Fovea-sparing Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Research Articles

Comparison of facedown and non-facedown positions after vitrectomy with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling and air tamponade for treating myopic foveoschisis with foveal detachment: A prospective, randomized interventional study

PurposeTo compare the anatomical and visual outcomes after vitrectomy with facedown (FD) or non-FD positions for treating myopic foveoschisis (MF) with foveal detachment. DesignProspective, randomized interventional study. Methods55 eyes with MF and foveal detachment that underwent vitrectomy with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and air tamponade were randomized to either the postoperative FD (26 eyes) or non-FD (29 eyes) positions. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography were assessed at baseline, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after vitrectomy with fovea-sparing ILM peeling and air tamponade with the FD or non-FD positions. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to study correlations between clinical factors and foveoschisis resolution and postoperative BCVA. ResultsAll patients completed ≥6 months of follow-up. MF and foveal detachment were completely resolved in 22 eyes (92 %) in the FD group and 22 eyes (76 %) in the non-FD group (P = 0.160). Macular hole-associated retinal detachment occurred in one eye in the FD (4 %) and non-FD (3 %) groups. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.495). The BCVA improved by ≥0.3 logMAR in 14 eyes (58 %) in the FD group versus 17 eyes (59 %) in the non-FD group (P = 0.983). Central foveal thickness (CFT) and height of foveal detachment were significantly associated with foveoschisis resolution (P = 0.045 and 0.039, respectively). Better preoperative BCVA and foveoschisis resolution were significantly associated with better postoperative BCVA (P = 0.031 and 0.003, respectively). ConclusionsThe non-FD position appeared to be as effective as the FD position after vitrectomy with fovea-sparing ILM peeling and air tamponade for treating MF with foveal detachment.

Пилинг-ассоциированные тракции в хирургическом лечении диабетического макулярного отека

Vitreoretinal surgical treatment is indicated for diabetic macular edema (DME) in combination with vitreomacular interface abnormalities. Peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM) is often used as part of the treatment. Tight adhesion of the posterior hyaloid membrane and the ILM may be the cause of the intraoperative retinal tractions development. Purpose. To assess the prevalence and impact of transient peeling-associated traction (tPAT) on the results and incidence of complications of surgical treatment of DME using ILM-peeling. Material and methods. As part of the study, a group of 40 patients was divided into 2 comparable subgroups according to the presence of tPAT (1st group — with tPAT, 2nd group — without tPAT). Patients in both groups received surgical treatment — three-port 27 Ga vitrectomy with ILM-peeling in a rounded area with a diameter of up to 2 DD centered on the fovea. ILM-peeling was performed using intraoperative tomographic control (optical coherence tomography). Results. In both groups, anatomical improvement was noted in the form of a decrease in foveal retinal thickness. At the same time, in 1st group there was no improvement in visual acuity, while in 2nd group its statistically significant increase was revealed. The presence of tPAT is associated with a higher incidence of postoperative neurodegenerative changes development of long-term follow-up period — disorganization of retinal inner layers and the formation of lamellar breaks in the fovea. According to correlation analysis, tPAT negatively affects the final value of visual acuity. Conclusion. It has been established that tPAT is a predictor of lower postoperative visual acuity, and is also a risk factor for retinal neurodegenerative changes in the long-term follow-up period. It is promising to evaluate the prevalence of tPAT in larger studies, reveal predictors of tPAT development and measures for their intraoperative prevention. Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery, ILM peeling, dosed fovea-sparing ILM peeling, optical coherence tomography, lamellar macular hole, disorganisation of retinal inner layers, peelingassociated tractions photocoagulation of the retina; long-term results

Novel surgical approaches for treating myopic traction maculopathy: a meta-analysis

BackgroundMyopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is a complication of pathological myopia and encompasses various pathological conditions caused by tractional changes in the eye. These changes include retinoschisis, foveal retinal detachment, and lamellar or full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs). This meta-analysis evaluated the safety and efficacy of novel surgical for treating MTM.MethodsTo compare the outcomes of different surgical approaches for MTM, multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Meta-Register of Controlled Trials, were comprehensively searched. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1.ResultsNine comparative studies involving 350 eyes were included in this meta-analysis. There were significant differences between fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) and standard internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP). Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity BCVA (standard mean difference (SMD): -0.10, 95% CI: -0.32 to 0.12) and central foveal thickness CFT (SMD: 0.05, 95% CI: -0.22 to 0.33) were not significantly different (p = 0.39 and p = 0.71, respectively). However, the postoperative BCVA improved significantly (SMD = − 0.47, 95% CI: − 0.80, − 0.14, p = 0.006) in the FSIP group compared to the standard ILMP group. Postoperative CFT did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.62). The FSIP group had a greater anatomical success rate than the other groups, although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.26). The incidence of postoperative macular hole formation was significantly lower (OR = 0.19, 95% CI = 0.07–0.54; p = 0.05) in the FSIP group than in the standard ILMP group. The unique characteristics of highly myopic eyes, such as increased axial length and structural changes, may have contributed to the greater incidence of FTMH in the ILMP group.ConclusionBased on the findings of this meta-analysis, FSIP is the initial surgical approach for early-stage MTM and has shown promising outcomes. However, to establish the safest and most efficient surgical technique for treating different MTM stages, further comparative studies, specifically those focusing on ILMP and FSIP, are necessary.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

Lamellar macular hole in highly myopic eyes and insights into its development, evolution, and treatment: a mini-review.

Lamellar macular holes (LMHs) are a manifestation of myopic tractional maculopathy (MTM). Owing to the complex and multidirectional traction force in the elongated eyeball, the clinical features, development, evolution, and treatment algorithms of LMH in highly myopic eyes may differ from those of idiopathic LMH or MTM in general. This review aimed to specifically explore the LMHs in highly myopic eyes. Several developmental processes of LMH and their association with macular retinoschisis have been demonstrated, with the tractional component identified in all processes. Epiretinal proliferation was more prevalent and more extensive in LMHs in highly myopic eyes than in idiopathic LMHs. LMHs in highly myopic eyes may remain stable or progress to foveal detachment and full-thickness macular hole with or without retinal detachment. The predictive factors associated with disease progression were summarized to facilitate monitoring and guide surgical intervention. The treatment of LMHs in highly myopic eyes was based on an algorithm for treating myopic tractional maculopathy, including gas tamponade, pars plana vitrectomy, macular buckling, and a combination of vitrectomy and macular buckling. New internal limiting membrane (ILM) manipulation techniques such as fovea-sparing ILM peeling or fovea-sparing ILM peeling combined with ILM flap insertion could reduce the risk of developing iatrogenic full-thickness macular holes postoperatively. Further research should focus on the treatment of LMH in highly myopic eyes.

Optical coherence tomography angiography features of the chorioretinal complex and choriocapillaris perfusion before and after vitrectomy with conventional versus fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole

Purpose: To assess optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA)-measured changes in the chorioretinal complex and choriocapillaris perfusion density in the macula before and after vitrectomy with fovea-sparing versus conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular hole (IMH). Material and Methods: Eyes with stage-2 to stage-4 holes as per the classification by Gass received 25-G vitrectomy with conventional or fovea-sparing ILM peeling and gas tamponade with 20% SF6 or 15% С3F8. IMH diameter, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in the deep retinal plexus and choriocapillaris perfusion density (CPD) were assessed before and 1 month after surgery. Results: Totally, 70 patients had an IMH surgery in 71 eyes. The mean age ± standard deviation (SD) was 65.7 ± 6.8 years, median IMH duration (interquartile range or IQR), 3.0 (1.0-6.0) months, median best-corrected visual acuity or BCVA (IQR), 0.19 (0.1-0.25), and median maximum IMH diameter (IQR), 673.5 (549.5–1010.5) µm. In eyes with IMH and fellow eyes, the median FAZ area (IQR) was 0.51 (0.15–0.53) mm2, and 0.46 (0.10–0.74) mm2, respectively (р = 0.49), and mean CPD ± SD, 0.11 ± 0.06, and 0.29 ± 0.13 (р = 0.0001), respectively. Thirty-four eyes received conventional ILM peeling and 37 eyes, fovea-sparing ILM peeling, and there was no significant intergroup difference in baseline characteristics. One month after surgery, IMH closure was achieved in 63/71 eyes (i.e., the closure rate was 88.7% for total operated eyes, and 88.2% and 89.2%, respectively, for eyes in conventional ILM peeling and fovea-sparing ILM peeling groups), and median BCVA (IQR) improved to 0.60 (0.4–0.8) (р = 0.00001). After IMH closure, in operated eyes, median FAZ area (IQR) decreased to 0.30 (0.12–0.6) mm2, but the difference was not significant, whereas mean CPD ± SD increased significantly from 0.11 ± 0.06 to 0.25 ± 0.10 (р = 0.0001). No significant difference in OCTA-based retinal microcirculation and choriocappillaris characteristics was observed between the conventional ILM peeling and fovea-sparing ILM peeling groups. Conclusion: The presence of macular hole is accompanied by abnormal perfusion in the choriocapillaris, but the CPD recovers after IMH closure. Postoperative CPD recovery is not influenced by the type (conventional or fovea-sparing) of ILM peeling.

Anatomical and functional outcomes of idiopathic macular hole surgery with fovea-sparing versus conventional internal limiting membrane peeling

Purpose: To compare fovea-sparing and conventional internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in idiopathic macular hole (IMH) surgery in terms of IMH closure type, hole closure incidence and visual outcome. Material and Methods: The ILM was peeled around the IMH in the conventional ILM peeling group. In the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group, an ILM flap was created temporally to the IMH (with an ILM remnant left attached to the margins of the IMH), folded over the hole and stabilized with viscoelastic. Gas tamponade with 20% SF6 or 15% С3F8 was used. In the postoperative period, IMH closure pattern was assessed. Thicknesses of the outer retinal layers, inner retinal layers and retinal nerve fiber layer in the macular region were measured at 1 and 3 months. Results: Totally, 70 patients (15 males and 55 females) had an IMH surgery in 71 eyes. The mean age (SD) was 65.7 (6.8) years. The median IMH duration (interquartile range (IQR)) was 3.0 (1.0-6.0) months, and the mean preoperative BCVA (standard deviation (SD)), 0.19 (0.16). Thirty-four eyes had an IMH surgery with conventional ILM peeling, and 37 eyes, an IMH surgery with fovea-sparing ILM peeling. The two groups were matched in terms of preoperative visual acuity and macular hole duration. IMH closure was achieved in 30/34 eyes (88.2%) in the conventional ILM peeling group and 33/37 eyes (89.2%) in the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group. Particularly, IMH closure was achieved in 13/17 eyes that received gas tamponade with 20% SF6 and 20/20 eyes that received that with 15% С3F8 in the latter group. The rate of correct IMH closure pattern was substantially higher (64% versus 47%) and median postoperative BCVA (IQR), significantly better (0.55 (0.35-0.7) versus 0.43 (0.35-0.6), р = 0.039) in the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group than in the conventional ILM peeling group. An analysis of variance found a significant effect of the type of IMH surgery and IMH closure pattern on the postoperative BCVA (F1 = 5.06, p = 0.027; F2 = 7.9, p = 0.0001). In both groups, we found a significant thinning of the total retinal thickness in the central 1-mm foveal zone at 3 months compared to 1 month after surgery. There was a significant thinning of the outer and inner retinal layers in the conventional ILM peeling group, and no significant thickness changes in the retinal layers in the fovea-sparing group. Conclusion: Our fovea-sparing ILM peeling technique is an effective treatment option for IMHs, and when used with gas tamponade with 15% С3F8, enabled a primary surgery IMH closure rate of 100%.

Surgical treatment of idiopathic macular holes with a fovea-sparing technique and 20% SF6 gas tamponade

Purpose: To assess the macular hole (MH) closure rate and final visual acuity after idiopathic MH treatment with a modified fovea-sparing technique and 20% SF6 gas tamponade. Material and Methods: Fifteen patients (16 eyes; 12 women and 3 men; mean age (standard deviation or SD), 65.5 (5.90 years)) with Gass stage 2 to stage 4 MHs were involved in the study. Before surgery, mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (SD) was 0.15 (0.09), and mean MH diameter (SD), 437.2 (164.7) µm. Patients underwent surgical treatment with the modified fovea-sparing technique and 20% SF6 gas tamponade of two-week duration and were instructed to maintain a face-down position for a week after surgery. Results: At 1 month after the first surgery, MHs were closed in 11/16 eyes (68.75%). In addition, mean BCVA (SD) in eyes with closed MHs improved significantly from 0.15 (0.09) to 0.48 (0.16) (р = 0.000000). Of the five eyes in which the MH had failed to close after primary fovea-sparing surgery, two received a gas fluid exchange gas tamponade with 15% С3F8, and these patients were advised to maintain a face down position for 3 more weeks. In addition, in another two eyes, the vitreous cavity was revised, and the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was removed by a conventional technique with 15% С3F8 gas tamponade. Moreover, one patient rejected repeat intervention. In the four eyes in which the MH had failed to close after primary fovea-sparing surgery, after a repeat intervention, the MH was closed, and mean BCVA (SD) improved to 0.35 (0.04). There was no significant difference between the eyes in which the MH failed to close and the eyes in which the MH did close after primary surgery in terms of mean MH size (SD) (455 (203) µm versus 415 (155) µm, р = 0.66) or MH duration. Conclusion: A long gas tamponade (longer than 1 week) is required to improve the closure rate with the fovea-sparing ILM peeling technique for idiopathic MHs.

COMPARISON OF THREE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING TECHNIQUES FOR MYOPIC TRACTION MACULOPATHY WITH HIGH RISK OF POSTOPERATIVE MACULAR HOLE DEVELOPMENT.

To compare three different internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling techniques, including standard ILM peeling, fovea-sparing ILM peeling, and inverted ILM flap (ILMF), in the treatment of myopic traction maculopathy with high risk of postoperative macular hole development. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 101 eyes suffering from lamellar macular hole combined with myopic traction maculopathy in 98 consecutive patients who underwent vitrectomy with either standard ILM peeling, fovea-sparing ILM peeling, or ILMF from July 2017 to August 2020. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months after surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity, macular anatomical outcomes, and postoperative full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) formation were evaluated. No significant differences were found among the three surgical groups in baseline characteristics. 12 months after surgery, the mean best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved ( P < 0.001) and showed no significant differences among groups ( P = 0.452). None of the eyes in the ILMF group, five eyes (15.6%) in the standard ILM peeling group, and six eyes (17.1%) in the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group developed a postoperative FTMH ( P = 0.026). Logistic regression showed that the ILM peeling technique was an independent influencing factor for FTMH formation (OR = 0.209, P = 0.014). Compared with the standard ILM peeling or fovea-sparing ILM peeling technique, the ILMF technique resulted in similar visual outcomes but a relatively low incidence of postoperative FTMH in the treatment of lamellar macular hole combined with myopic traction maculopathy. Inverted ILM flap is an effective technique for treating myopic traction maculopathy with high risk of postoperative FTMH development.

Влияние пилинга внутренней пограничной мембраны на сосудистую плотность капиллярных сплетений сетчатки

Relevance. Diabetic macular edema (DME) in combination with epimacular fibrosis (EMF) is an indication for vitreoretinal surgical treatment. The necessity of the retinal internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is debatable. The question of assessing the anatomy and function of the eyes in the early and late postoperative period is relevant, in particular, the study of the retinal capillary plexuses (RCP) characteristics such that its vascular density. The perpose of the study was to evaluate the presence and nature of the various ILM peeling methods effect on the RCP vascular density in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and DME in combination with EMF in the early and late periods after treatment. Material and methods. A randomized case-control study was conducted on three comparable groups of patients. Surgical treatment was performed – vitrectomy with ILM peeling. The groups differed in the ILM peeling methods. In the early (1 month) and late (1 year) postoperative period, the RCP vascular density CAS was assessed, as well as the development of complications: DME, EMF recurrence, and retinal atrophy. Results. Statistically significant intra- and intergroup differences in the values of indicators of RCP vascular density during the entire period of observation were not revealed. It has been established that the initially higher vascular density in the superficial and deep RCP tends to remain at this level in the early and late postoperative period. Statistically significant relationships between RCP vascular density and the development of postoperative DME, recurrence of EMF or retinal atrophy have not been established. Conclusion. According to the results of our study, ILM peeling does not have a significant effect on the RCP vascular in the early and late postoperative period. The pathogenesis of postoperative complications and their relationship with the state of the RCP require further study. Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery, vitreomacular interface, retinal internal limiting membrane, dosed fovea-sparing ILM peeling, optical coherence tomography, optical coherence tomographyangiography, vascular density, automatic image analysis

Дозированныйцентрсберегающий пилинг внутренней пограничной мембраны в лечении диабетического макулярного отека (клинические наблюдения)

Введение. Потребность в лечении офтальмологических осложнений сахарного диабета остается высокой ввиду неуклонного роста числа пациентов с данной патологией. Формы диабетического макулярного отека (ДМО), ассоциированные с наличием аномалий витреомакулярного интерфейса (АВМИ), требуют дифференцированного подхода к тактике ведения пациентов и технике выполнения витреоретинальных хирургических операций. Цель. Демонстрация возможностей метода дозированного центрсберегающего пилинга внутренней пограничной мембраны сетчатки (ДЦСП ВПМ) в лечении ДМО. Материалы и методы. Представлены два клинических наблюдения – случаи лечения ДМО с АВМИ с применением метода ДЦСП ВПМ. В обоих случаях пациентам проведено комбинированное лечение – факоэмульсификация катаракты с имплантацией интраокулярной линзы в сочетании с витрэктомией с мембранопилингом по методике ДЦСП ВПМ. Период послеоперационного наблюдения составил 12 месяцев. Результаты. В ходе динамического наблюдения в первые 3–6 месяцев после лечения отмечали положительную анатомо-функциональную динамику. К 6-му месяцу в обоих случаях выявлено развитие ДМО, что потребовало применения anti-VEGF-терапии. В случае 1 к 12-му месяцу наблюдения отмечали анатомическое улучшение, но за счет формирования твердого экссудата в области fovea centralis острота зрения оказалась ниже исходной. В случае 2 на фоне лечения отмечали медленную положительную динамику течения ДМО с сохранением зрительной функции на уровне послеоперационной. В обоих случаях не наблюдали интра- и послеоперационных осложнений пилинга ВПМ, таких как формирование ятрогенных разрывов сетчатки, отслойки нейроэпителия, развитие послеоперационного эпимакулярного фиброза. Заключение. ДЦСП ВПМ является примером метода протекции fovea centralis в ходе хирургического лечения. Указанные технологии являются перспективными, однако требуют изучения на репрезентативном клиническом материале. Introduction. The need for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) ophthalmic complications remains high due to the steady increase in the number of patients. Forms of diabetic macular edema (DME) associated with the presence of the vitreomacular interface anomalies (VMIA) require a differentiated approach to the management and vitreoretinal surgery technique. Purpose. To demonstrate the possibilities of method of the dosed fovea-sparing peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane (DFSP ILM) in the DME treatment. Materials and methods. Two clinical observations are presented – cases of VMIA-DME treatment using the DFSP ILM method. In both cases, the patients underwent combined treatment: cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in combination with vitrectomy (VRS) with DFSP ILM peeling. The postoperative follow-up period was 12 months. Results. During the dynamic observation in the first 3–6 months after treatment, positive anatomical and functional results were noted. By the 6th month, the development of DME was detected in both cases, which required the use of anti-VEGF therapy. In case 1, by the 12th month of observation, anatomical improvement was noted, but due to the formation of hard exudate in the fovea centralis area, visual acuity was lower than the initial one. In case 2, against the background of treatment, a slow positive dynamics of DME was noted with the preservation of visual function at the postoperative level. In both cases, intra- and postoperative complications of DFSP ILM peeling were not observed, such as the formation of iatrogenic retinal tears, detachment of the neuroepithelium, and the development of postoperative epimacular membrane. Conclusion. DFSP ILM is an example of a fovea centralis protection method during VRS. These technologies are promising, however, they require study on representative clinical material.

Fovea sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes-Report of unfavourable outcomes of a surgical technique.

To describe the outcomes of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes. This was a prospective, interventional case series in patients with idiopathic macular holes. Patients underwent fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with the help of a finesse loop. The primary outcome measure was successful anatomical closure. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or any surgical complications. The study included 22 eyes of 22 patients (median age of 61 (IQR 58 to 66) years). The median basal diameter of the holes was 1054 (IQR 961.5 to 1278) microns, while the median minimal linear diameter was 697 (IQR 461.5 to 786) microns. Successful anatomic closure was achieved in nine cases out of 22 (40.9%). BCVA improved from 20/125 preoperatively to 20/80 at the end of the follow-up. There was no difference in baseline parameters between eyes with closure, versus eyes with an open hole. One eye had an iatrogenic break in an attempt to reinitiate peeling and create a fovea-sparing flap. One of the eyes had an ERM formation at end of 3 months. Our outcomes of fovea-sparing ILM peeling in idiopathic macular holes were unfavourable. The residual ILM could be causing tangential traction resulting in non-closure.

Postoperative large intraretinal cavity and schisis with paravascular inner break in high myopia.

To report distinct structural changes following surgery for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). A single-center, retrospective case series. Patients with MTM who underwent vitrectomy and had persistent large intraretinal cavities and schisis were reviewed. The pre- and postoperative clinical findings and optical coherence tomography characteristics are described. Five eyes of five patients were included in the study. Three patients had prominent schisis, and four had retinal/foveal detachment before surgery. All patients underwent fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy and had improved vision at 3 months after surgery. Large intraretinal cavities were noted on optical coherence tomography at the first postoperative exam in three patients and 12 to 18 months postoperation in the other two. The median height of the postoperative intraretinal cavities was 704μm (range, 445-1287μm). Inner retinal breaks were identified in all eyes, of which four were located in the paravascular area. The intraretinal cavity and schisis remained stable during the initial follow-up for an average of 35 months; later on, at > 5 years after the initial presentation two patients developed retinal detachment and one patient underwent vitrectomy with the retina reattached postoperatively. Large intraretinal cavities and schisis can be observed after MTM surgery, associated with paravascular inner breaks. The condition can progress after a long stable period; therefore, continuous follow-up is necessary.

Anatomical and visual outcomes of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling with or without inverted flap technique for myopic foveoschisis

BackgroundVitrectomy and peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was an effective therapeutic approach for myopic foveoschisis with progressive visual loss. This study investigated the anatomical and visual outcomes of fovea-sparing ILM peeling with or without the inverted flap technique for patients with symptomatic myopic foveoschisis (MF).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients with MF. Vitrectomy with fovea-sparing ILM peeling and air tamponade was performed in all patients. The primary outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean macular thickness (MMT), and central foveal thickness (CFT). Depending on whether an inverted ILM flap technique was utilized, further subgroup comparisons between the inverted flap group and the non-inverted flap group were conducted.ResultsTwenty-six eyes of 22 patients were included. Fifteen eyes were underwent fovea-sparing ILM peeling without inverted ILM flap and 11 of the 26 eyes were treated with fovea-sparing ILM peeling and an inverted ILM flap technique. In the mean follow-up period of 10.74 ± 4.58 months, a significant improvement in BCVA was observed from 0.97 ± 0.45 logMAR to 0.58 ± 0.51 logMAR (P < 0.01), during which the BCVA of 20 eyes (76.92%) improved and remained stable in 5 eyes (19.23%). Moreover, a positive correlation was also found between the preoperative BCVA and the postoperative BCVA (r = 0.50, P = 0.01). At the last visit, the final MMT decreased from 492.69 ± 209.62 μm to 234.73 ± 86.09 μm, and the CFT reduced from 296.08 ± 209.22 μm to 138.31 ± 73.92 μm (all P < 0.01). A subgroup analysis found no significant differences in BCVA, MMT, or CFT between the inverted and non-inverted flap groups (all P > 0.05).ConclusionFovea-sparing ILM peeling with or without inverted flap technique resulted in favorable visual and anatomical outcomes for the treatment of MF. An important factor affecting the postoperative visual outcome was the preoperative visual acuity. Our study found no significant difference between the presence and absence of the inverted ILM flap.

Vitrectomy for macular retinoschisis associated with peripapillary intrachoroidal cavitations in a moderately myopic eye

BackgroundPeripapillary intrachoroidal cavitation (PICC), a cavernous change in the peripapillary choroid, may present with macular lesions. Here, we present a rare case of PICC with outer lamellar macular hole and macular retinoschisis.Case presentationA 69-year-old man presented with metamorphopsia in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed macular retinoschisis and PICCs. Pars plana vitrectomy with fovea sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) was performed. Three weeks postoperatively, the patient developed rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and underwent a second vitrectomy. The macular retinoschisis resolved without macular hole formation and the patient’s visual acuity improved. There were no recurrent macular lesions over the three years of postoperative follow-up. Postoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scan revealed a communication between the PICC and the vitreous cavity.ConclusionsThis case shed light on understanding development of PICC in non-highly myopic eyes and a rare complication of macular retinoschisis. Vitrectomy with FSIP may effectively resolve macular retinoschisis.

Fovea sparing versus complete internal limiting membrane peeling for myopic traction maculopathy: a meta-analysis.

Myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is the leading cause of visual loss in high myopia. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and complete ILM peeling for MTM. A comprehensive literature search was performed to find relevant studies. A meta-analysis was conducted by comparing the weighted mean differences (WMD) in the change of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) from baseline and calculating the odd ratios (OR) for rates of complete reattachment (CR) and postoperative macular hole (MH) formation. Ten studies were selected, including 417 eyes (172 eyes in the fovea-sparing ILM peeling group (FSIP) and 245 eyes in complete ILM peeling group (CIP)). There was no significant difference in terms of mean change in CFT from baseline and the rate of CR(WMD = 3.53, 95% CI, -25.56 to 32.63, P = 0.81, and OR = 1.41, 95% CI, 0.81 to 2.44, P = 0.22). FSIP was superior to CIP in terms of mean change of logMAR BCVA post operation (WMD = -0.09, 95% CI, -0.15 to -0.03, P = 0.003), and associated with a significantly lower frequency of postoperative MH formation (OR = 0.19, 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.50, P = 0.0008). FSIP resulted in similar anatomic outcomes compared to CIP, but resulted in better visual acuity and lower rates of postoperative MH development.

Combined fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling with internal limiting membrane flap technique for progressive myopic traction maculopathy.

To present the anatomical and functional outcomes of combined fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSIP) with internal limiting membrane flap (ILMF) for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM). This is a retrospective, observational study. Included were 66 eyes of 62 patients who underwent vitrectomy with combined FSIP and ILMF (or modified ILMF) for MTM with a minimal follow-up of 6months. Thirty-one eyes were treated with FSIP, and 35 with modified ILMF. The post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 20/148 to 20/87 in the FSIP group (p < 0.001), and from 20/121 to 20/66 in the modified ILMF group (p < 0.001). The post-operative macular thickness (MT) reduced after FSIP (from 739.58 to 223.81μm, p < 0.001) and modified ILMF (from 706.43 to 236.59μm, p < .001). The degree of the improvement of BCVA and MT in both groups was insignificant. The incidence of a post-operative macular hole (MH) was 9.7% (3/31 eyes) with FSIP and 0% (0/35 eyes) with modified ILMF. All patients with a MH had foveoschisis in association with a lamellar hole (LMH) pre-operatively. After controlling the surgical technique, pre- and post-operative MT, follow-up duration, myopic atrophy maculopathy, and FD, the surgical technique showed significant effects on post-operative MH in all cases (p = 0.022) and in those with pre-operative LMH (p = 0.029). Our pilot study showed both methods result in significant anatomical and functional improvement. The combined FSIP with ILMF method may prevent post-operative macular hole development in cases with MTM and LMH.

Efficiency comparison with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling and complete internal limiting membrane peeling for treating myopic traction maculopathy.

To explore whether the efficacy of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FS-ILMP) is better than that of complete internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP). This retrospective clinical study included 34 cases (34 eyes) with myopic traction maculopathy collected from June 2017 to February 2019. Twenty-three-gauge (23-G) pars plana vitrectomy (23G PPV) was performed on all patients. In the FS-ILMP group, 18 eyes retained the internal limiting membrane (ILM) of about 1 to 1.5 papillary diameter centered on fovea centralis, while in the standard ILMP group, the ILM was completely removed from 16 eyes. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and other indexes were collected before and 6months after surgery. There was no significant difference in baseline clinical characteristics between the two groups. CFT and BCVA were significantly improved in both FS-ILMP and standard ILMP group, but the postoperative BCVA of the FS-ILMP group was significantly better than that of the standard ILMP group (P < 0.001). Two cases of subretinal effusion in macula were recorded in the FS-ILMP group, and three eyes in the standard ILMP group developed macular holes after surgery. Although both treatments relieved the mechanical traction of macular fovea, the patients in the FS-ILMP group showed better clinical outcomes in various aspects. These results improved our understanding of the clinical application of vitrectomy combined with preservation of ILM upon the fovea centralis, which might lay a foundation for in-depth study on the treatment of myopic traction maculopathy.

Isolated Central Epiretinal Membrane: A Rare Complication of Fovea-Sparing Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Technique.

Purpose To report a rare complication presenting as an isolated central epiretinal membrane (ERM) related to fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling technique. Methods Five patients who received fovea-sparing ILM peeling were enrolled. Postoperatively, an isolated central ERM developed. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate the serial anatomic change. Results Among the five included patients, one patient had high myopia with foveoschisis, two patients had vitreomacular traction, and two patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy with tractional retinal detachment and a fovea cyst. With an average of 5.80 months, OCT showed the gradual development of the isolated central ERM with severe fovea distortion. Four patients received secondary revision surgery, with improvement of the fovea contour and visual acuity. Conclusion The fovea-sparing ILM peeling technique may cause a rare but serious complication as the isolated central ERM, which would cause significant fovea distortion as well as visual deterioration. Timely detection and intervention is recommended to prevent further visual loss. This trial is registered with NCT04445142.

FOVEA-SPARING VERSUS COMPLETE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING IN VITRECTOMY FOR VITREOMACULAR INTERFACE DISEASES: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To evaluate fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in vitrectomy compared with traditional complete ILM peeling in vitreomacular interface diseases, including macular hole (MH), epiretinal membrane, macular foveoschisis, myopic traction maculopathy, and the like. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI Databases, and the ClinicalTrials.gov website (PROSPERO number CRD42020187401) were searched. Controlled trials comparing fovea-sparing with complete ILM peeling were included. Postoperative changes in best-corrected visual acuity, central retinal thickness in vitreomacular interface diseases, the incidence of MH closure in MH cases, full-thickness macular hole development in non-MH cases, and retinal reattachment in retinoschisis cases were extracted. Fourteen studies (487 eyes) were eligible. Compared with complete ILM peeling, the fovea-sparing technique revealed significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity ( logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; weighted mean difference = -0.70; 95% confidence interval, -1.11 to -0.30), and a reduced incidence of full-thickness macular hole was noted in non-MH cases (risk ratios = 0.25; 95% confidence interval, 0.08-0.76). However, no significant differences in mean change in central retinal thickness, incidence of MH closure in MH cases, and retinal reattachment in retinoschisis cases were noted. Based on current evidence, fovea-sparing ILM peeling significantly improve visual outcomes and decrease complications of full-thickness macular hole development in vitreomacular interface diseases.

Comparison between Fovea-Sparing and Complete Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for the Treatment of Myopic Traction Maculopathy: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: Myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) is a major cause of impaired vision in eyes with high myopia, which is characterized by retinal thickening, retinoschisis, lamellar macular hole (MH), and foveal retinal detachment. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (ILMP) has been developed to theoretically prevent postoperative MH formation and improve best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) gain for MTM compared with the complete ILMP. However, in previous studies, the anatomic and visual outcomes still remain uncertain and controversial. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of vitrectomy with fovea-sparing ILMP for the treatment of MTM compared with complete ILMP. Methods: Articles from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically retrieved. The main outcomes were the rate of a postoperative MH and visual improvement of BCVA (converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]). The secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients with visual improvement, the proportion of anatomic success, preoperative and postoperative BCVA, preoperative and postoperative central fovea thickness, and time to anatomic resolution. Results: There was a higher rate of postoperative MH formation (odds ratio [OR] 5.64; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.72–18.44; p = 0.004) and less improvement of BCVA in logMAR (mean difference [MD] −0.09; 95% CI: −0.18 to 0.00; p = 0.04) in the complete ILMP group. However, postoperative BCVA (MD 0.14; 95% CI: 0.00–0.27; p = 0.05), the proportion of patients with visual improvement (OR 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15–1.02; p = 0.05), postoperative central foveal thickness (MD −10.02; 95% CI: −24.4 to 4.36; p = 0.17), the rate of anatomic success (MD 0.39; 95% CI: 0.15–1.03; p = 0.06), and time to resolution (MD −1.65; 95% CI: −3.66 to 0.36; p = 0.11) showed no significant differences. Conclusion: PPV combined with the fovea-sparing ILMP could contribute to a lower MH formation rate and more improvement of BCVA in logMAR than PPV combined with complete ILMP.