Clinical observation of vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane peeling and scleral shortening for myopic foveoschisis

Abstract

Objective To observe the efficacy of vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and scleral shortening for myopic foveoschisis (MF). Methods Prospective and non-randomized concurrent control study. A total of 35 MF patients (35 eyes) were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to surgery, including group A (18 eyes) and group B (17 eyes), all received vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling, but group A also received scleral shortening. The best corrective visual acuity (BCVA) examination using the Snellen vision chart was converted to the minimum resolution logarithm (logMAR). Ocular axis length (AL) was measured by Zeiss IOL-Master or A-scan ultrasound (Quantel Medical, France). The maximal value of retinal foveoschisis (MxFT) was measured by frequency-domain optical coherence tomography (Heidelberg, Germany). Multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) responses were obtained with the RETIscan system (Roland Consult, Gemany).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in age (t=0.460), AL (t=1.520), diopter (t=0.020), logMAR BCVA (t=−2.280), MxFT(Z=−4.179) and b-wave ERG amplitude (Z=−0.198). The changes of BCVA, AL, MxFT and b wave amplitude were followed-up for 3-12 months. Results At the last follow-up, the height of MF was decreased in 18 eyes of group A, and MF was completely disappeared in 4 eyes. The logMAR BCVA (t=7.272, 5.951), MxFT (Z=−3.724, −3.622) and b- wave ERG amplitude (Z=−3.223, −3.243) in both groups A and B were statistically improved (P=0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.000, 0.001, 0.001) compared to pre-operational results. There was significant difference of logMAR BCVA (t=−2.280) and MxFT (Z=−4.179) between the two groups (P=0.029, 0.000). But there was no significant difference in the amplitude of b-wave (Z=−0.198, P=0.843). The AL in group A was shortened after surgery, the difference was statistically significant (t=10.017, P=0.000). During the follow-up, there was no ocular hemorrhage, endophthalmitis and other complications. Conclusion PPV combined with ILM peeling and scleral shortening can shorten AL significantly for MF patients, and gain relative normal anatomical structure of the fovea, thus improve the vision. Key words: Myopia, degenerative/complications; Myopia, degenerative/surgery; Retinal perforations/surgery; Vitreoretinal surgery; Scleroplasty