Optical coherence tomography morphological features following modified internal limiting membrane surgical technique in traumatic macular holes

Abstract

Objective: To describe the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in terms of macular hole closure and ellipsoid zone (EZ) recovery following modified internal limiting membrane (ILM) surgical technique in traumatic macular holes (TMH). Methods: The study was a retrospective case series that recruited 16 consecutive patients with TMH. Following vitrectomy (PPV), we performed modified ILM surgical technique (IFT) in which ILM peel was stopped at the edges of the hole forming a floating ILM flap. Primary outcome measures were pattern of TMH closure and recovery of EZ. Student’s T-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. Results: The study had 16 eyes of 16 patients. Mean baseline minimum linear diameter (MLD) was 562µ. Mean baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.4 logMAR. U-pattern closure occurred in 50% of eyes, V-pattern closure occurred in 31.2% of eyes, whereas W-pattern closure occurred in 18.7% of eyes. Mean BCVA improvement was 5 lines (p 0.02). Failure of recovery of EZ was detected in 75% of eyes. In the present series, neither pre-operative MLD nor time lapse prior to surgery were significant factors in determining the closure pattern of TMH, the grade of EZ recovery or final BCVA. Conclusion: Modified IFT is effective in promoting macular hole closure and improving visual acuity in patients with TMH. The technique does not promote recovery of EZ.