Philip Alexander - Cambridge Eye Surgeon

Book a consultation |  01223 782169

  • Home
  • About Philip Alexander
  • Eye Conditions
    • Cataract
    • Diabetic Eye Disease
    • Epiretinal Membrane
    • Floaters
    • Macular hole
    • Retinal Detachment
    • Retinal Tears
    • Stickler syndrome
    • Submacular Haemorrhage
    • Vitreomacular Traction (VMT)
  • Research
    • Retinal Disease
    • Cataract
    • General Ophthalmology
  • News
  • Blog
  • Testimonials
  • Contact

Macular hole

What is a Macular Hole?

A macular hole is a small, circular gap which opens up at the centre of the retina. This causes blurred vision and often distorted vision where straight lines or letters look wavy or bowed. There may also be a patch of missing vision at the centre.

What testing might be done?

Mr Alexander will examine your eye following the use of eye drops that temporarily enlarge your pupils. He will usually also arrange an OCT scan to determine the extent of damage from the macular hole.

How is a macular Hole treated?

A macular hole can often be repaired by an operation called a vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel and gas.

If you have not already had a cataract operation, you will almost certainly get a cataract after vitrectomy, usually within 1-2 years. Mr Alexander may offer you combined surgery with cataract extraction at the same time as the macular hole repair to spare the need for cataract surgery in the near future.

Do I have to perform face-down positioning after the operation?

Mr Alexander advises patients to avoid lying on their back for 7 days after surgery.  Face down positioning is usually not required.

What can I expect for my vision after vitrectomy?

If the hole has been present for less than a year, the operation will be successful in closing the hole in about 90% of cases. Of these, more than 70% will be able to see two or three lines more down a standard vision chart, compared to before the operation. It is important to understand that return to completely normal vision is not possible.

Private Practice

If you wish to see Mr Alexander privately, he offers appointments at the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, and the Nuffield Cambridge Hospital. To see Mr Alexander privately please contact his personal assistant Rosie Ashwell on 01223 782169 or use the form below to make an enquiry. A referral from your GP is not required.

Spire Cambridge Lea
30 New Road
Impington
Cambridge
CB24 9EL

Nuffield Cambridge Hospital
4 Trumpington Road
Cambridge
CB2 8AF

NHS Practice

Mr Philip Alexander is an NHS consultant at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. To see him in his NHS clinic, please organise to be referred via your General Practitioner.

Department of Ophthalmology,
Box 41
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Cambridge Biomedical Campus,
Hills Road
Cambridge
CB2 0QQ

NHS Secretary: Shannon Brand
Tel: 01223 216106
www.cuh.org.uk

Navigation

  • Home
  • About Philip Alexander
  • Research
  • Testimonials
  • News
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy

Mr Alexander is a recognised provider for the major insurance companies including:

Allianz Worldwide Care
AXA/PPP
Aviva
Benenden
BUPA
Cigna
Exeter Family Friendly
PruHealth,
Saga
Simply Health
Standard Life
Vitality Health
WPA

© 2022 · Alexander Eye Care · Built by TEKOA Creative