What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Atrophic Retinal Holes
• Retinal Breaks without Detachment
• Round Hole of Retina without Detachment

What is Atrophic Holes? (Definition/Background Information)

• Atrophic Holes indicate the presence of a break in the retina without associated retinal detachment. In other words, no vitreoretinal traction is noted
• Currently, the cause of Atrophic Holes is not well-established. Individuals with shortsightedness have an increased risk for them
• In many individuals, it is an incidental finding; and Atrophic Holes are typically asymptomatic. A treatment of the condition is undertaken if it is associated with retinal detachment

Who gets Atrophic Holes? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals of any age category may get Atrophic Holes. It is informed that about 5% of the general population may be affected
• Both males and females are equally affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all races and ethnicity are prone to developing the condition

What are the Risk Factors for Atrophic Holes? (Predisposing Factors)

• No well-defined risk factors are identified for Atrophic Holes
• However, individuals with myopia are at an elevated risk for the same

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Atrophic Holes? (Etiology)

• Presently, the cause of formation of Atrophic Holes is not known (termed idiopathic Atrophic Holes)
• They are caused by atrophic changes in the retina that occur due to certain (as yet) unidentified reasons (chronic atrophy of sensory retina)

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Atrophic Holes?

In many individuals, no significant signs and symptoms of Atrophic Holes are noted. It is an incidental finding that is observed when eye exams are undertaken for unrelated health conditions.

However, in some individuals, the following may be observed:

• Presence of eye floaters
• Flashing lights
• If the condition is associated with retinal detachment, then the following are observed:
  • Blurred vision
  • Shadow in the field of vision
  • Partial or total blindness

How is Atrophic Holes Diagnosed?

Atrophic Holes may be diagnosed by the following observations and tests:

• Physical examination and medical history evaluation (including history of any recent illness or other conditions)
• Assessment of the presenting signs and symptoms
• General eye exam
• Fundoscopic (ophthalmoscopic) examination by an eye specialist, who examines the back part of the eye (or the fundus)
• Visual acuity test using a special and standardized test chart (Snellen chart)
• Slit-lamp examination
• Visual evoked potential (VEP) test
• Fundus fluorescein angiography
• Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of eye

A differential diagnosis to eliminate other conditions may be considered before arriving at a definitive diagnosis. These may include:

• Horseshoe retinal tear
• Lattice degeneration
• Operculated retinal hole
• Retinoschisis
• Snailtrack degeneration

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Atrophic Holes?

No significant complications of Atrophic Holes are generally noted. However, rarely, it may be associated with retinal detachment resulting in an increased risk for permanent vision loss, typically in the absence of any treatment.

How is Atrophic Holes Treated?

In most cases, no treatment is necessary for Atrophic Holes since it is not associated with retinal detachment. In such cases, close follow-up with periodic eye exam is encouraged.

However, in case Atrophic Holes are associated with retinal detachment, then the following treatment measures may be considered:

• Laser therapy
• Pneumatic retinopexy
• Use of a scleral buckle
• Vitrectomy

How can Atrophic Holes be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no specific methods or guidelines to prevent the formation of Atrophic Holes
• Individuals with myopia are encouraged to regularly have eye exams and wear prescription eye glasses

What is the Prognosis of Atrophic Holes? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis of Atrophic Holes is typically good, since it is not associated with retinal detachment.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Atrophic Holes:

Please visit our Eye & Vision Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/vision-center/