Senile idiopathic macular holes

We studied idiopathic macular holes in 11 consecutive patients (all women). We tried to discover the cause of these senile macular holes, so far called idiopathic. The role of vitreoretinal traction is probably unimportant. We found indications of a vascular etiology, which is more suggestive of a cause situated in the choroid or pigment layer. Other possible factors are chronic solar damage and former high oestrogen levels. Therapy is not necessary in this type of macular hole.