On occasion, a hole will develop in the macular retina as a result of vitreous traction. Most of these patients are woman (70%) and most are in the sixth or seventh decade of life. A poorly defined loss of central visual perception develops and, then, the defective area slowly enlarges in size. Approximately 15% of patients will develop a macular hole in the second eye. Surgery with temporary gas tamponade of the macula oftentimes allows the edge of the hole to seal, and for some patients produces complete closure of the hole.