Vitreomacular traction
What vitreomacular traction is, how it affects vision, and the treatment options available.
What is vitreomacular traction?
As people get older, the vitreous gel naturally detaches from the retina. Sometimes, the vitreous remains attached to the macula — the area responsible for central vision. These areas of adhesion can exert a pulling force on the macula, a condition known as vitreomacular traction (VMT).
VMT may cause distorted vision and decreased sharpness of vision. In some cases, the traction can lead to the formation of a macular hole.
Diagnosis
VMT is diagnosed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) — a non-invasive scan that produces detailed cross-sectional images of the retina.
Treatment
Sometimes VMT causes only mild or no symptoms and does not need treatment. In many cases the traction resolves spontaneously, so Rahila usually advises monitoring before treatment. If you also have some cataract blurring your vision, cataract surgery can sometimes help release vitreomacular traction as well.
If treatment is needed, the main option is vitrectomy surgery to relieve the traction and, where a macular hole has developed, to close it.