Private macular hole surgery — a vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peel and a gas bubble — starts from £6,500 per eye in 2026, and is typically £6,500–£8,500 depending on complexity. The gas bubble presses on the macula to hold the hole closed while it seals, and the operation closes around 90% of holes when treated early. Prices are all-inclusive of the consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the procedure and follow-up with OCT scans.
What is a macular hole?
A macular hole is a small full-thickness gap that develops at the centre of the macula — the part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It causes blurred or distorted central vision and a grey or missing patch when reading or looking at faces. Most macular holes form because the gel inside the eye (the vitreous) pulls on the delicate macula as it separates with age.
The definitive treatment is a vitrectomy with membrane peel and gas tamponade, part of our vitreoretinal surgery service. Treating the hole promptly gives the best chance of closure and visual recovery.
Distorted or missing central vision? A vitreoretinal consultation with OCT imaging confirms the diagnosis and the best timing for surgery.
Book a retinal assessmentWhat the price includes
Macular hole surgery is priced as a single all-inclusive package. Cost varies mainly with complexity and whether cataract surgery is done at the same time:
Compare related retinal procedures such as epiretinal membrane vitrectomy and see all vitreoretinal surgery prices.
What happens during the operation
Macular hole surgery is a microsurgical day-case procedure lasting about 45–60 minutes, usually under local anaesthetic.
- The eye is numbed and three tiny ports are placed in the white of the eye.
- The vitreous gel is removed (vitrectomy) to release traction on the macula.
- The very thin internal limiting membrane over the macula is gently peeled, often with a dye to make it visible.
- The eye is filled with a gas bubble that holds the hole edges together while it seals.
- The ports are removed — usually sutureless — and the eye is shielded.
Recovery week-by-week
Days 1–7
Follow your surgeon’s posturing plan so the gas presses on the macula. Vision is very blurred while the eye is full of gas. Drops begin.
Weeks 1–2
The gas bubble starts to shrink; you may see a wobbling line across your vision as it absorbs. First review with OCT to confirm closure.
Weeks 2–8
The gas clears completely — do not fly until your surgeon confirms it has gone. Central vision begins to improve.
3–6 months
Vision and distortion continue to improve as the macula heals. A cataract often develops later if not treated at the same time.
Macular hole surgery cost
Our pricing is all-inclusive: consultant vitreoretinal surgeon, theatre, the vitrectomy with membrane peel and gas, and your follow-up reviews with OCT.
- Self-pay: from £6,500 per eye; from £7,500 combined with cataract surgery; up to £8,500 for complex holes.
- Consultation: typically £200–£350 with OCT imaging, often redeemable against treatment.
- Insurance: recognised by major UK insurers — we handle authorisation.
If you have flashes, floaters or a curtain over your vision, this can signal a retinal detachment and needs same-day assessment.