Two different populations of Müller cells stabilize the structure of the fovea: an optical coherence tomography study

Abstract

Purpose: To document with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography the structural stabilization of the fovea and the sealing of outer macular defects by Müller cells. Methods: A retrospective case series of 45 eyes of 34 patients is described. Results: In cases of a cystic disruption of the foveola as in macular telangiectasia type 2 and vitreomacular traction, the Müller cell cone provides the structural stability of the fovea. In cases of a detachment or disruption of the Müller cell cone, e.g., in foveal pseudocysts, outer lamellar holes, and degenerative and tractional lamellar holes, Müller cells of the foveal walls may provide the structural stability of the fovea by the formation of a hyperreflective external limiting membrane (ELM) which bridges the holes in the central outer nuclear layer (ONL). Müller cells of the foveal walls and parafovea mediate the regeneration of the foveal architecture in cases of outer lamellar and full-thickness macular holes. The regeneration proceeds by a centripetal displacement of photoreceptor cell somata which closes the holes in the central ONL. The closure may be supported by the formation of a glial tissue band at the ELM which seals the hole. Conclusions: The Müller cell cone provides the foveal stability in cases of a cystic disruption of the foveola. The structural stability of the outer foveal layers is mainly provided by the Müller cells of the foveal walls and parafovea; these cells also mediate the regeneration of the outer fovea in cases of a defect of the central ONL.