Macular holes are often visible when your eye is examined by your optometrist or ophthalmologist doctor. Macular holes can also often be seen on photographs of your retina. Macular holes are however best detected and classified with the use of specialist retinal imaging equipment known as an OCT scanner. Your optometrist or ophthalmology doctor may already have performed this for you. This is important in differentiating full-thickness from partial thickness holes, as these are often treated differently. The OCT scan also helps to measure the size of the hole, which influences success rates and visual prognosis, and determines whether additional steps are advised during the operation to maximise chances of success.