Macular Pucker vs. Macular Degeneration: Symptoms and More
Macular pucker and macular degeneration are common eye problems in older adults. While they share some symptoms, a proper diagnosis is essential as treatment options differ.
Macular degeneration occurs when the central part of the retina, called the macula, breaks down. This is responsible for central vision. Macular degeneration is usually due to age-related changes but can also be a feature of some genetic eye diseases.
A macular pucker occurs when the membrane on the surface of the macula wrinkles, creases, or bulges. It can lead to distorted vision that may require surgery to correct. Macular pucker is also called epiretinal membrane.
Read on to learn about the similarities and differences between these two conditions.
What are the symptoms of macular pucker vs. macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration and macular pucker can cause similar symptoms.
Macular degeneration can develop in one or both eyes. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) usually gets progressively worse over time.
Symptoms don’t usually develop until the condition becomes moderate or severe. You may develop:
- mild blurriness in your central vision
- trouble seeing in low light
- straight lines might look wavy or crooked
- areas of your vision may look blank or blurry
- colors may appear dimmer
Macular pucker usually develops in one eye. Many people don’t have symptoms. If symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild in the beginning and get progressively worse until stabilizing.
Side effects can include:
- distorted vision
- straight lines appearing wavy or bent
- trouble reading or writing
- trouble seeing fine details
Rarely a macular pucker can progress to a macular hole. A macular hole is when an opening appears in your macula that can cause a blind spot.
How do doctors diagnose macular pucker vs. macular degeneration?
If an eye doctor suspects you have a problem with your retina, they will usually perform a fundoscopy (aka ophthalmoscopy).
Fundoscopy involves dilating your eyes with drops and looking at your eye with a special tool that contains a magnifying lens and a light. The procedure isn’t painful.
They may also have you look at a grid pattern called an Amsler grid to see which parts of your vision are distorted.
If your eye doctor sees something unusual during fundoscopy, they may order imaging tests. These tests include:
- optical coherence tomography (OCT)
- fluorescein angiography
- OCT angiography (OCTA)
Learn more about diagnostic tests for retinal problems.
HEALTHLINE NEWSLETTER
Get our Macular Degeneration Newsletter
Improve your eye health with our macular degeneration newsletter. Receive expert advice on managing your condition, answers to your FAQs, and the latest on condition breakthroughs delivered to your inbox.
What are the treatment options for macular pucker and macular degeneration?
Many people with macular pucker don’t require treatment. If you develop visual impairment, you may need surgery. A doctor may recommend either of two main types of surgery:
- Vitrectomy with membrane peeling: This surgery involves removing some of the gel-like substance inside your eye called the vitreous body and some of the scar tissue on your macula.
- Membranectomy: An eye doctor will remove some of the scar tissue from your macula. The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Treatment for macular degeneration depends on whether you have dry or wet macular degeneration. The dry form is more common and tends to progress quicker. The wet form can cause vision loss within days.
If you have dry macular degeneration, a doctor may recommend a special dietary supplement to slow down the progression of your condition.
If you have the wet form, you might receive:
- anti-VEGF injections to treat leaking blood vessels under your retina
- photodynamic therapy, where a healthcare professional injects a light-sensitive dye into your arm and exposes your retina to a laser to close blood vessels
What causes macular pucker and macular degeneration?
Macular pucker usually occurs due to age-related changes to your eye. The vitreous (the clear gel that fills your eye) can shrink with age and pull away from your retina, a condition known as posterior vitreous detachment. Some people with posterior vitreous detachment develop macular pucker.
Less commonly, macular pucker can develop due to:
- eye infections
- surgery to repair retinal detachment
- traumatic injury
- diabetic retinopathy
- tumors
Macular degeneration is also often due to age-related changes to the eyes. It can also be a feature of some genetic conditions that affect your macula, like Stargardt disease or Best disease.
Learn more about inherited retinal conditions.
Who is at risk of developing macular pucker vs. macular degeneration?
Risk factors for AMD include:
- increasing age
- family history
- European ancestry
- smoking
Risk factors for macular pucker include:
- having floaters
- having posterior vitreous detachment
- retinal tear or detachment
- eye injury or surgery
- uveitis
- increasing age
- having retinal pucker in the other eye
What is the outlook for people with macular pucker vs. macular degeneration?
Many people with macular pucker don’t develop symptoms that require surgery. People who receive surgery often have a significant improvement in their vision. A small number of people with macular pucker may develop severe vision loss.
AMD doesn’t currently have a cure, but receiving proper treatment can help slow its progression. People with the wet form need prompt treatment if they notice changes to their vision.
Frequently asked questions
Is macular pucker progressive?
A macular pucker often develops slowly. But the condition often stabilizes and stops causing vision loss.
Can a macular pucker heal itself?
Macular pucker usually doesn’t improve without surgery, but it can in rare cases.
Can a macular pucker turn into macular degeneration?
Macular degeneration and pucker can cause similar symptoms but have different causes. Macular pucker doesn’t turn into macular degeneration.
Takeaway
Macular pucker and macular degeneration can cause similar symptoms. Here’s a review of how the two conditions compare:
| Feature | Macular pucker | Macular degeneration |
|---|---|---|
| Description | folding or bending of the membrane on the surface of your macula | breakdown of your macula |
| Symptoms | often no symptoms, but sometimes distortion in your vision that usually stabilizes | often progressive visual distortion, trouble seeing in low light, and other vision changes |
| Treatment | surgery | special vitamins, anti-VEGF injections, or photodynamic therapy |
| Cause | usually age-related changes | usually age-related changes |
Contact a doctor if you notice changes to your central vision, especially if you have risk factors for AMD or other retinal conditions.
HTML tags, based on an article comparing macular pucker and macular degeneration.
What is a Macular Pucker?
A macular pucker is a condition where a thin layer of scar tissue forms on the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. This can cause vision distortion and blurriness.
What is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is an eye disease that affects the macula, leading to loss of central vision. It is primarily age-related and is categorized into dry and wet types.
What are the Symptoms of Macular Pucker?
Symptoms of macular pucker include blurred vision, difficulty reading fine print, and distorted or wavy vision. Straight lines may appear bent or wavy.
What are the Symptoms of Macular Degeneration?
Symptoms of macular degeneration can include blurred or reduced central vision, difficulty seeing in low light, and colors appearing less bright. In advanced cases, a dark or empty area may appear in the center of vision.
How is Macular Pucker Diagnosed?
Macular pucker is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize the retina and assess the severity of the pucker.
How is Macular Degeneration Diagnosed?
Macular degeneration is diagnosed with a dilated eye exam, OCT, fluorescein angiography, and other tests to assess the condition of the retina and macula.
What are the Treatment Options for Macular Pucker?
Macular pucker may require surgery, known as a vitrectomy, to remove the scar tissue. Observation might be sufficient if vision is not significantly impacted.
What are the Treatment Options for Macular Degeneration?
Treatment for macular degeneration includes vitamin supplements for dry type and anti-VEGF injections for wet type to slow disease progression and preserve vision.
Can Macular Pucker and Macular Degeneration Occur Together?
Yes, it is possible for an individual to have both macular pucker and macular degeneration, although they are separate conditions with distinct causes and treatment approaches.
How Can You Prevent Macular Degeneration?
While there is no surefire way to prevent macular degeneration, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet rich in leafy greens and fish, avoiding smoking, and regular eye check-ups, can help reduce the risk.
