The macula normally lies flat against the back of the eye, like film lining the back of a camera. When wrinkles, creases or bulges form on the macula, this is known as a macular pucker.

Symptoms Include:

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

Eye conditions that are associated with macular pucker:

• Vitreous detachment
• Torn or detached retina
• Inflammation inside the eye
• Severe trauma to the eye
• Disorders of the blood vessels in the retina

In many cases, the symptoms of vision distortion and blurriness are mild and no treatment is necessary. Sometimes the scar tissue which causes a macular pucker, separates from the retina, and the macular pucker clears up.

Rarely, vision deteriorates to the point where it affects daily routine activities. However, when this happens, surgery may be recommended. This procedure is called a vitrectomy, in which the vitreous gel is removed to prevent it from pulling on the retina and replaced with a salt solution and the scar tissue which causes the wrinkling is removed. A vitrectomy is usually performed under local anesthesia.