Predicting visual outcome after macular hole surgery using scanning laser ophthalmoscope microperimetry

Abstract

Aims - To determine if postoperative visual outcome after successful macular hole surgery can be predicted with preoperative scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) microperimetry. Methods - A prospective non-comparative study of 16 eyes in 15 patients examined before the surgery. Results - Visual outcome following macular hole surgery correlated with the "maximum parahole sensitivity", the highest intensity of stimulus to which the patient did not respond to any of the stimuli around the hole. Preoperative visual acuity, duration of the symptoms, size of the macular hole, and the "minimum parahole sensitivity", the lowest intensity to which the patient responded to all the stimuli around the hole, did not correlate significantly with postoperative visual acuity. Conclusion - Preoperative assessment of patients using SLO microperimetry is a good predictor of visual outcome after macular hole surgery.