Vitreomacular Traction (VMT)
This is a retinal scan showing vitreomacular traction. The fine curved line at the top of the scan is the vitreous. It is separating from the retina at the bottom of the scan, and is pulling the centre of the retina up.
What is Vitreomacular Traction?
Vitreomacular traction (or VMT) occurs with an abnormal posterior vitreous detachment (or PVD). A PVD is a natural process within the eye that occurs at some point in everyone’s life. The vitreous is a ball of transparent gel that acts as a scaffold for the retina and the wall of the eye to grow around as we develop in the womb. It serves no purpose following birth and breaks down and weakens as we get older. The critical point in this weakening process is when the vitreous gel can no longer support itself. It collapses and pulls away from the retina.
In VMT, there is a strong attachment between the vitreous and the macula that prevents the vitreous from pulling away cleanly. Instead the vitreous pulls on the retina and distorts the underlying macula.
What are the symptoms of vitreomacular traction?
As the macula is the part of the retina that you use for central vision, VMT may affect tasks such as reading by causing your vision to become blurred and distorted. However, some people may have normal vision despite significant VMT.
How do you treat vitreomacular traction?
If the VMT is not affecting your quality of life, it can be monitored as it may remain stable or improve by itself. However, there is a small chance that the VMT may cause a macular hole if left untreated.
If the VMT is causing you problems, then the standard surgical treatment is a vitrectomy. In certain patients, VMT may be treated with a simple injection of a bubble of gas into the eye.
Where will my surgery take place?
If you require surgery for VMT, I operate at the Nuffield Health Bristol Hospital.