Primary Macular Hole Research Articles

Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Gas Tamponade For Full-Thickness Macular Holes of Different Etiology - Is It Still Relevant?

BackgroundDespite the abundance of novel surgical approaches proposed for full thickness macular hole (FTMH) treatment, the choice of the optimal technique remains debatable Vitrectomy with «classic» internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade remains the standard of FTMH surgery in many cases, but there are still very limited recent publications on the outcomes of such surgery.PurposeTo investigate the anatomical and functional result and to analyze the significance of outcome-related risk factors of the classic 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ILM peeling and gas tamponade (GT) for treatment of FTMH of different etiology.Patients and methodsThirty-eight eyes of thirty-seven patients with FTMH who underwent 25-gauge PPV, ILM peeling and GT were recruited for this retrospective, consecutive, interventional study. Four eyes with persistent holes underwent a re-operation. Outcome-related factors were discussed.ResultsThe primary closure rate was 89.5% (34/38). All eyes that underwent the repeated surgery (4 cases) obtained final closure. A hole size of >500 μm has a statistically significant effect on the primary macular hole closure (F = 0.048; φ = 0.38; p ˂ 0.05). In the general group (N = 38), the duration of symptoms directly correlated with age (ρ = 0.34; p = 0.04), size of the hole (ρ = 0.66; p ˂ 0.001) and BCVA before surgery (ρ = 0.59; p ˂ 0.001), after 1 month (ρ = 0.36; p = 0.03), and after 3 months (ρ = 0.35; p = 0.03). Preoperative BCVA was better in initially closed cases (Group 1) (U = 26.0; p = 0.05). In the Group 2 with primary unclosed holes, 75% of the eyes (3/4) had an axial length (AL) >26 mm, while in Group 1 such eyes were 12.5 times less (2/34) 5.9% (F = 0.004; φ = 0.63; р ˂ 0.01). The ELM recovery rate at 3 months was 92% (35/38 eyes) and the restoration of EZ at 3 months was 47% (18/38 eyes). Best-corrected visual acuity of all individuals improved significantly from 0.72 ± 0.35 (logMAR) (Me = 0.7; IQR: 0.5–0.8) to 0.25±0.14 (logMAR) (Me = 0.2; IQR: 0.2 – 0.3) at 1 month and 0.17 ± 0.13 (logMAR) (Me = 0.2; IQR: 0.1 – 0.2) at 3 months after surgery (P = 0.0001).Conclusion25G PPV with ILM and GT for FTMH of different etiology provide satisfactory morphologic and functional outcomes. Elongated AL, large diameter of MH and long duration of symptoms are the risk factors for initial closure. Proper second surgery can obtain satisfactory outcomes for persistent holes.

Dissociated Optic Nerve Fiber Layer Appearance after Macular Hole Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Temporal Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique with Conventional Peeling

To evaluate the effect of the temporal inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique compared with that of conventional ILM peeling on the extent of the dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) and retinal sensitivity in patients undergoing macular hole (MH) surgery. Single-center, prospective, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients requiring vitrectomy for MHs sized > 250 μm. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to 1 of the following 2 groups: (1) the control group undergoing standard ILM peeling and (2) the experimental group (flap group) undergoing the temporal inverted ILM flap technique. The primary outcome measure was the total DONFL score at 3 months after surgery. Important secondary outcomes were microperimetry results, primary MH closure rate, external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery rates, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Sixty-five patients were recruited between February 2018 and July 2020; primary outcome data were available for 60 patients. The median DONFL score was 7.0 (3.0-12.5) in the control group and 5.0 (1.5-8.5) in the flap group at 3 months after surgery (P= 0.145). The focal depressions characteristic of the DONFL were limited to the temporal side of the fovea in the flap group, whereas they were found all around the fovea in the control group on spectral-domain OCT images. The MH closure rate (P= 1), EZ and ELM recovery rates (P= 0.252), and BCVA (P= 0.450) were similar between the 2 groups. The 3-month overall median retinal sensitivity (MRS) (P= 0.142) and MRS improvement (P= 0.916) in the control group were comparable with those observed in the flap group. In addition, there was no significant difference between the 2 techniques when considering the temporal area (P= 0.105) or the nasal area (P= 0.468). The temporal inverted ILM flap technique reduced the extent of the DONFL by preserving the nasal part of the fovea. However, the overall DONFL score was similar between the 2 techniques. In addition, the MRS and BCVA did not differ from those obtained after complete ILM peeling.

Report on Amniotic Membrane for Surgery of Persistent Macular Hole

To evaluate the results of 3 cases with persistent macular holes (MH) treated by 23-gauge vitrectomy, extension of internal limiting membrane peeling, a human amniotic membrane (hAM) plug insertion into the subretinal space through MH and expanding gas endotamponade. The diagnosis of persistent MH in three patients was unilaterally confirmed using SD-OCT. In the first patient a primary MH was present. In the second patient a secondary MH occurred after cystoid macular edema because of central retinal vein occlusion. The third patient suffered with sustained atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the foveola several years before the development of MH. All patients were females. The first two patients underwent reoperation four months after the primary surgery, the third patient underwent two previous pars plana vitrectomies (PPVs), the last one 11 years ago. First a revision of the periphery and removal the vitreous was performed, the ILM peeling zone was extended. The plug from the dehydrated hAM was prepared. Subsequently, the hAM plug was inserted via MH subretinally. Standard cryopexy behind the sclerotomies, fluid-for-air exchange, and vitreous cavity tamponade with expansile gas were performed. Two patients achieved MH closure, in the third patient surgery significantly reduced cystoid edema of the MH edges and the MH diameter, but the MH remained open. All patients experienced a mild improvement in visual acuity and loss of disturbing visual phenomena. We have confirmed that hAM plug insertion is feasible for persistent MH even of large sizes. It is essential to orient the basal membrane of the plug towards the neurosensory part of the retina and the chorionic side to the RPE due to growth factors but also for the concavity of the plug towards the RPE. It is possible that the use of tamponade with perfluoropropane (C3F8) is preferable to tamponade with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The time of reoperation approximately 3-4 months after the first failed vitrectomy can be considered optimal.

Angiogenesis and Anastomosis on Graft Retina after Autologous Retinal Transplantation

Anastomosis on graft retina was studied after autologous retinal transplantation (ART) on 26 eyes with primary and refractory macular holes. Angiogenesis and anastomosis were seen in 35% of the eyes with successful ART, likely contributing to the survival of the transplanted retina.

Air versus Sulfur Hexafluoride Gas Tamponade for Small and Medium-Sized Macular Holes: A Randomized Noninferiority Trial

To investigate whether air tamponade is noninferior to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade for small (≤ 250 μm) and medium-sized (> 250 μm and ≤ 400 μm) macular holes (MHs). Multicenter, randomized controlled, noninferiority trial. Patients aged ≥ 18 years undergoing surgery for primary MHs of ≤ 400 μm in diameter. The patients in both groups underwent conventional pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane. At the end of the surgery, the patients were randomized to receive either air or SF6 gas tamponades, stratified by MH size. Postoperatively, the patients followed a nonsupine positioning regimen for 3 days. The primary end point was the MH closure rate after a single surgery, confirmed by OCT after 2 to 8 weeks. The noninferiority margin was set at a 10-percentage-point difference in the closure rate. In total, 150 patients were included (75 in each group). In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, 65 of 75 patients in the air group achieved primary closure. All 75 MHs in the SF6 group closed after a single surgery. Six patients were excluded from the per-protocol (PP) analysis. In the PP analysis, 63 of 70 patients in the air group and all 74 patients in the SF6 group achieved MH closure after a single surgery, resulting in closure rates of 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 79.9%-95.5%) and 100% (95% CI, 93.9%-100%), respectively. For the difference in closure rates, the lower bound of a 2-sided 95% CI exceeded the noninferiority margin of 10% in both ITT and PP analyses. In the subgroups of small MHs, all 20 patients in the air group and all 28 patients in the SF6 group achieved primary closure. This prospective randomized controlled trial proved that air tamponade is inferior to SF6 tamponade for MHs of ≤ 400 μm in diameter.

Spotlight on the Internal Limiting Membrane Technique for Macular Holes: Current Perspectives.

Pars plana vitrectomy has become the standard procedure for primary macular holes (MHs) repair, including the removal of the posterior cortical vitreous, the stripping of eventual epiretinal membranes, and finally an intraocular gas tamponade. During this procedure, peeling the internal limiting membrane (ILM) has been proven to increase closure rates and avoid postoperative reopening in several researches. In fact, even in large MHs more than 400 µm, the advantage of peeling off the ILM was highlighted by better anatomical closure rates. Nevertheless, some authors suggested that ILM peeling is not always essential, because it generates various side effects in retinal structure and function. Furthermore, the ideal amount of ILM peeling and the most effective strategies for removing the ILM are still subject of research. Different surgical modifications have been reported as alternatives to traditional peeling in certain clinical settings, including ILM flaps, ILM scraping, and foveal sparing ILM peeling. As regards large MHs, the introduction of ILM inverted flap appeared as a game changer, offering a significantly higher >90% closure rate when compared to traditional ILM peeling. Modifications to inverted ILM flap procedures have been claimed in recent years, in order to define the best area and direction of ILM peeling and its correlation with functional outcomes. Moreover, several innovations saw the light in the setting of recurrent MHs, such as ILM free flap transposition, inverted ILM flap combined autologous blood clot technique, neurosensory retinal flap, and human amniotic membrane (HAM) plug, claiming higher anatomical success rate also in those complex settings. In conclusion, the aim of this review is to report how the success rate of contemporary macular surgery has grown since the turn of the century, especially for big and chronic MHs, analyzing in which way ILM management became a crucial point of this kind of surgery.

Prognostic factors in fluid-gas exchange after primary idiopathic macular hole surgery.

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with the success of fluid-gas exchange in patients who had undergone failed primary idiopathic macular hole (IMH) surgery. In total, 19 eyes of 19 patients with failed IMH surgery who then underwent fluid-gas exchange were included. Of those, 18 eyes had macular hole (MH) closure (successful, 15 eyes; unsuccessful, 3 eyes). Demographics, pre-operative characteristics, and pre-procedural characteristics were assessed. The patients were divided into successful (U or V-type closure) and unsuccessful groups (W-type or unclosed), following fluid-gas exchange. One eye was unclosed after fluid-gas exchange; therefore, this patient underwent additional vitrectomy for MH closure (unsuccessful). The outcomes of the fluid-gas exchange were categorized as unclosed or as U-type, V-type, or W-type closure. None of the patients experienced complications after the procedure. The successful group showed a significantly lower pre-operative and pre-procedural minimum diameter, base diameter, and macular hole volume, and higher pre-operative and pre-procedural macular hole index, hole form factor, and tractional hole index values. Moreover, a better visual prognosis was observed in the successful group. These findings suggest that indices predicting favorable results of primary surgery for IMH are useful for predicting the success of fluid-gas exchange in patients with failed primary MH surgery.

A Review of Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Large Idiopathic Macular Holes

This meta-analysis reviews available surgical techniques for the repair of macular holes (MHs) >650 μm. PubMed search criteria were used to identify 17 studies outlining surgical techniques for the repair of MHs >650 μm. Thirteen of the studies identified individual cases and were further analyzed based on MH classification. Success was defined as functional improvement and anatomic closure of the hole. Two hundred and six MHs were included in this study. There were clinically significant differences between the repair of primary and refractory MHs. Autologous retinal transplant resulted in a visual acuity improvement of -0.48 ± 0.36 log-MAR, whereas an inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap and pedicle ILM flap resulted in visual acuity improvements of -0.15 ± 0.17 and -0.14 ± 0.91 logMAR, respectively. An inverted or pedicle ILM flap appears more effective for primary MHs, whereas refractory MHs benefit from a free flap. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2022;53:52-61.].

Sub-foveal Choroidal Thickness in Primary Macular Hole- case Study of Lumhs, Jamshoro

Background: Primary macular hole is a defect in fovea and is a frequent cause of decrease vision and metamorphopsia. Primary macular Hole (PMH) was first time introduced by Johnson and Gass in 1988.
 Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the sub-foveal choroidal thickness in primary macular hole.
 Materials and Methods: This prospective and controlled study was done at Institute of Ophthalmology, Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro for the period one year. Visual acuity was checked with Snellen Chart and ophthalmic examination was done with bio-microscopic slit lamp using 90 diopter (D) lens pre-operatively and post-operatively. Swept Source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to confirm the diagnosis, outcome of PMH surgery, to measure choroidal thickness of both eyes preoperatively and postoperatively at the end 2nd month.
 Results: From the selected patients, the average ages was 63 year, ranging between 46 to 80 years and from them 45 were females and 26 were males. 41 were right eye and 30 were left eye. PMH characteristics was used for the determination of duration of symptoms and minimum hole diameter, In 63 patients hole was closed and in 8 patients the hole was opened. The average duration of symptom was 5 months and Average minimum diameter was 320 μm and range was 139-650 μm among the patients with closed hole.
 Conclusion: Sub-foveal CT was thinner in eyes with PMH as compared to fellow normal eye. But it was not related with anatomical results of PMH surgery. The sub-foveal CT reduced thickness is due to longer duration and larger minimum diameter of PMH.

AUTOLOGOUS NEUROSENSORY RETINAL TRANSPLANTATION: Bridging the Gap.

To review the autologous retinal transplantation surgical technique, indications, rationale, and current outcomes of data published to date. Review of surgical technique, preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, and macular hole (MH) closure rate in studies with at least five eyes. The weighted average macular hole closure rate is 88%, with a MH closure rate ranging from 66.7% to 100%. The weighted average best-corrected visual acuity improved from mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.35 (Snellen equivalent of 20/450) preoperatively to mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.02 (Snellen equivalent of 20/210) postoperatively. From the largest autologous retinal transplantation case series, 37% of patients gained 3 or more lines of visual acuity after autologous retinal transplantation for primary or refractory MHs and 74% gained 3 or more lines of visual acuity after autologous retinal transplantation for MH-retinal detachments. Functional improvement including negative Watzke-Allen sign and conversion from positive to negative scotoma was reported in large case series. Autologous retinal transplantation is a promising technique for closure of large and refractory MHs otherwise difficult to repair with conventional techniques. This technique may allow for replacement of neural tissue in the macula through cell rehabilitation and regeneration through presumed ectopic synaptogenesis, retinal progenitor cell differentiation and integration, and/or retinal progenitor cell material transfer to host neurons.

Differentiated Approach to Strategies of Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Macular Holes

Background. 25G or 27G three-port vitrectomy, followed by staining and removal of the internal limiting membrane with vitreous cavity air or gas tamponade, is one of the main modern vitreoretinal surgery principles for primary macular holes. However, not all patients manage to obtain a functional outcome when the anatomical outcome is achieved. Purpose. To present clinical cases of surgical treatment of idiopathic macular holes (IMH) exhibiting a differentiated approach.Matherials and methods. This article analyzes clinical cases of four patients with primary idiopathic macular holes, differing in terms of development, hole diameter and the presence of comorbidities. Results. The results of surgical treatment were evaluated 14 days and 1 month after surgery. In all clinical cases, surgical treatment resulted in a positive anatomical outcome by blocking a retinal defect. Best corrected visual acuity increased, on average, from 0.08 ± 0.05 to 0.4 ± 0.05.Conclusion. The analysis of the presented clinical cases clearly demonstrates the need for a timely and differentiated approach to the treatment of patients with IMH, that considers etiology of the pathological process, period of its existence as well as concomitant and general somatic pathologies.

A 24 month follow-up of refractory macular holes treated with an autologous transplantation of internal limiting membrane versus retina expansion technique

BackgroundTo compare the functional and anatomic outcomes at 24 months of eyes with a primary macular hole that failed to close after a prior surgery and were treated with either an autologous transplantation of internal limiting membrane (AT-ILM) or the retina expansion (RE) technique.MethodsRetrospective, single center, comparative study of 28 eyes with a macular hole that failed to close after a prior vitrectomy. All eyes had a size of ≥ 500 μm. Participants were divided into two groups according to the type of intervention performed: AT-ILM group (n = 14) and RE group (n = 14). Main outcomes measured were the MH closure rate assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 24 months after surgery.ResultsPatients in the AT-ILM group experienced a statistically significantly improved post-operative BCVA (median 49.50 letters, range 20–66 letters) over the pre-operative BCVA (median 39 letters, range 18–52 letters) (p-value = 0.006 Wilcoxon paired sample test). In contrast, patients in the RE group did not achieve a statistically significant improvement (p-value = 0.328, Wilcoxon paired sample test). The median pre-operative BCVA was 35 letters (range 18–52 letters), whereas the median post-operative BCVA was 39 letters (range 16–66 letters). At 24 months of follow-up, 85.7% of patients in the AT-ILM group achieved closure compared to 57.1% in the RE group (p-value = 0.209, Fisher’s exact test). Multivariate analysis showed that MH size and baseline BCVA were important determinants of post-operative BCVA. The baseline MH size was the only significant pre-operative factor that influenced MH closure.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates similar closure rates for both groups however better visual outcomes were obtained with the AT-ILM.

Optical coherence tomography features and risk of macular hole formation in the fellow eye

BackgroundTo investigate the risk of primary macular hole (MH) in the fellow eye, and to evaluate baseline characteristics and optical coherence tomography (OCT) features that precede MH formation in the fellow eye.MethodsA retrospective review of 229 patients treated for primary MH at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, from January 2008 through December 2018. The patients were categorised into two groups according to subsequent development of MH in the fellow eye. The OCT findings of the two groups were compared, and associated risk factors for MH formation assessed.ResultsTwenty cases of bilateral MH were identified. The overall bilateral disease risk was 8.8% (95% CI, 5.8–13.2%). Two patients were previously operated in the fellow eye, six patients presented with bilateral MH, and 12 patients subsequently developed MH in the fellow eye. The risk of subsequent MH development was 5.7% (95% CI, 3.3–9.8%). Although the extent of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) tended to be more progressed in the bilateral group compared with the unilateral group, the difference was not statistically significant. In the bilateral group, 41.7% had outer retinal defects vs 6.6% in the unilateral group (p = 0.001), and 33.3% in the bilateral group had intraretinal pseudocysts vs 10.2% in the unilateral group (p = 0.036, not significant after multiple testing correction).ConclusionOuter retinal defects and intraretinal pseudocysts are associated with an increased risk of MH formation in the fellow eye, and complete PVD indicates a decreased risk of MH formation.

Особенности регенеративных процессов в микроструктурах фовеолярной области после хирургии первичных полных макулярных отверстий методом «височный перевернутый ВПМ-лоскут»

Purpose. To study the features of regenerative processes occurring in the microstructures of the foveolar region after successful surgery of the primary full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) by the method of «temporal inverted ILM flap». Material and methods. Using spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT), the features of regenerative processes in the microstructures of the foveolar region were studied in 31 patients (32 eyes) with stage II-IV FTMH according to J. Gass (1995), who were successfully operated on for this reason. Results. Regenerative processes of gradual restoration of microstructures of the foveolar region began from the first days after surgery and continued for 1 year. As a result, the U-shaped foveolar contour was restored, the central retinal thickness changed (from 399±61.4 to 195±61 microns, p<0.05); the external limiting membrane (ELM) and the ellipsoid zone (EZ) were completely restored in 27/32 (84.4%) and 23/32 (71.8%) eyes, respectively. Conclusion. Regenerative processes in the microstructures of the foveolar zone are of a step-by-step nature and are traced for one year after the surgery of the primary FTMH by the method of «temporal inverted ILM flap». The essence of the processes: overlapping FTMH with flaps of ILM, filling its lumen with a «glial plug», restoring the ELM, EZ and interdigitative zones. Key words: foveal microstructure, primary full-thickness macular holes, temporal inverted ILM flap, optical coherence tomography.

Comparative study of combined vitrectomy with phacoemulsification versus vitrectomy alone for primary full-thickness macular hole repair

BackgroundTo assess the effectiveness and safety of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification versus vitrectomy alone in patients over 50 years with primary full-thickness macular holes (FTMH).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records related to 406 consecutive vitrectomies performed for primary FTMH. Phacovitrectomy was performed in 294 phakic eyes whereas vitrectomy alone in 112 pseudophakic eyes. The cases were divided into three groups according to the stage of the FTMH: stage 2 (n = 93), stage 3 (n = 270), or stage 4 (n = 43). The primary outcome measure was the closure of the FTMH. The secondary outcome measures were the evolution of visual acuity as well as intraoperative and postoperative complications.ResultsNeither the primary nor the secondary outcomes differed between phacovitrectomy and vitrectomy alone for all three stages. The FTMH were closed in 375 eyes (92.4 %) after a first operation. The closure rate was higher for stage 2 (96.8 %) than for stages 3 (91.1 %) or 4 (90.75 %), but not significantly (P = 0.189). The mean visual acuity increased significantly from preoperatively LogMAR 0.68 (± SD 0.2) to LogMAR 0.43 (± SD 0.24) at the end of the follow-up (p < 0.001).ConclusionsCombined 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification for primary FTMH repair in patients over 50 years is as efficient and safe when compared with vitrectomy only.Trial registrationThe study was approved on 30th April 2020 by the local ethics committee (Ethikkommission Ostschweiz, EKOS 20/074; BASEC Nr. 2020-01033).

Autologous Retinal Transplantation for Primary and Refractory Macular Holes and Macular Hole Retinal Detachments: The Global Consortium

To report the anatomic and functional outcomes of autologous retinal transplantation (ART). Multicenter, retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series. One hundred thirty eyes of 130 patients undergoing ART for the repair of primary and refractory macular holes (MHs), as well as combined MH-rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (MH-RRD), between January 2017 and December2019. All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy and ART, with surgeon modification of intraoperative variables. A large array of preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data was collected. Two masked reviewers graded OCT images. Multivariate statistical analysis and subgroup analysis were performed. Macular hole closure rate, visual acuity (VA), external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone (EZ) band integrity, and alignment of neurosensory layers (ANL) on OCT. One hundred thirty ART surgeries were performed by 33 vitreoretinal surgeons worldwide. Patient demographics were: mean age of 63 ± 6.3 years, 58% female, 41% White, 23% Black, 19% Asian, and 17% Latino. Preoperative VA was 1.37 ± 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR; Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/500), which improved significantly to 1.05 ± 0.09 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, approximately 20/225; P < 0.001) after surgery (mean follow-up, 8.6 ± 0.8 months). Autologous retinal transplantation was performed for primary MH repair in 27% of patients (n= 35), for refractory MH in 58% of patients (n= 76; mean number of previous surgeries, 1.6 ± 0.2), and for MH-RRD in 15% of patients (n= 19). Mean maximum MH diameter was 1470 ± 160 μm, mean minimum diameter was 840 ± 94 μm, and mean axial length was 24.6 ± 3.2 mm. Overall, 89% of MHs closed (78.5% complete; 10% small eccentric defect), with a 95% closure rate in MH-RRD (68.4% complete; 26.3% small eccentric defect). Visual acuity improved by at least 3 lines in 43% of eyes and by at least 5 lines in 29% of eyes. Reconstitution of the EZ (P= 0.02) and ANL (P= 0.01) on OCT were associated with better final VA. Five cases of ART graft dislocation (3.8%), 5 cases of postoperative retinal detachment (3.8%), and 1 case of endophthalmitis (0.77%) occurred. In this global experience, patients undergoing ART for large primary and refractory MHs and MH-RRDs achieved good anatomic and functional outcomes, with low complication rates despite complex surgical pathologic features.

Novel Method of Plugging the Hole: Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Human Amniotic Membrane-Assisted Macular Hole Surgery.

Purpose:To describe the surgical outcomes of macular holes (MHs) by inserting a human amniotic membrane (hAM) plug.Methods:In this retrospective, interventional, comparative case series, 10 patients who had undergone hAM plugging for a MH were included in the study. Seven patients had idiopathic full-thickness MHs, 1 patient had traumatic MH, and 1 patient each had a MH-induced retinal detachment and combined retinal detachment. The control group included 10 cases with similar configuration and duration of MHs treated with the inverted peeling of the internal limiting membrane technique. All patients underwent a standard 3-port, 25-gauge transconjunctival pars plana vitrectomy and hAM plug transplantation in the subretinal space under the MH. The anatomic and functional outcomes were assessed at 4 weeks postsurgery.Results:At the 4-week follow-up visit, all the MHs in the hAM plug group achieved hole closure, whereas 80% of the eyes in the control group were able to achieve hole closure. Improvement of 0.1 logMAR vision was noted in 8 of the 10 patients. At the 4-week follow-up visit, the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone layer continuity over the hAM was defined only in one case. No significant difference was found between the hAM plug group and controls in visual and anatomical responses. No complications following hAM transplantation such as rejection, endophthalmitis, or hypotony were noted following surgery.Conclusion:Subretinal hAM graft transplantation can be a useful option in the repair of primary or refractory MHs not only for achieving anatomic closure but also for the accompanying visual improvement.

MANCHESTER REVISIONAL MACULAR HOLE STUDY: Predictive Value of Optical Coherence Tomography Parameters on Outcomes of Repeat Vitrectomy, Extension of Internal Limiting Membrane Peel, and Gas Tamponade for Persistent Macular Holes.

To evaluate the efficacy of repeat pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade for persistent macular holes (MHs), especially looking at a predictive value of optical coherence tomography parameters in revisional surgery. Retrospective, nonrandomized interventional case series of consecutive patients with a persistent MH that underwent revisional pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade. The primary outcome measure was anatomical closure of the MH after revisional surgery. The secondary outcome measure was a functional outcome of the MH closure based on the best-corrected visual acuity. The changes of minimum linear diameter and MH index after the primary surgery were evaluated to see if they were prognostic markers of success for the revisional surgery. A total of 27 patients with a persistent MH after primary MH surgery were identified, all of whom underwent a second operation with pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade with an internal limiting membrane peel extension in 20 cases. The MH closure rate after revisional surgery was 89% (24/27). Twenty-two cases were included in the optical coherence tomography analysis, of which 14 MHs that showed both a reduction of the minimum linear diameter and an increase in the MH index after the primary repair closed after revisional surgery. The mean best-corrected visual acuity before revisional surgery was 0.86 logMAR (20/145 Snellen) but increased significantly postoperatively to 0.69 (±0.15) logMAR (20/98 Snellen) at 3 months and to 0.49 logMAR (20/62 Snellen) at 12 months. For a persistent idiopathic MH, simple repeat pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade has a good anatomical and functional success rate in selected cases. The minimum linear diameter and MH index can be useful optical coherence tomography markers for prognostic guidance.

Literature Review of Surgical Treatment in Idiopathic Full-Thickness Macular Hole.

PurposeTo summarize current surgical techniques for treating primary macular holes (MHs).MethodsWe reviewed publications detailing surgical approaches to primary MHs, briefly described their protocols, and outlined their results.ResultsCurrently, the technique for primary MH repair is pars plana vitrectomy, removing the posterior cortical vitreous, stripping the epiretinal membranes, and ending with intraocular gas tamponade. The evident benefit of peeling off the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was clearly shown for MHs at stages 2 to 4 by achieving an anatomical closure rate of >90%, even in large MH up to 650 µm. Newer MH surgical techniques include modification of ILM flap techniques, placing an autologous scaffolding of tissue within the hole, and cell therapy has shown to increase the closure rate of large and chronic macular holes, resulting in modest functional improvement in complicated MHs.ConclusionSince the turn of the century, the success rate of modern macular surgery has increased, even for large and chronic MHs. There seems to be no limit to novel concepts in MH surgery, which range from anatomical closure to those proposing natural restoration of visual function via stem cell therapy.

Factors affecting anatomical and visual outcome after macular hole surgery: findings from a large prospective UK cohort.

To reassess the definition of a large macular hole, factors predicting hole closure and post-surgery visual recovery. Database study of 1483 primary macular hole operations. Eligible operations were primary MH operations treated with a vitrectomy and a gas or air tamponade. Excluded were eyes with a history of retinal detachment, high myopia, previousvitrectomy or trauma. A higher proportion of operations were performed in eyes from females (71.1%) who were 'on average' younger (p < 0.001), with slightly larger holes (p < 0.001) than male patients. Sulfur hexafluoride gas was generally used for smaller holes (p < 0.001). From 1253 operations with a known surgical outcome, successful hole closure was achieved in 1199 (96%) and influenced by smaller holes and complete ILM peeling (p < 0.001), but not post-surgery positioning (p = 0.072). A minimum linear diameter of ~500 μm marked the threshold where the success rate started to decline. From the 1056 successfully closed operations eligible for visual outcome analysis, visual success (defined as visual acuity of 0.30 or better logMAR) was achieved in 488 (46.2%) eyes. At the multivariate level, the factors predicting visual success were better pre-operative VA, smaller hole size, shorter duration of symptoms and the absence of AMD. Females undergoing primary macular hole surgery tend to be younger and have larger holes than male patients. The definition of a large hole should be changed to around 500 μm, and patients should be operated on early to help achieve a good post-operative VA.