RESULTS OF MACULAR HOLE SURGERY: Evaluation Based on the International Vitreomacular Traction Study Classification

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the differences in anatomical and visual function changes after macular hole (MH) surgery using the International Vitreomacular Traction Study classification.

Methods: Patients who underwent vitrectomy and blood-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling because of MHs were enrolled in the present study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the sizes of their MHs (small: ≤250 μm, medium: >250 μm and ≤400 μm, and large: >400 μm). The effect of vitreomacular traction on the outcome was also analyzed. All the patients were followed for at least 12 months. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity and the outer retina at the foveal area were monitored using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

Results: A total of 146 eyes of 146 patients were enrolled. The patients with small MHs showed significantly better mean final visual acuity (mean: 20/58) than patients with large MHs (20/178, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between patients with small- and medium-sized MHs (20/69). Longitudinal analysis showed that the presence of vitreomacular traction was related to a better restoration of the outer retinal structure and visual acuity.

Conclusion: Patients with smaller MHs and vitreomacular adhesion had superior final visual acuity and better restoration of the outer retinal structure after MH surgery.