Best Macular Hole Surgery in Andheri West Mumbai by Dr. Jignesh Gala, FRCS

Are you experiencing a dark spot in the center of your vision? Do straight lines appear wavy or distorted when you look at them? These could be early warning signs of a macular hole — a serious retinal condition that demands expert surgical care. If you are searching for the best macular hole surgery in Andheri West, Mumbai, you have arrived at the right place.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

At Crystal Clear Eye Clinic on SV Road, Andheri West, Dr. Jignesh M. Gala, FRCS (Glasgow) and MRCS (Edinburgh), has successfully performed 15,000+ eye procedures, including complex vitreoretinal surgeries. With advanced training from L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, and international exposure at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, Dr. Gala brings world-class expertise in vitrectomy with ILM peeling right to the heart of Mumbai. Patients from DN Nagar, Lokhandwala, Versova, Four Bungalows, Seven Bungalows, and Oshiwara trust him for precise, compassionate retina care.

1. Who Is Dr. Jignesh Gala?

Dr. Jignesh M. Gala — FRCS (Glasgow) Vitreoretinal Surgeon at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Andheri West

When it comes to delicate retina surgery, credentials matter. Dr. Jignesh M. Gala is one of the few eye surgeons in Mumbai to hold both FRCS (Ophthalmology) from the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow and MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. This dual UK qualification places him in an elite tier of eye surgeons globally.

His journey began with MBBS from Grant Medical College & Sir J.J. Group of Hospitals, Mumbai (2006–2012), followed by DOMS from Seth G.S. Medical College & KEM Hospital, Mumbai. He then completed a prestigious Fellowship in Comprehensive Ophthalmology at L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad (2016–2018), followed by a specialized Fellowship in Medical & Surgical Retina (2018–2019) at the same institute — widely regarded as India’s premier eye hospital.

Dr. Gala’s expertise extends to ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) training under Dr. Subhadra Jalali & Dr. Komal Agarwal, and international observation at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. He is a Life Member of the All India Ophthalmological Society (AIOS) and Vitreo Retinal Society of India (VRSI), and a Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO).

Learn more about Dr. Gala’s qualifications and philosophy on the About Dr. Jignesh Gala page.

2. What Is a Macular Hole?

A macular hole is a small break or gap in the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Think of the macula as the “high-resolution camera sensor” at the back of your eye. When a hole forms here, straight-ahead vision becomes blurry, distorted, or develops a dark blind spot.

Macular holes typically develop due to vitreomacular traction — when the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina abnormally. Other risk factors include high myopia (severe short-sightedness), ocular trauma, diabetic retinopathy, and inflammatory eye diseases.

According to EyeWiki by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, macular holes progress through stages:

• Stage 1 (Impending / Foveal Detachment): A partial-thickness defect that may resolve spontaneously in up to 50% of cases.
• Stage 2 (Small Full-Thickness Hole): A tiny full-thickness break that often enlarges without treatment.
• Stage 3 (Large Full-Thickness Hole): A well-defined hole with visible yellow deposits at the base.
• Stage 4 (Full-Thickness Hole with PVD): A complete hole with posterior vitreous detachment; vision is significantly impaired.

Research published in JAMA Ophthalmology suggests that the cumulative incidence of macular hole formation increases dramatically with age, particularly after 60 years. This makes regular retinal screening essential for older adults in Mumbai.

3. When Should You See Dr. Jignesh Gala?

Early diagnosis of a macular hole can mean the difference between simple observation and urgent surgery. If you notice any of the following symptoms, schedule a consultation immediately at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Andheri West:

• A dark spot or blank area in the center of your vision
• Straight lines appearing wavy or bent (metamorphopsia)
• Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
• Blurred central vision that glasses cannot correct
• Objects appearing smaller in one eye (micropsia)

Our clinic is conveniently located on SV Road, Andheri West, making it easily accessible for patients from DN Nagar, Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Versova, Four Bungalows, and Seven Bungalows. Whether you are commuting from Andheri Railway Station or the Versova-Ghatkopar Metro Line, reaching Crystal Clear Eye Clinic is straightforward.

Book your retina consultation online or call us directly.

4. Advanced Diagnosis at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic

Comprehensive retinal consultation at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, SV Road, Andheri West

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of successful macular hole treatment. At Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Dr. Jignesh Gala follows a systematic diagnostic protocol:

1. Detailed History & Vision Assessment: We discuss your symptoms, duration, and any prior eye conditions. Visual acuity testing determines the extent of central vision loss.
2. Dilated Fundus Examination: Dr. Gala examines your retina using a high-magnification indirect ophthalmoscope to identify the hole stage and any associated epiretinal membrane.
3. OCT Scan (Optical Coherence Tomography): This is the gold standard for macular hole diagnosis. Our OCT-Angiography (OCTA) system captures cross-sectional images of the retina to measure hole diameter, stage, and surrounding traction.
4. Biometry & IOL Master (if cataract coexists): Many macular hole patients are elderly and may also have cataracts. We assess whether combined surgery is appropriate.

Advanced OCT imaging for precise macular hole measurement and surgical planning

Our reports are typically ready within 15 minutes, and Dr. Gala explains the findings directly to you — in your preferred language, whether English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, or Chinese. Located on SV Road, Andheri West, we serve patients from Versova, Oshiwara, Four Bungalows, and surrounding neighborhoods with minimal waiting times.

Explore our full range of diagnostic and surgical services on the Services page.

5. Treatment Options by Dr. Jignesh Gala

State-of-the-art vitrectomy suite at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Andheri West

Observation vs. Surgery

Stage 1 macular holes have a nearly 50% chance of spontaneous resolution. In these cases, Dr. Gala may recommend close observation with monthly OCT monitoring. However, Stage 2, 3, and 4 full-thickness macular holes rarely heal on their own and require surgical intervention.

Vitrectomy with ILM Peeling (Standard of Care)

The internationally accepted gold-standard treatment is Pars Plana Vitrectomy (PPV) with Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade. According to NIH / StatPearls, this technique has achieved anatomical closure rates exceeding 90% for idiopathic macular holes.

Dr. Jignesh Gala performs this procedure using the Retikare Zeal Vitrectomy System under a high-definition surgical microscope. The steps include:

1. Core Vitrectomy: Removal of the vitreous gel to eliminate traction.
2. Posterior Vitreous Detachment (PVD): Careful separation of the vitreous cortex from the retina.
3. ILM Staining: Use of Brilliant Blue G or Indocyanine Green (ICG) to visualize the ultra-thin ILM.
4. ILM Peeling: Delicate removal of the ILM around the hole to release tangential forces and stimulate glial cell-mediated closure.
5. Fluid-Air-Gas Exchange: Filling the eye with a long-acting gas bubble (C3F8 or SF6) to press the hole edges together.

Inverted ILM Flap for Large / Chronic Holes

For large macular holes (>400 µm) or chronic holes (present for >6 months), conventional ILM peeling alone may yield lower closure rates (60–80%). Dr. Gala is skilled in the inverted ILM flap technique, where the ILM is partially peeled, inverted, and placed over the hole as a natural scaffold. Recent research indicates that extended ILM peeling and flap techniques can achieve closure rates of 92–94% even in difficult, long-standing cases.

Learn more about our retina surgical capabilities on the Retina Services page.

6. Why Choose Crystal Clear Eye Clinic for Macular Hole Surgery?

When selecting a surgeon for something as delicate as macular hole repair, you need more than just a nearby clinic. You need proven expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care. Here is why patients from Juhu, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, and Powai choose Crystal Clear Eye Clinic:

• Surgical Volume & Experience: Dr. Gala’s 15,000+ total eye procedures include extensive vitreoretinal surgery experience. High surgical volume correlates with better outcomes in complex retina cases.
• Advanced Technology: We use the Retikare Zeal Vitrectomy System, Topcon Surgical Microscope, and OCT-Angiography — not generic “latest technology” claims, but specific, named equipment.
• Personalized Surgical Planning: Every macular hole is measured precisely on OCT. Dr. Gala decides between standard ILM peeling, extended peeling, or inverted flap based on hole size, duration, and your retinal health.
• Patient-Centric Philosophy: We believe “vision is a right, not a privilege.” Dr. Gala spends time explaining your condition, showing you your OCT scans, and answering family questions.
• Cashless Insurance & EMI: With 30+ cashless TPA tie-ups and flexible EMI options, world-class retina surgery is financially accessible.
• Location Advantage: Our Laram Centre, SV Road, Andheri West location is central for western Mumbai. Patients from Andheri East, Powai, Versova Beach area, and Yari Road find the clinic highly accessible.

Read why patients trust us on the Why Choose Us page.

7. What to Expect Before, During & After the Procedure

Before Surgery (Pre-operative Preparation)

• Complete blood tests and systemic evaluation (blood pressure, blood sugar)
• Stop blood thinners only if advised by your physician
• Arrange for someone to accompany you home post-surgery
• Fast for 6 hours if general anesthesia is planned
• Instill antibiotic eye drops as prescribed 1–2 days before surgery

During the Procedure

Macular hole surgery is typically performed under local anesthesia (a numbing injection around the eye). You will be awake but feel no pain. The procedure lasts 45 to 90 minutes. You may see bright lights and shadows, but the experience is comfortable. Dr. Gala’s team ensures continuous monitoring throughout.

After Surgery (Recovery Timeline)

• Day 1: Eye patch removed. Vision is blurry due to the gas bubble. You may feel mild scratchiness.
• Week 1: Face-down positioning is crucial — typically 3–7 days depending on the gas type. The gas bubble slowly absorbs.
• Week 2–4: First significant visual improvement noticed. OCT scan confirms hole closure.
• Month 1–3: Vision continues to improve as the retina heals. Final visual acuity stabilizes around 3–6 months.

Activity	Allowed?	When?
Reading / Screen time	Limited	After 2 weeks
Light walking	Yes	After 3–4 days
Air travel	No	Until gas fully dissolves (~4–8 weeks)
Strenuous exercise	No	Until cleared by Dr. Gala (usually 4–6 weeks)
Face-down sleeping	Required	First 3–7 days (critical)

Dr. Gala and his team provide detailed post-operative instructions and are available for urgent queries during recovery. Our Andheri West clinic location ensures easy follow-up access for patients from Bandra, Khar, and Santacruz.

8. Cost, Insurance & Financing in Mumbai

At Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, we believe in transparent pricing. The cost of macular hole surgery (vitrectomy with ILM peeling) in Mumbai varies based on:

• Hole size and complexity (standard peel vs. inverted flap)
• Type of anesthesia (local vs. general)
• Need for combined cataract surgery
• Choice of gas tamponade (C3F8, SF6, or air)
• Post-operative medications and follow-up visits

We offer competitive and transparent pricing with no hidden charges. More importantly, we have 30+ cashless TPA and insurance tie-ups, making the process hassle-free for patients. EMI financing options are also available for those who need them.

We serve patients across western Mumbai — from Andheri West to Bandra and Powai — ensuring that high-quality retina care does not require traveling to South Mumbai or waiting months at corporate hospitals.

Check your insurance coverage on our Insurance page.

9. Patient Success Stories & Reviews

Dr. Gala reviewing post-operative recovery with a macular hole patient

Names and details have been changed to protect patient privacy.

Case 1: Mrs. Patel, 68, from Lokhandwala, Andheri West

Mrs. Patel noticed progressive blurring in her right eye while reading the newspaper. An OCT at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic revealed a Stage 3 full-thickness macular hole (480 µm). Dr. Gala performed vitrectomy with ILM peeling and C3F8 gas tamponade. At her 6-week follow-up, the hole was fully closed on OCT, and her vision improved from 20/200 to 20/60. She now enjoys her morning walks at Lokhandwala Market again.

Case 2: Mr. Iyer, 55, from Versova

A working professional from Versova, Mr. Iyer developed distorted vision in his left eye after high myopia. He had a large chronic macular hole (>600 µm, >8 months duration). Dr. Gala performed an inverted ILM flap procedure with gas tamponade. Despite the challenging prognosis, the hole closed successfully, and his vision improved significantly over 3 months. He resumed work and now recommends Crystal Clear Eye Clinic to colleagues from Four Bungalows and Seven Bungalows.

Case 3: Mrs. Khan, 72, from Bandra West

Referred from a local ophthalmologist in Bandra West, Mrs. Khan had a Stage 4 macular hole with cataract. Dr. Gala performed combined phacovitrectomy (cataract removal + vitrectomy + ILM peeling) in a single sitting. Her hole closed completely, and she achieved excellent functional vision with a premium IOL. Her family appreciated the same-day discharge and the convenience of follow-ups on SV Road, Andheri.

Our patients consistently praise Dr. Gala’s patience, surgical skill, and the warm environment at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic. Read more experiences on our Testimonials page.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who is the best eye surgeon for macular hole surgery in Andheri West Mumbai?
A: Dr. Jignesh M. Gala, FRCS (Glasgow) & MRCS (Edinburgh), is widely regarded as one of the best retina specialists for macular hole surgery in Andheri West, Mumbai. With 15,000+ total eye procedures, advanced fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery from L V Prasad Eye Institute, and international experience at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, he offers world-class vitrectomy with ILM peeling at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Laram Centre, SV Road, Andheri West.

Q: Is macular hole surgery painful?
A: Macular hole surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during the procedure. Some mild discomfort, gritty sensation, or redness may occur for a few days after vitrectomy surgery. Dr. Jignesh Gala ensures comprehensive post-operative care and pain management for all patients at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic, Andheri West.

Q: How long does macular hole surgery take?
A: The vitrectomy procedure for macular hole repair typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the hole size, stage, and whether additional procedures like epiretinal membrane peeling or ILM flap are needed. Dr. Jignesh Gala performs macular hole surgery at his Andheri West facility with same-day discharge for most patients.

Q: What is the recovery time after macular hole surgery?
A: Most patients notice initial visual improvement within 2 to 4 weeks after macular hole surgery, with significant gains continuing for 3 to 6 months. Patients may need to maintain face-down positioning for several days post-surgery. Dr. Gala provides detailed recovery protocols and follow-up schedules at Crystal Clear Eye Clinic on SV Road, Andheri West.

Q: Is macular hole surgery covered by insurance in Mumbai?
A: Yes, macular hole surgery (vitrectomy) is covered by most health insurance policies and cashless TPA networks. Crystal Clear Eye Clinic in Andheri West has 30+ cashless insurance tie-ups and offers EMI financing options. The clinic maintains a transparent pricing policy with no hidden charges for retina surgery.

Q: Why should I choose Dr. Jignesh Gala for macular hole surgery?
A: Dr. Jignesh Gala offers a rare combination of FRCS (Glasgow) and MRCS (Edinburgh) qualifications, 15,000+ eye procedures, fellowship training from L V Prasad Eye Institute, and access to advanced technology like the Retikare Zeal Vitrectomy System and OCT-Angiography. His personalized approach and high surgical volume in vitreoretinal surgery make him a trusted choice for macular hole patients across Mumbai.

Q: Where is Crystal Clear Eye Clinic located in Andheri?
A: Crystal Clear Eye Clinic is located at Laram Centre, SV Road (Swami Vivekanand Road), Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is easily accessible from Andheri Railway Station, Andheri Metro Station (Line 1), DN Nagar, Lokhandwala Complex, Versova, Four Bungalows, and Seven Bungalows. The clinic serves patients from Juhu, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Andheri East, and Powai.

Q: Do you treat macular hole patients from Juhu, Vile Parle, and Goregaon?
A: Absolutely. Dr. Jignesh Gala welcomes macular hole patients from Juhu, Vile Parle East, Vile Parle West, Jogeshwari East, Jogeshwari West, Goregaon East, Goregaon West, and surrounding western Mumbai localities. The SV Road location in Andheri West is well-connected by road and rail for patients across Mumbai.

Q: Does Dr. Jignesh Gala speak Gujarati, Marathi, or Hindi?
A: Yes. Dr. Gala is fluent in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Chinese. He conducts consultations in the language you are most comfortable with, ensuring clear communication about your macular hole diagnosis and surgery.

Q: How do I reach the clinic from Andheri Railway Station?
A: Crystal Clear Eye Clinic at Laram Centre, SV Road, is approximately 5–7 minutes by auto-rickshaw or cab from Andheri Railway Station (Western Line). It is also walkable from DN Nagar Metro Station (Line 1). There is parking available near Laram Centre for patients driving from Lokhandwala, Versova, or Oshiwara.

11. How to Book an Appointment with Dr. Jignesh Gala

Second opinions are always welcome. If you have been diagnosed with a macular hole elsewhere, bring your OCT reports and previous records. Dr. Gala will review them personally and give you an honest, expert opinion on whether surgery is needed, when it should be done, and what outcome you can realistically expect.

Walk-ins are welcome from DN Nagar, Lokhandwala, Oshiwara, Versova, Four Bungalows, Seven Bungalows, Juhu, Vile Parle, Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Santacruz, Khar, Bandra, Andheri East, and Powai. We understand that a macular hole diagnosis is stressful, and we are committed to making your journey from diagnosis to recovery as smooth as possible.

Contact us today via the Contact page or simply call +91-77188-85245.