The application of inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique in macular hole

Abstract

Vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and vitreous tamponade is a conventional method for treating macular hole (MH), but the visual acuity and MH closure rate remains to be further improved. After removal of posterior vitreous cortex, the ILM is grasped with an ILM forceps and peeled off in a circular fashion for approximately 1 disc diameters around the MH. During the circumferential peeling, the ILM is not removed completely from the retina but is left attached to the edges of the MH. The ILM was then massaged gently over the MH from all sides until the ILM became inverted and then peel all other ILM within vascular arcades. Inverted ILM flap technique is one of the important improvement methods in MH vitrectomy, especially for MH with large diameter and unhealed MH after ILM peeling. Compared with conventional vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling, inverted ILM flap technique can enhance MH closure and improve visual acuity. Due to lack of large sample observation in clinical trials of inverted ILM flap technique, we still need more cases and longer follow-up of this technology to more accurately evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this technique. Key words: Retinal perforations/surgery; Vitreoretinal surgery; Review