Vitreous findings in optic disc pit maculopathy based on optical coherence tomography

Abstract

Background: To assess vitreous findings in optic disc pit maculopathy using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Methods: Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients (14-51 years of age) with macular detachment associated with optic disc pit maculopathy were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups. In group 1, 16 eyes were studied by OCT at presentation and after surgical treatment. In group 2, 22 eyes were examined by OCT only after treatment. In both groups thorough vitreous examination was performed over the macula and the optic disc. All patients were operated by the macular buckling procedure.

Results: Vitreous abnormalities were found in 28 out of 38 eyes (74%) of both groups. In group 1, 10 of the 16 eyes had vitreous traction on the macula at presentation. The traction started from the optic disc and terminated to the macula. The posterior hyaloid that exerted the traction between the points of adhesion at the optic disc and the macula had a course parallel to the retinal surface in 9 of the 10 cases. Postoperatively, vitreous traction on the macula was not found. Of the remaining 6 eyes 4 had complete or partial posterior vitreous detachment. In group 2, 8 eyes had vitreous strands over the optic disc and 5 eyes posterior vitreous detachment. In the remaining 9 cases no vitreous involvement was noticed.

Conclusions: OCT was able to detect vitreous abnormalities such as vitreomacular traction, vitreous strands over the optic disc and complete or partial posterior vitreous detachment associated with optic disc pit maculopathy. Our observations support the view that the abnormal vitreous over the macula and optic disc is likely to play a role in the development of macular elevation in cases with optic disc pit. Prospective OCT studies could further assist to better understand the role of vitreous in this disease.