Full-thickness Macular Hole Surgery Research Articles

Facedown Positioning Following Surgery for Large Full-Thickness Macular Hole

The value of facedown positioning following surgery for large full-thickness macular holes is unknown. To determine whether advice to position facedown postoperatively improves the outcome for large macular holes. This randomized, parallel group superiority trial with 1:1 randomization stratified by site with 3 months' follow-up was conducted at 9 sites across the United Kingdom and included participants with an idiopathic full-thickness macular hole of at least 400 μm minimum linear diameter and a duration of fewer than 12 months. All participants had vitrectomy surgery with peeling of the internal limiting membrane and injection of perfluoropropane (14%) gas, with or without simultaneous surgery for cataract. Following surgery, participants were randomly advised to position either facedown or face forward for 8 hours daily for 5 days. The primary outcome was closure of the macular hole determined 3 months following surgery by masked optical coherence tomography evaluation. Secondary outcome measures at 3 months were visual acuity, participant-reported experience of positioning, and quality of life measured by the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25. A total of 185 participants (45 men [24.3%]; 156 white [84.3%]; 9 black [4.9%]; 10 Asian [5.4%]; median age, 69 years [interquartile range, 64-73 years]) were randomized. Macular hole closure was observed in 90 (85.6%) who were advised to position face forward and 88 (95.5%) advised to position facedown (adjusted odds ratio, 3.15; 95% CI, 0.87-11.41; P = .08). The mean (SD) improvement in best-corrected visual acuity at 3 months was 0.34 (0.69) logMAR (equivalent to 1 Snellen line) in the face-forward group and 0.57 (0.42) logMAR (equivalent to 3 Snellen lines) in the facedown group (adjusted mean difference, 0.22 [95 % CI, 0.05-0.38]; equivalent to 2 Snellen lines); 95% CI, 0.05-0.38; P = .01). The median National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 score was 89 (interquartile range, 76-94) in the facedown group and 87 (interquartile range, 73-93) in the face-forward group (mean [SD] change on a logistic scale, 0.08 [0.26] face forward and 0.11 [0.25] facedown; adjusted mean [SD] difference on a logistic scale, 0.02; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.07; P = .41). The results do not prove that facedown positioning following surgery is more likely to close large macular holes compared with facing forward but do support the possibility that visual acuity outcomes may be superior. Isrctn.org Identifier: 12410596.

Macular morphometrics in foveal displacement following full thickness macular hole surgery.

Purpose:To investigate if the ratio of the preoperative nasal and temporal “arms” of the macular hole (MH) can have a predictive value in the magnitude of foveal displacement postoperatively.Methods:This is retrospective interventional case series of eyes of 40 patients with full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), which underwent vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and had Type 1 closure.All subjects underwent pre and postoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT, Heidelberg, Spectralis, Germany). Their pre and postoperative foveo-papillary distance (FPD) was measured and the magnitude of shift was calculated. The nasal and temporal arm lengths, their ratio (N/T ratio), and the hole base diameter were measured in the preoperative OCTs.The main outcome measure was the correlation of the N/T ratio with the postoperative foveal displacement.Results:We observed that in 25% (n = 10) the fovea shifted temporally; in 75% (n = 30) it shifted nasally. The shift did not show a significant correlation with either N/T ratio (r = 0.155, P = 0.34) or with base diameter (r = -0.008, P = 0.961). The odds ratio (OR) was 4.92 (P = 0.04) and the relative risk (RR) was 3.12 (P = 0.039) for a longer temporal segment to predict a temporal shift.Conclusion:Both nasal and temporal shifts are possible after successful hole closure and temporal shifts can also occur in a significantly high proportion of patients. Temporal shifts are more likely in eyes with a longer temporal segment.

Pre-operative predicting factor in visual outcome after macular hole surgery.

Objective:To determine the effectiveness of macular hole index (MHI) as a predicting factor of visual outcome after full thickness macular hole surgery.Methods:This quasi-experimental study was conducted at LRBT Free Base Eye Hospital, Karachi from January 2018 to March 2019. Total 45 eyes of 45 patients with full thickness macular hole (FTMH) underwent preoperative Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) assessment with logMar chart and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) scanning, with measurement of base diameter and macular hole height. Values were calculated for the macular hole index (MHI), which was taken as the predictive factor. All patients had undergone 25+G trans-conjunctival three ports pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and endo-tamponade of C3F8(14%). The final visual outcome of all the patients was noted.Results:Forty-five patients were included for the study, out of which 10 (22.2%) were male and 35 (77.7%) were female. Age ranged from 45-70 years (mean age 57.20±6.47 years). The mean pre-operative visual acuity was 2.46±1.15 logMar and was 3.88±2.00 logMar, post-operatively. Moreover, 27(60.0%) out of 45 patients achieved BCVA (gain of 2 lines of the logMar chart). The average macular hole index was 1.55±0.50 and out of 45, 25 patients had MHI ≥0.5. It was found that patients with macular hole index ≥0.50 showed clinically significant improvement in BCVA in comparison to those who have macular hole index <0.50.Conclusion:Macular hole index can be used to predict functional success in macular hole surgery.

Efficacy of Macular Hole Surgery in Patients with Idiopathic Macular Telangiectasia Type 2

To compare visual acuity (VA) and OCT outcomes in patients with idiopathic macular telangiectasia (IMT) type 2 who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgery for full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) versus those who elected to be medically managed (MM) without surgery. Comparative retrospective case series. Patients with IMT type 2 and FTMH. We reviewed records within an 11-year period and collected data on VA, OCT changes, development of choroidal neovascularization, and length of follow-up. The VA measurements were standardized from Snellen to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units for statistical analysis. Two-sample t tests were used to analyze VA data. OCT changes were assessed by a single masked retinal specialist. There were 12 eyes in the PPV group and 26 eyes in the MM group. There was no statistically significant VA improvement in either group between initial VA recording and last follow-up. The PPV group had no significant change in VA between the preoperative visit and the visits at 3 or 12 months. OCT scans improved by 1 step in 10 patients in the PPV group. None of the patients in the MM group had OCT improvement. Choroidal neovascularization developed in 1 eye in the PPV group and 5 eyes in the MM group. There was no significant change in VA in patients who opted to have PPV to treat their IMT type 2 and FTMH compared with those who did not undergo surgery. OCT scans improved by qualitative judgment in patients who underwent surgery compared with those who opted for medical management.

FIRST FAILED MACULAR HOLE SURGERY OR REOPENING OF A PREVIOUSLY CLOSED HOLE: Do We Gain by Reoperating?-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

To evaluate repeated surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular hole that failed to close (FTC) after first surgery or reopened (RO) once originally closed. Systematic review and meta-analysis. Pubmed.gov and Cochrane Library were searched for studies in English presenting outcomes of idiopathic full-thickness macular hole that FTC or RO (case reports/series of <5 cases excluded). Anatomical closure, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraoperative/postoperative complications, and patient-reported outcomes. Meta-analysis was performed on aggregate and available individual participant data sets using the metafor package in R. Twenty-eight eligible studies were identified. After reoperation, pooled estimates for anatomical closure were 78% (95% confidence interval 71-84%) and 80% (95% confidence interval 66-89%) for FTC and RO groups, respectively. On average, best-corrected visual acuity improved in both groups. However, only 15% (28 of 189 eyes) of FTC eyes achieved best-corrected visual acuity of ≥6/12. The pooled estimated probability of ≥2-line best-corrected visual acuity improvement was 58% in the FTC group (95% confidence interval 45-71%); meta-analysis was not possible in the RO group. The most common complication was cataract. Reoperation for FTC or RO idiopathic full-thickness macular hole achieved a clinically meaningful visual acuity improvement in more than half of patients; high levels of vision (≥6/12), however, were uncommon.

Characterization of Epiretinal Proliferation in Full-Thickness Macular Holes and Effects on Surgical Outcomes

Epiretinal proliferation is a distinct clinical entity from epiretinal membrane that classically is associated with lamellar macular holes, but its prevalence and association with full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) have not been well described. We characterized macular hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (MHEP) and its effects on long-term surgical outcomes. Multicenter, interventional, retrospective case-control study. Consecutive eyes that underwent surgery for FTMH with a minimum of 12 months follow-up. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy, removal of any epiretinal membranes, and gas tamponade, with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Spectral-domain OCT imaging was obtained before and after surgery. Improvement in visual acuity and single-surgery hole closure rates in eyes with, versus without, MHEP at 12 months. Seven hundred twenty-five charts were analyzed, and 113 patients met inclusion criteria. Of 113 eyes with FTMH, 30 (26.5%) showed MHEP. Patients with FTMH and MHEP were older (P < 0.002) and more often men (P= 0.001), and showed more advanced macular hole stages than those without MHEP (P= 0.010). A full posterior vitreous detachment was more common in eyes with MHEP (P < 0.004). Twelve months after surgery, FTMH with MHEP patients showed significantly less improvement in visual acuity (P= 0.019) with higher rates of ellipsoid and external limiting membrane defects (P < 0.05) and with a higher rate of failure to close with 1 surgery compared to FTMH without MHEP (26.7% vs. 4.8%; P= 0.002]). Peeling the ILM was associated with improved rates of hole closure in FTMH with MHEP (P < 0.001). Multivariate testing confirmed that the presence of MHEP was an independent risk factor for less visual improvement (P= 0.031) and for single-surgery nonclosure (P= 0.009) and that ILM peeling improved single-surgery closure rates (P= 0.026). We found that FTMH with MHEP showed poorer anatomic and visual outcomes after vitrectomy compared with FTMH without MHEP. Internal limiting membrane peeling was associated with improved closure rates and should be considered when MHEP is detected before surgery.

Learning curve of three-dimensional heads-up vitreoretinal surgery for treating macular holes: a prospective study.

To compare surgeons' opinions regarding idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) surgery by using traditional microscopy and three-dimensional (3-D) visualization system. To analyze the required time for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and for internal limiting membrane (ILM) rhexis by using both visualization methods. To evaluate anatomical surgical results. Four surgeons (surgeon 1, fellows 1, 2, 3) performed the total of 40 surgeries for treating MHs. Each one performed 10 surgeries (5 with traditional microscopy and 5 with 3-D visualization). The completion time for PPV and ILM rhexis was determined by using both methods. Ergonomics, educational value, image sharpness, depth perception, field of view and technical skills were analyzed through answering a questionnaire. Forty patients were included in the study. The MH size for surgeon 1, fellows 1, 2 and 3 groups, individually, ranged from 237 to 602μm; 228 to 590μm, 271 to 611μm and 289 to 600μm, respectively. In the 3-D and in the traditional microscopy subgroups (which includes all 4 physicians on the use of one or the other method), the MH size ranged from 228 to 602μm and 237 to 611μm, respectively. Comparisons between the average time for full PPV and ILM rhexis by using the two methods were non-significant, neither in each individual case of 3-D surgery for each surgeon. Surgeon 1 had always been faster than his fellows. Depth perception was rated as similar for both methods. Field of view and educational values were rated as superior when using the 3-D system. Image resolution and ergonomics were rated as superior when using traditional microscopy. Technical skills strongly tended toward 'superiority' when using traditional microscopy. Thirty-six (90%) full-thickness MHs were successfully closed with one surgery. The 3-D system for MH surgery had a short learning curve and was a refined educational tool, when used with reduced illumination and precise focus. Concerning MH surgery, heads-up method was similar to traditional microscopy regarding length of time and anatomical surgical results. Heads-up surgery may become a new pattern for ophthalmic surgery as ongoing improvements are applied.

A comparative evaluation of two commercially available formulations of brilliant blue G in idiopathic macular hole surgery

Aim: The aim of this study is to comparatively evaluate “internal limiting membrane (ILM) blue (0.025% brilliant blue G (BBG) +4% polyethylene glycol” and “Brilliant Peel (0.025% BBG + heavy water)” in idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery with respect to anatomical and functional outcome and surgical ease of ILM peeling. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective comparative study. Thirty patients with idiopathic FTMH selected for pars-plana vitrectomy with ILM peeling were included in the study. Cataract extraction was combined with vitrectomy if cataract was significant. Fifteen eyes underwent ILM peeling with ILM blue – Group 1 and fifteen eyes with Brilliant Peel – Group 2. The adequacy of ILM staining was noted intraoperatively. All patients followed up next day, at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months. Macular hole closure rate and gain in visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) were noted. Statistical Analysis: Student's t-test was used to assess the baseline numeric differences among groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess VA improvement over time in each group. Chi-square test was used to compare two groups in terms of stage of macular hole. Means test was used to check the effect of lens status in visual recovery. Results: Both groups were well matched in demographic data, baseline VA, stage of macular hole, and percentage of eyes undergoing simultaneous cataract extraction. Macular hole closed in 100% of eyes. Mean pre- and postoperative logMAR best-corrected VA was 0.80 and 0.40 in ILM blue group and 0.993 and 0.527 in the Brilliant Peel group. VA improvement was clinically and statistically significant in both ILM blue (P = 0.004) and Brilliant Peel (P = 0.003) groups. The groups did not differ from each other at 3 months in terms of gain in VA (P = 0.291) and CS. Intraoperatively, both the dyes stained the ILM well. Conclusion: ILM peeling with ILM blue and Brilliant Peel dyes showed comparable intraoperative staining and good postoperative anatomic and functional outcome.

PROPORTION OF PATIENTS WITH MACULAR HOLE SURGERY WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN FAVORABLE OCRIPLASMIN CANDIDATES: A Retrospective Analysis.

To identify favorable ocriplasmin candidates from a cohort of idiopathic full thickness macular hole surgery patients. The records of patients with full thickness macular hole who underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed. Clinical data collected included patient demographics, pre- and post-operative Snellen visual acuity, optical coherence tomography findings, and lens status. The authors defined "favorable" ocriplasmin candidates as patients with focal vitreomacular traction, no epiretinal membrane, and hole size ≤400 μm. The authors further categorized "optimal" candidates as age ≤65, phakic, no epiretinal membrane, with focal vitreomacular traction, and hole size ≤400 μm. The records of 238 patients were assessed; 30.7% were male while mean age was 68.6 ± 8.3 years. The mean logMAR acuity was 1.2 (Snellen 20/317) preoperatively and 0.90 (Snellen 20/159) postoperatively. Optical coherence tomography findings indicated that 46.5% of the macular holes studied were less than ≤400 μm in size, 14.8% had an epiretinal membrane, and 25.3% had vitreomacular traction. A total of 17.7% of study patients were found to be favorable candidates, whereas 3.8% were optimal ocriplasmin candidates. Only a minority of full thickness macular hole surgical candidates in this cohort would be considered favorable ocriplasmin candidates.

Visual and anatomical outcome of macular hole surgery at a tertiary healthcare facility.

Objective:To assess visual and anatomical outcome of full thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery with ILM peeling using brilliant blue G dye.Methods:Thirty patients who had clinically evident macular hole were selected. Pre-operative Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was done. In all cases vitrectomy was performed via 23guage 3 ports pars plana (3PPV) vitrectomy system and Brilliant blue G dye, 0.5ml dye was injected over macula which resulted in light blue stain of ILM and peeling was performed around hole in circular motion and after gas fluid exchange gas tamponade with SF6 was done. Final visual and anatomical outcome was measured as postoperative BCVA and postoperative OCT at three months respectively. Descriptive statistics were computed. Paired t-test was applied. P value≤0.05 were considered as significant.Results:There were 12 male and 18 female patients. The mean age was 57.40±4.76 years. The mean size of macular hole was 452.20±242.33μm. The mean duration of symptoms was 16.73±13.49 weeks. Mean pre operative BCVA was 1.30±0.73 log MAR and post operative was 0.51±0.23 log MAR. Mean increased BCVA was found to be 0.22±0.13 log MAR. Primary closure of hole was achieved in 29(96.7%). Significant mean difference was found in pre operative and post operative BCVA.Conclusion:Brilliant blue G exhibits sufficient staining qualities and safety profile to peel ILM in the management of full thickness macular hole with significant visual and anatomical improvement.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography-guided versus 1-week facedown-posturing after macular hole surgery

ObjectiveTo compare idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) closure rates and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)–guided facedown posturing and conventional 1-week facedown posturing after macular hole surgery. DesignA retrospective comparative study. ParticipantsThirty-one consecutive eyes that underwent surgery for FTMH between July 2013 and September 2014 were divided into 2 groups. MethodsIn the SD-OCT-guided group, SD-OCT was performed on the first day after surgery. If the macular hole was closed, the patient could assume any position but supine. If the hole was not closed on postoperative day 1, SD-OCT was performed daily for 1 week until the hole was closed, at which point the patient was asked to stop positioning. For the control group, patients were asked to keep facedown posturing for 1 week after surgery. ResultsMean length of follow-up for the SD-OCT-guided group and the control group was 188.3 (SD = 74.6) days and 216.7 (SD = 71.2) days, respectively. FTMH closure rate was 100% for both groups. Mean time for FTMH closure in the SD-OCT group was 1.2 days. There was no statistical difference in postoperative BCVA at the last visit between SD-OCT-guided (0.49 ± 0.3 logMAR) and control (0.50 ± 0.4 logMAR; p = 0.9422) groups. ConclusionsNo difference in FTMH closure rates was detected between the SD-OCT-guided facedown posturing group and the control group. SD-OCT-guided posturing may be used to shorten facedown positioning while maintaining a high success rate.

MEASUREMENT OF RETINAL DISPLACEMENT AND METAMORPHOPSIA AFTER EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE OR MACULAR HOLE SURGERY.

To quantify retinal displacement and metamorphopsia after surgery for epiretinal membrane (ERM) or full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). Fundus autofluorescence imaging was analyzed for evidence of retinal displacement. Displacement was quantified using a novel standardized approach with measures of vertical interarcade distance, fovea to disk margin, and perimacular area. The vertical disk diameter and normal fellow eyes served as controls. Metamorphopsia was quantified using the Morphision test. Thirty-three eyes of 33 consecutive patients underwent vitrectomy (21 for ERM; 12 for FTMH). After surgery for ERM, the macula expanded (perimacular area: +10.14%, P < 0.0001; intraarcade distance: +6.10%, P < 0.0001; fovea to disk margin: +4.80%, P = 0.0042). Conversely, after surgery for FTMH the macula parameters showed evidence of constriction (interarcade distance: -2.11%, P = 0.0047; perimacular area: -2.95%, P = 0.0197; fovea to disk margin: -4.69%, P = 0.0010). The degree of change in intraarcade distance and perimacular area was greater for the ERM compared with the FTMH (P < 0.0001). The vertical disk diameter was not altered by surgery for either the ERM or the FTMH. The average change in any measurements between visits in control eyes was just 0.61%, representing high test-retest reliability. Preoperative morphision distortion scores were worse with FTMH (57.3%) than ERM (38%, P = 0.0636) and improved overall after surgery (43.6-21.3%, P = 0.0019). Serial fundus autofluorescence imaging, with the measurement parameters used here, is a reliable means of monitoring retinal blood vessel movement over time. Significant retinal displacement occurs after vitrectomy for FTMH and ERM with the retina expanding after ERM removal and contracting after FTMH closure, with associated improvements in measured metamorphopsia.

Persistent Subretinal Fluid After Successful Full-Thickness Macular Hole Surgery: Prognostic Factors, Morphological Features and Implications on Functional Recovery.

The present study aimed to identify preoperative factors that predispose the development of subretinal fluid (SRF) following successful macular hole (MH) surgery. Thirty-four eyes of 33 consecutive patients that underwent pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic full-thickness MH surgery were included in this retrospective study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were evaluated pre- and postoperatively in all cases. Patient's demographic characteristics, stage of MH, measurements of base diameter and minimum aperture diameter of the MH, preoperative foveal vitreomacular traction and selected intra-operative parameters were correlated with the development of postoperative SRF. Postoperative SRF was observed in 15 cases (48%). Total absorption of SRF was observed in 73% of affected eyes and was most commonly seen between the third and the fifth postoperative month. One patient developed lamellar hole leading to full-thickness MH. Postoperative BCVA was similar between the eyes that did and the eyes that did not develop postoperative SRF (0.31±0.2 vs 0.35±0.2; p≥0.05). Development of postoperative SRF was significantly associated with the presence of preoperative foveal vitreomacular traction (p=0.048), stage II MH (p=0.017) and smaller size of the closest distance between the MH edges (p=0.046). Postoperative SRF is a common occurrence following successful MH surgery. Meticulous evaluation of preoperative clinical and OCT findings may disclose risk factors associated with this condition. Based on our observations, idiopathic holes of early stage appear to be at a higher risk of developing postoperative SRF. This could be a point of interest with the advancing use of enzymatic proteolysis.

Metamorphopsia before and after full-thickness macular hole surgery

PurposeWe quantified the degree and dynamics of metamorphopsia changes in patients subjected to full-thickness macular hole surgery. Material/methodsThis prospective interventional case series included 10 eyes of 10 patients with full-thickness macular hole (mean age 66.2±6.0 years). The patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including SD-OCT. The severity of metamorphopsia (expressed as M-score) was evaluated with M-CHARTS. 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with trypan blue staining, internal limiting membrane peeling and 20% sulphur hexafluoride tamponade was performed. Time course of metamorphopsia changes and their relation to best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT parameters were assessed. ResultsSignificant but not total M-score decrease was observed one month postoperatively (0.72±0.44 vs. 0.50±0.36, z=−2.207, p=0.0353, power=0.26, pre- vs. post-op), with subsequent stabilization (0.41±0.41 three months and 0.37±0.44 six months post-op). The differences between M-score one month, three months and six months postoperatively were not significant. Baseline M-score correlated significantly with postoperative values at three follow-ups (rho=0.853, 0.715, 0.847; p<0.05 for all; power=0.94, 0.58, 0.79). Baseline M-score did not correlate with macular hole dimensions (including basis p=0.154, minimal diameter p=0.051 or height of the border p=0.700). No correlation between M-score and the following parameters was found either pre- or postoperatively: BCVA, central foveal thickness, central subfield macular thickness and central subfield macular volume. ConclusionsIn patients with successfully operated full-thickness macular hole, M-score decreased as early as one month postoperatively and was stable afterwards. The baseline M-score was a prognostic factor for the postoperative M-score. M-score turned out to be independent from BCVA and macular hole dimensions.

MORPHOLOGIC FEATURES AND EVOLUTION OF INNER RETINAL DIMPLES ON OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AFTER INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING

To evaluate morphologic features and the evolution of inner retinal dimples using spectral domain optical coherence tomography after internal limiting membrane peeling. A single-center retrospective study of spectral domain optical coherence tomography features in 43 eyes after full-thickness macular hole surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling without adjunctive internal limiting membrane staining. Postoperatively, a total of 210 dimples were noted in 37 eyes (86%), with a mean of 5.7 dimples per eye (median, 5; range, 1-20), most frequently located in the inferotemporal quadrant (n = 122, 58%, P < 0.0001). At initial detection, mean dimple dimensions were 199 μm wide (median, 183; range, 87-442 μm) and 19 μm deep (median, 17; range, 7-35 μm). During follow-up, mean maximum dimensions were 351 μm wide (median, 305; range, 219-494 μm) and 30 μm deep (median, 31; range, 15-55 μm). Dimple dimension reached a maximum at 12 months (median, 10; range, 2-22 months) followed by a modest decline. Mean preoperative and final postoperative visual acuity were 0.70 logMAR (median, 0.54; range, 0.09-1.4 logMAR) and 0.38 logMAR (median, 0.30; range, 0-1.4 logMAR), respectively. Inner retinal dimples are common after adjunct-free internal limiting membrane peeling and evolve in the postoperative period with enlargement over the first 12 months followed by reduction in size, and have no apparent impact on the visual acuity.

Safety and Complications of Ocriplasmin

Our ability to examine the vitreoretinal interface has been greatly improved by the invention of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). It has allowedearlier andmore accurate diagnosis of abnormalities of vitreomacular adhesion (VMA) that may contribute to vision loss and may benefit fromintervention.While subtle abnormalitiesofVMAmay be observed, symptomatic VMA or that associated with fullthicknessmacularhole (FTMH) requires surgical intervention.1 With improvements in vitreoretinal surgical techniques and better understanding of these conditions, outcomes of surgicalmanagementofVMA-relateddisorders areexcellent.1However, even in thehandsof themost experiencedsurgeon, there are associated surgical risks. There is also expected discomfort to the patient, delay in visual recovery, high cost, and, in cases of surgery for FTMH, postoperative positioning. Furthermore, advanced surgical skills are required for epiretinal membrane or internal limiting membrane peeling. Ocriplasmin (Jetrea) is a recombinant truncated form of human plasminwith amolecularweight of 27.2 kDa. It is a recombinantproteasewithactivity against fibronectinand laminin, which are components of the vitreoretinal interface.2 In 2 phase 3 clinical trials comparing a single intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin (0.125 mg/0.1mL)with aplacebo injection (drug vehicle diluted with saline) inpatientswith symptomaticVMA,where theprimaryendpointwas resolutionofVMAatday28, 26.5%ofocriplasmin-injected eyes had resolution comparedwith 10.1%of placebo-injectedeyes (P < .001).3Nonsurgical closureofmacular holeswas achieved in 40.6%of ocriplasmin-injected eyes, as compared with 10.6% of placebo-injected eyes (P < .001). Consequently, ocriplasminwas approved by the US Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) foruse in symptomaticVMA inOctober 2012. It is notable that ocriplasmin is a first-in-class pharmacologic agent that has been FDA approved to manage symptomatic VMA. Furthermore, the primary end point in the pivotal studieswasbasedonOCTchanges rather thanonvisual acuity improvement, the first time, to my knowledge, that OCT has beenusedas theprimaryoutcomeforaclinical trial inophthalmology. Finally, even when patients do not achieve release of abnormal VMA or closure of FTMH following intravitreal ocriplasmin injection, they can still undergo surgical management.Therefore,ocriplasminofferscliniciansanadditional tool tomanage the anatomical abnormalities of symptomatic VMA in a less invasivemanner thanwith surgery in select cases. However, since the real-worlduseof thedrugbegan, there have been unfavorable anecdotal reports of visual disturbancesafterocriplasmin injection, including transientbutprofound visual decline, raising concerns regarding its safety. While it is not possible to know the frequency of these events in postmarketing surveillance, it is worthwhile to pay attention to safety-related reports. In the report of phase 3 trials of ocriplasmin, ocular adverse events such as vitreous floaters, photopsia, conjunctival hemorrhage, blurred vision, and visual impairment were found to be significantly higher in the treatment group comparedwith theplacebogroup.3However, theauthors state that “most of the adverse events were transient and mild in severity.”3 TheWarnings and Precautions section of the package insert for ocriplasmin4 includesdecreaseof 3ormore lines of best-correctedvisual acuity in 5.6%ofpatients treatedwith ocriplasmin (comparedwith 3.2% in the control group), intravitreal injectionprocedure–associated effects (intraocular inflammation, intraocular hemorrhage, increased intraocular pressure), potential for lens subluxation, retinal breaks, and dyschromatopsia. It states that “dyschromatopsia (generally described as yellowish vision) was reported in 2% of all patients injectedwith Jetrea. In approximatelyhalf of thesedyschromatopsia cases therewerealsoelectroretinographic (ERG) changes reported (aand b-wave amplitude decrease).”4 According to the FDA Advisory Committee briefing document, 9 patients receiving ocriplasmin in various clinical trialswere reportedtohaveexperiencedanacutedecrease invisionwithin 24hours of injection, some to the handmotions level.5 In 8 of 9 patients, vision returned to baseline with a median recovery time of 2 weeks. Dyschromatopsia reportedly resolved within a median time of 3 months. Of the 141 ocriplasmintreatedpatientswhounderwentERGtesting, 11 (7.8%)hadERG changes and 9 of these patients also had dyschromatopsia. Among the 11 patientswithERGchanges, theERGchanges resolved in 6 patients (median time, 6 months), 3 did not have follow-up ERGs, 1 was still undergoing follow-up, and 1 case did not resolve and was thought to be due to concurrent vitelliform dystrophy. Recently, there was a report of a patient with symptomatic VMA, epiretinal membrane, and an impending FTMH who experienced transient vision loss after ocriplasmin injection.6 The patient was found to have disruption of the outer retina, in particular the ellipsoid zone (previously known as the inner segment/outer segment junction), on spectral-domain OCT that partially recovered by 3 weeks along with improvement in visual acuity.6 Two brief reports Related articles pages 484 and 487 Opinion

Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling versus No Peeling for Idiopathic Full-Thickness Macular Hole

To determine whether internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling improves anatomic and functional outcomes of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery when compared with the no-peeling technique. Systematic review and individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis undertaken under the auspices of the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Patients with idiopathic stage 2, 3, and 4 FTMH undergoing vitrectomy with or without ILM peeling. Macular hole surgery, including vitrectomy and gas endotamponade with or without ILM peeling. Primary outcome was best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCdVA) at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were BCdVA at 3 and 12 months; best-corrected near visual acuity (BCnVA) at 3, 6, and 12 months; primary (after a single surgery) and final (after >1 surgery) macular hole closure; need for additional surgical interventions; intraoperative and postoperative complications; patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (EuroQol-5D and Vision Function Questionnaire-25 scores at 6 months); and cost-effectiveness. Four RCTs were identified and included in the review. All RCTs were included in the meta-analysis; IPD were obtained from 3 of the 4 RCTs. No evidence of a difference in BCdVA at 6 months was detected (mean difference, -0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.12 to 0.03; P=0.27); however, there was evidence of a difference in BCdVA at 3 months favoring ILM peeling (mean difference, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.17 to-0.02; P=0.02). There was evidence of an effect favoring ILM peeling with regard to primary (odds ratio [OR], 9.27; 95% CI, 4.98-17.24; P<0.00001) and final macular hole closure (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 1.63-9.75; P=0.02) and less requirement for additional surgery (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.05-0.23; P<0.00001), with no evidence of a difference between groups with regard to intraoperative or postoperative complications or PROs. The ILM peeling was found to be highly cost-effective. Available evidence supports ILM peeling as the treatment of choice for patients with idiopathic stage 2, 3, and 4 FTMH.

USING SPECTRAL-DOMAIN OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY IMAGING TO IDENTIFY THE PRESENCE OF RETINAL SILICONE OIL EMULSIFICATION AFTER SILICONE OIL TAMPONADE

To describe small hyperreflective areas using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging in eyes that have had silicone oil tamponade. Retrospective case series of 11 eyes of 11 patients. The authors retrospectively identified patients who underwent vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade secondary to a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (nine patients), panuveitis with retinal necrosis (one patient), or recurrent full-thickness macular hole surgery (one patient) who had manifestations of silicone oil emulsion on SD-OCT imaging. Patients were monitored during the postoperative period by clinical examination and using SD-OCT. A model eye in which emulsified silicone oil had been injected in the anterior chamber was used to obtain anterior segment SD-OCT images for comparison. The mean age of our patients was 50 years (range, 39-76 years). In eight eyes, the SD-OCT examination was carried out after silicone oil removal, and in three eyes, the SD-OCT examination was carried out with the oil in situ. Of the nine eyes treated for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, five had a relieving retinectomy for advanced anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy or for traumatic retinal incarceration (one eye). The eye treated for full-thickness macular hole had a vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peel, and silicone oil injection for recurrent macular hole. Ten eyes showed hyperreflective, spherical, tiny droplets using SD-OCT imaging. These were thought to represent silicone oil droplets intraretinally or underneath epiretinal membranes, and one eye showed hyperreflective areas subretinally (retina detached). One additional patient was found to have tiny intravitreal silicone oil droplets after silicone oil removal. Similarly, the silicone oil appeared as multiple hyperreflective spherical droplets as detected by SD-OCT. Anterior segment studies of silicone oil emulsification in the experimental model revealed a similar appearance to that seen with in vivo SD-OCT imaging. The authors have found small hyperreflective areas intraretinally, subretinally, and underneath epiretinal membranes on SD-OCT in eyes that have had silicone oil tamponade for a variety of indications. The authors have seen a similar appearance when silicone oil emulsification is examined in vivo. The authors conclude that the hyperreflective areas are likely (but not certain) to be very small bubbles of emulsified silicone. Further studies are required to determine the incidence, clinicopathologic, and functional significance of probable silicone oil emulsification and deposition within the retinal layers.

Morphological Change of Inner Retinal Layer on Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography following Macular Hole Surgery

Background/Aims: To investigate the morphological changes of the inner retinal layer by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) after idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) surgery. Methods: In a retrospective study, the authors evaluated 52 eyes of 49 patients with MH closed following vitrectomy. All patients were followed postoperatively for more than 6 months. Cross-sectional and retinal surface images were obtained using Cirrus high-definition OCT before and after surgery. In 24 of the 52 eyes, fundus autofluorescence (FAF) was analyzed. Results: The incidence of dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) increased gradually over time after surgery. 57.7% had defects of only the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and 30.8% had defects in the inner plexiform layer at 6 months after surgery. Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity did not differ significantly based on the depth of the DONFL (p = 0.299). There were no changes in FAF in the area with DONFL. Conclusions: DONFL is characterized by progressive defects that are not limited to RNFL thickness. The healing process after vitrectomy for MH is not limited in the RNFL affecting deeper structural changes. Further investigations are required to evaluate the pathophysiological mechanism of inner retinal change after MH surgery.

Macular Hole Surgery in Patients with End-stage Choroideremia

To assess macular hole surgery in patients with end-stage choroideremia with regard to anatomic closure and visual outcome. Retrospective, interventional case series. Thirty adult male patients with a diagnosis of advanced choroideremia were reviewed and underwent spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) as part of the screening process for a gene therapy clinical trial. From within that cohort, 3 were identified as having a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). A 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy was performed with peeling of the inner limiting membrane and gas tamponade. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity ranged from perception of light to 6/24. Prevalence of FTMH in advanced choroideremia, morphologic phenotype characteristics of FTMH in OCT, pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, and closure rate after surgery. The prevalence of FTMH in advanced choroideremia in our cohort was 10%. One hole was associated with significant macular schisis, presumed to be attributable to degeneration of outer retinal layers. Anatomic closure was achieved in all 3 patients and confirmed with spectral domain OCT. Gas tamponade lasted approximately twice as long as might be expected compared with standard FTMH surgery. Objective visual acuity did not improve; however, perceived vision improved in all patients. Although FTMH in choroideremia is a rare finding, it could potentially mask central progression of the disease. Regular screening may help to diagnose holes at an earlier stage when the visual prognosis after surgery may be better. Standard macular hole surgery seems to be effective in gaining anatomic closure, which would be significant for patients who subsequently require macula detachment for subretinal gene therapy. The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.