What is Vitreomacular Traction?
The macula is the central area of the retina. In VMT, there is an abnormal connection between the vitreous jelly and macula, causing distortion of the normal structure of the retinal cells. This leads to reduced vision and distortion of images.
What testing might be done?
An OCT scan will be required to determine the extent of damage from vitreomacular traction.
How is VMT treated?
In some cases, the abnormal vitreous traction can resolve by itself and not further action is needed.
In patients who continue to be affected with blurred vision or distortion, the traction can be surgically released, to relieve the symptoms.
Surgery for vitreomacular traction speeds up the onset of cataract, which is a very treatable cause of worsening vision. Mr Alexander may offer you combined surgery with cataract extraction at the same time as removal of the epiretinal membrane, to spare the need for cataract surgery in the near future.
What can I expect for my vision after surgery for VMT?
The operation is usually successful in reducing the distortion in vision due to vitreomacular traction.