bubble in contact with the macula, aiding hole closure. Your surgeon will advise on the exact duration and positioning requirements specific to your case.
Mr Murtuza Mookhtiar
MBChB · FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Cataract & Retinal Specialist
Mr Murtuza Mookhtiar is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with a specialist interest in vitreoretinal surgery and cataract surgery. He manages a wide range of complex retinal conditions including retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, macular hole, and vitreous floaters. Mr Mookhtiar combines precise surgical technique with a compassionate approach, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care throughout their treatment journey.
Mrs Farhat Butt
MBChB · FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmologist, Medical Retina & Uveitis
Mrs Farhat Butt is a Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina and uveitis. She has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of sight-threatening conditions including wet age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular oedema, retinal vein occlusion, and complex uveitis. Mrs Butt is highly experienced in intravitreal injection therapy and provides expert, patient-centred care for some of the most challenging retinal and inflammatory eye conditions.
Meet the Team
Where to Find Us
Three convenient locations across West Yorkshire. Visit us for consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
Bolton
136 – 140 Newport St
Bolton, Greater Manchester
BL3 6AB
Huddersfield
Woodlands, 4 Longbow Close
Huddersfield, HD2 1GQ
Concerned About Your Central Vision?
Book a consultation with our specialist retinal surgeon for expert assessment and treatment advice. Call +44 1484 627779 or book online.
