Treatments
Macular hole surgery in India
Quick answer
A macular hole is a small break in the centre of the retina that causes blurred or distorted central vision. Surgery uses vitrectomy, peels a thin membrane from the retina surface and fills the eye with gas, which presses the hole closed while it heals. Face-down positioning may be needed for some days.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
Macular holes usually develop with age as the vitreous gel pulls away from the retina. Early surgery generally gives better visual results than waiting.
The internal limiting membrane is often peeled to relieve tension. Gas then supports the edges. Large or long-standing holes may need special flap techniques.
How this approach differs
The gas bubble is essential to closure and prevents flying until absorbed. Some surgeons reduce or skip face-down positioning for smaller holes.
Who needs macular hole surgery
- People with full-thickness macular hole on OCT scan
- Recent decline in central vision
- Holes that have not closed spontaneously
How it is done
- OCT confirms hole size.
- Vitrectomy removes the gel.
- The membrane on the retina is peeled.
- Gas fills the eye.
- Positioning is followed as instructed.
Before you travel to India
- OCT scan images
- Plan two to several weeks in India
- Companion for positioning help
Recovery and flying home
- Positioning for several days if instructed.
- No flying until gas absorbs.
- Vision improves gradually over months.
- Cataract often develops later.
Risks
- Hole not closing
- Cataract
- Retinal detachment
- Raised eye pressure
Alternatives
- Observation for very small holes
- Gas injection alone in selected cases
- Injection of a drug to release vitreous traction, in very selected small holes where available
Hospitals in India for macular hole surgery
- Medanta - The MedicityDelhi NCR
- Aster MedcityKochi
- Artemis HospitalDelhi NCR
- Aster CMI HospitalBengaluru
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
- Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad
- Wockhardt Super Speciality Hospital, Mira RoadMumbai
- Fortis Memorial Research InstituteDelhi NCR
Specialists
Dr Parul Maheshwari SharmaFortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram- Dr Gopal S PillaiAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
Dr Ajit Babu MajjiYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
Dr S A Hussain NaqviYashoda Hospitals, Somajiguda- Dr Sujithra HAmrita Hospital (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences)
- Dr Bhanu Prakash MYashoda Hospitals, Hitec City
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to lie face down?
Some surgeons ask for face-down positioning for several days, others less. Ask before travelling.
Will my vision become normal?
Many people gain improvement, but some distortion may remain.
Can I travel by road while gas is in my eye?
Avoid mountain roads and high altitude as well as flights. Ask your surgeon before any long journey.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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