Multiple Free Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Insertion in the Treatment of Macular Hole-Associated Retinal Detachment in High Myopia

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the efficacy of multiple free internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap insertion in the management of macular hole-associated retinal detachment in high myopia. Procedures: Eyes receiving operation for macular hole-associated retinal detachment were retrospectively recruited. Those in the study group received ILM peeling and multiple free ILM flap insertion, while those in the control group received ILM peeling only. Postoperative anatomical outcomes and best-corrected visual acuity were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Twenty-seven eyes of 27 patients were recruited in this study (13 in the study group, 14 in the control group). After the operation, the retina was reattached in all cases in both groups. The macular hole closure rate was 100% in the study group but only 42.9% in the control group (adjusted p < 0.001). The eyes in the study group had better visual improvement (logMAR –0.58 ± 0.43) than those in the control group (logMAR –0.31 ± 0.50) with borderline significance (adjusted p = 0.078). Conclusions: For macular hole-associated retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes, the multiple free ILM flap insertion technique offers an effective way to close macular holes. Whether this result also means better visual outcome remains to be seen.