title: Microholes of the fovea centralis.
abstract: Foveal microholes are a possible cause of unilateral or bilateral small central visual defects in the absence of other macular pathology. In 18 eyes of 17 patients we noted the following features: small, dark-reddish holes in the centre of the fovea ranging from 50 to 150 micron in size; normal adjacent retinal pigment epithelium and neuroepithelium; unilateral in most cases; males and females are equally affected; mean age 40 years; insidious onset; no history of direct eye trauma or sungazing; non-progressive; relatively favourable visual outcome; no relationship with regular macular holes; aetiology unknown. These distinctive features justify reporting these patients as an important separate group.
authors.affiliation: Melbourne University Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Cairns
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: McCombe
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D005584:Fovea Centralis / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D014792:Visual Acuity