Vmt Ophthalmology – Everything You Need To Know

By Author: Private Practice of Mr Mahi Muqit PhD FRCOphth
Total Articles: 37
Comment this article

Vitreomacular Traction (VMT) is an eye condition that involves the vitreous gel, which is a clear gel that fills the inside of the eye, giving it its shape. VMT is a vision threatening condition that has a full range of symptoms from blurred vision to blacked out areas and distorted vision. Most patients with VMT struggle with daily tasks that require sharp vision, such as watching television or reading.

VMT can lead to a macular hole, which will distort and blur the central vision and will require surgical intervention to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss.

Posterior vitreous detachment is a clear gel substance that fills the inside of the eyeball. This helps the eye retain the round shape and is intertwined with millions of fine fibres that are attached to the retina surface. The vitreous shrinks with age, it becomes liquid and forms pockets of fluid. The vitreous then separates from the retina, which is known as posterior vitreous detachment. This is a very common condition in people over the age of fifty. Once the vitreous is detached, the condition becomes almost harmless.

VMT occurs when the ...
... vitreous adheres to the central vision section of the retina, known as the macular. It doesn't detach completely, but remains attached. As the vitreous continues to try and pull away from the macular, it tugs and pulls on the area, which causes alterations an distortion of the macular. The persistent tugging causes swelling, known as CME or cystoid Macular Edema, which causes distorted and blurred vision.

Vitreomacular traction syndrome occurs in one of four thousand people. It is common in those with diabetic retinopathy, age related macular degeneration and other macular diseases. Women are at higher risk than men and it can happen at any age.

Diagnosing VMT requires Optical Coherence Tornography (OCT), which is a retina and vitreous scanner providing an automated and segmented representation of the vitreous and macular layers. This is a non invasive study that shows the retina specialist a full view of the vitreous and macular. It shows how much tension is being placed on the macular.

Another diagnostic test is fluorescein angiography, which provides information on the retina. The eye doctor is able to get a real time look at the retinas circulation, identifying swelling that is often accompanied with VMT.

You may be offered surgery if your VMT is threatening a macular hole. This is a common procedure that involves the removal of vitreous gel. A tiny needle like instrument is placed into the eye and sucks out the fluid. The eye is then filled with a gas or fluid, helping the eye maintain its shape. The removal of vitreous provides a relief of traction of the macular, helping it return to its natural shape and structure.

Any eye surgery should be considered based on the information provided by your eye doctor. You can ask your VMT ophthalmologist if there is another procedure, but Vitrectomy is the least invasive, which enables you to return home the same day to recover in comfort.

Always choose an ophthalmologist with extensive experience in VMT to ensure the best results in the long run. Ask questions. Write a list of questions and ensure you get answers from recovery time to how the procedure is carried out.

Remember with any VMT, you want to ensure you have someone that can fetch you after your surgery, as you will not be able to drive until you are on the mend.

About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eye sight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit https://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com