Tomographic features of early macular hole closure after vitreous surgery

Abstract

Purpose: To report the optical coherence tomographic features of macular hole closure in the first months after vitreous surgery.

Methods: We studied prospectively the tomographic features of 28 eyes (28 patients) with idiopathic macular holes before and after vitreous surgery by optical coherence tomography. We compared the best-corrected visual acuity levels with the postoperative tomographic features.

Results: The 25 eyes with successfully sealed macular holes had one of two tomographic features within 1 month postoperatively: simple closure (normal foveal configuration) in 14 eyes (56%) or a bridge formation at the fovea that mimicked a foveal retinal detachment in 11 eyes (44%). It took an average of 2.0 months (range, 0.8 to 3.5 months) for the bridge tissue to attach to the retinal pigment epithelium. Best-corrected visual acuity quickly improved in the former group; visual improvement began 1 month after attachment of the bridge tissue in the latter group. A closed hole reopened 4 months postoperatively in one eye with a bridge formation.

Conclusions: Idiopathic macular holes have one of two patterns early after surgical closure, simple closure or a bridge formation. Visual improvement starts after the fovea assumes a normal configuration. The bridge formation appears to reflect an early phase and fragile condition in the anatomic closure of macular holes.