Congenital pits of the optic nerve head. II. Clinical studies in humans

Congenital optic nerve pit in trisomy 18

The authors report the first case of trisomy 18 associated with a clinically detectable optic nerve pit. A female infant with a birth weight of 2,150 g was born by cesarean section to a healthy 40-year-old woman at 38 weeks of gestation. Trisomy 18 had been diagnosed by prenatal genetic testing. Ophthalmologic examination was remarkable for bilateral narrowed palpebral fissures with punctal agenesis, corectopic pupils without reaction to light, bilateral inferior peripapillary retinochoroidal hypopigmentation, and significant optic nerve cupping in the left eye with associated temporal optic nerve pit. It has generally been accepted that optic nerve pits are a congenital anomaly. However, the pathophysiological background of optic nerve pits remains unclear and controversial. This is the first clinical and photographic documentation of an optic nerve pit in a neonate and in Edwards syndrome.

Near infrared autofluorescence imaging of retinal diseases

Near infrared autofluorescence (excitation 787 nm, emission >800 nm) is a non-invasive imaging technology that provides information on the distribution of melanin within the retinal pigment epithelial cell/choroid complex. This review contains an introduction to near infrared autofluorescence imaging methods. Characteristics of near infrared imaging in a variety of retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, choroidal nevus, retinal degenerations, retinal dystrophies, central serous chorioretinopathy, pseudoxanthoma elasticum and chloroquine retinopathy, are summarized.

Clinical manifestations of optic pit maculopathy as demonstrated by spectral domain optical coherence tomography

Purpose

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the characteristic features, including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), clinical course, and outcome of treatment if given for patients with optic disc pit maculopathy.

Methods

We investigated a consecutive series of patients with a diagnosis of optic pit maculopathy treated between 2001 and 2012 at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Patients were divided into two main groups, ie, patients who were observed without surgery and patients who received surgical intervention. The main outcome measures were presenting and final visual acuity, and changes in SD-OCT imaging were recorded. Other data including age, gender, eye, age of onset, length of follow-up, location of optic pit, and location of fluid by OCT were also recorded.

Results

On OCT, 67% (12/18) of the eyes showed schisis-like cavities, 22% (4/18) had only subretinal fluid, and 17% (3/18) had only a schisis-like cavity without subretinal fluid. In the patients managed by observation, visual acuity was ≥20/200 in 6/8 eyes initially and 6/8 eyes at last follow-up. Ten of 18 patients received either focal laser, surgery or both. Six of 10 eyes undergoing surgery had initial visual acuity ≥ 20/200, and 8 of 10 eyes undergoing surgery had a visual acuity of ≥20/200 at last follow-up.

Conclusion

In this study, many eyes were observed and remained stable during follow-up. In eyes with reduced vision, surgical intervention produced variable outcomes, and persistent intraretinal/subretinal fluid was a common occurrence.

A classic temporal optic disc pit showing progression in the corresponding optic nerve fiber and visual field defects

PURPOSE

We report a rare case with a classic temporal optic disc pit (ODP) showing the progression of an associated nerve fiber layer defect (NFLD) with the corresponding visual field defect (VFD).

METHODS

We describe the patient's medical records and review the pertinent literature.

RESULTS

A 54-year-old woman had a temporal ODP, which was considered to be congenital, associated with both NFLD expanded to both the upper and lower sides of the horizontal line and corresponding VFD and a small ODP-like excavation at the 6.5 o'clock position on the disc edge with a narrow NFLD OD. During the 5-year follow-up period, both the NFLD and VFD associated with the temporal pit progressed without serous retinal detachment. The small ODP-like excavation located at the 6.5 o'clock position also showed progressive NFLD in the temporal lower quadrant with advanced VFD, which suggested that the excavation might be associated with glaucoma.

CONCLUSION

Based on the observation that the VFD occupied the two temporal quadrants with no step, an NFLD with corresponding VFD associated with a classic temporal ODP, although not considered to be related to glaucoma, can progress.

Vitrectomy for optic disc pit-associated maculopathy with or without preoperative posterior vitreous detachment

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy with or without preoperative posterior vitreous detachment.

Methods

We reviewed the clinical records of four consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy in one eye for the treatment of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy, with an emphasis on the preoperative condition of the posterior hyaloid membrane.

Results

Two of four eyes were confirmed to have an attached posterior hyaloid membrane, which was subsequently removed during surgery. Following vitrectomy, these two eyes experienced an improvement in visual acuity with complete retinal attachment of the macula. However, the other two eyes, which already had a posterior vitreous detachment at the time of surgery, showed a decrease in visual acuity with persistent maculopathy postoperatively.

Conclusion

Pars plana vitrectomy for optic disc pit-associated maculopathy was beneficial for improving visual acuity in two eyes without preoperative posterior vitreous detachment but not in two eyes with preoperative posterior vitreous detachment. Our study suggests that preoperative assessment of a posterior hyaloid membrane is clinically important in predicting the surgical outcome of optic disc pit-associated maculopathy.

Histopathology of optic nerve pit-associated maculopathy

Purpose

To describe the histopathologic findings of an eye bank specimen containing an optic nerve pit with associated serous elevation of the macula and cavernous atrophy of the optic nerve.

Methods

An eye bank specimen found to have an optic nerve pit with serous elevation of the macula was grossly examined and photographed. The globe was processed for both light and scanning electron microscopy.

Results

The scanning electron microscopic study of this eye with an optic nerve pit revealed holes in the diaphanous membrane overlying the nerve at the edge of the optic pit. Serial histopathology sections revealed a connection between the holes overlying the optic pit and the subretinal space via a schisis-like cavity in the retina.

Conclusion

The discovery of an optic nerve pit with coexisting serous detachment of the macula in an eye bank eye and subsequent pathological evaluation provides support for current theories into the mechanism of the visual loss in this condition. Our finding supports syneretic vitreous to be the source of the subretinal fluid.

Retinoschisis associated with optic nerve pits. 1988

Stereoscopic transparencies studied with magnification and projection suggest that the retinal elevation that communicates with optic pits is frequently a schisislike separation of the internal layers of retina. Thirteen of 15 eyes with optic pits and maculopathy fit the schisis pattern. Separation of the outer layers of the retina is a secondary phenomenon that starts in the macula.

Retinoschisis and macular detachment associated with acquired enlarged optic disc cup

We describe a case of maculopathy consisting of macular retinoschisis and serous macular detachment occurring in a patient with an acquired enlarged optic disc cup, similar to the maculopathy observed in congenital optic nerve abnormalities, mainly optic nerve pits and colobomas, without vitreomacular traction nor angiographic leak. Pars plana vitrectomy with argon laser endophotocoagulation and gas tamponade was found to be useful. Traction from membranes covering deep optic disc cups may create small retinal dehiscences, as described in congenital optic nerve abnormalities, which will enable the liquefied vitreous to pass, leading to retinoschisis with or without associated neurosensory detachment. Vitrectomy, photocoagulation, and gas tamponade may be a useful therapy for this entity.

Function and morphology in macular retinoschisis associated with optic disc pit in a child before and after its spontaneous resolution

Optic disc pit (ODP) is a rare congenital defect within the optic nerve head. Macula elevation associated with ODP develops in 75-93% of the adult patients. Macular involvement in children with optic disc pit is rare, and only a few cases have been published to date. In the present case, we have observed morphology and function of the central retina in a child with ODP-associated macular detachment and following its spontaneous resolution. An 8-year-old white boy diagnosed with a macular detachment in an eye with an ODP. Optical coherent tomography (OCT) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG), as well as visual acuity and visual field, were performed in the follow-up of the unilateral schisis-like retinal detachment. A large retinoschisis associated with ODP in a child showed a tendency to spontaneously resolve at 3 months, which was confirmed on OCT. At this time, an mfERG revealed markedly reduced responses. Despite morphologic reattachment at follow-up and improvement in visual acuity, increased mfERG responses were still not the same as in the fellow healthy eye. In contrast to the OCT which is very helpful to assess the extent of the neurosensory detachment, the mfERG offers an additional tool for follow-up of retinal function in this disorder. The good visual outcome in our patient shows that in the presence of residual retinal function on mfERG and in the absence of further lesions on OCT, follow-up is a valid option in children with an ODP-associated macular detachment.

Autofluorescence and optical coherence tomography findings in optic disc pit-associated maculopathy: case series

The aim of this case series was to report and discuss the clinical, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of four eyes of three cases with optic disc pit (ODP)-related serous macular detachment. Three cases were referred to the retina department of our hospital for decreased visual acuities in four of their eyes. In addition to ophthalmological examinations, OCT and FAF were also performed. ODP-related serous macular detachment was detected clinically in all the eyes. OCT also showed two typical components named as 'bilaminar structure' in all eyes and OCT and FAF photography showed precipitates in the retinal outer layers of the detachment area in three eyes. OCT and autofluorescence photography findings can support clinical observations in the diagnosis of ODP-related maculopathy.

Optic disc pit with peripapillary retinoschisis presenting as a localized retinal nerve fiber layer defect

A 59-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for a glaucoma evaluation. The visual acuity and intraocular pressure were normal in both eyes. However, red-free fundus photography in the left eye showed a superotemporal wedge-shaped retinal nerve fiber layer defect, and visual field testing showed a corresponding partial arcuate scotoma. In an optical coherence tomography examination, the macula was flat, but an arcuate-shaped peripapillary retinoschisis was found. Further, the retinoschisis seemed to be connected with a superotemporal optic pit shown in a disc photograph. After 3 months of a topical prostaglandin analogue medication, the intraocular pressure in the retinoschisis eye was lowered from 14 to 10 mmHg and the peripapillary retinoschisis was almost resolved. We report a rare case of an optic disc pit with peripapillary retinoschisis presenting as a localized retinal nerve fiber layer defect.

Successful surgical management of optic disc pit maculopathy without internal membrane peeling

Optic disc pit is an excavation of the optic nerve head usually seen in association with other abnormalities of the optic nerve, peripapillary retina, or posterior vitreous detachment. In 50% the cases, it might be associated with serous macular detachment. The prevailing theory that explains this disorder is that subretinal fluid which is derived from liquefied vitreous passes through the optic disc pit and elevates the macula. In this study, we report a case of serous macular detachment complicating optic disc pit in a young male patient treated surgically without internal limiting membrane peeling and showed dramatic improvement of vision after 1 year.

Optic disc abnormalities - diagnosis, evolution and influence on visual acuity

Congenital abnormalities of the optic disc are not so rare. The etiology for the most of them is unknown. Visual acuity of affected eye may be minimally or severely affected, depending on the extent of lesion. All of these conditions can be unilateral or bilateral. Children who have unilateral optic disc abnormalities generally present during the preschool years with sensory esotropia. Visual acuity may be unaffected like in optic disc pit, optic disc drusen, fibre medullares, ect. However, during the evolution they may cause a decrease in visual acuity like serous retinal detachment in optic disc pit, atrophy or subretinal neovascularisation in optic disc drusen. Some of them like fibre medullares needs only a good diagnose and they do not have any evolution. Fluorescein angiography and ultrasonography may be crucial diagnostic procedures to discover some of them, like optic disc drusen. Optic disc abnormalities may be associated with other congenital disorders of the eye and often central nervous system malformations. Secondary they may be associated retinal detachment, retinochisis, macular edema, choroid neovascularisation and lipid exudation. Some of these conditions may be found on routine ophthalmologic exam such as optic disc drusen and fibre medullares and often are diagnostically problem. The aim of our study was to present some of our cases with different optic disc abnormalities such as fibre medullares, optic disc coloboma, hypoplasio disc, optic disc drusen and optic disc pit.

Optical coherence tomography of a coexisting optic nerve cyst and optic disc pit: a case report

We describe a rare case of an optic pit located over the nasal portion of the disc that was independent of a coexisting optic nerve cyst. A healthy 35-year-old patient was referred to our clinic seeking alternative treatment options because his previous ophthalmologist had suggested evisceration and orbital surgery for a suspected orbital malignancy. Our examinations revealed a gray lesion located within the right disc cup that was associated with a round lesion at the retrobulbar optic nerve. Based on optical coherence tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings, we believe that our patient exhibited an optic disc pit coexisting with a congenital optic nerve cyst. Because the patient had very good central vision and the lesions were benign, we recommended continued observation for this patient.

Visual improvement after long-standing central serous macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit

BACKGROUND

Approximately 50% of cases of congenital optic disc pits are associated with serous macular detachment. Long-standing serous detachments (over 1 year) with poor initial presenting acuity are usually associated with cystic degeneration of the macula and loss of pigment from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium, with resultant poor visual outcome.

METHODS

A 43-year-old male presented with an optic disc pit and associated serous elevation of the macular region with cystic changes at the fovea.

RESULTS

Over the following 2 years, the patient was aware of an improvement in vision, and acuity improved from 1/60 to 6/18 with resolution of subretinal fluid, as evidenced on optical coherence tomography.

CONCLUSIONS

We report an unusual case of an optic disc pit associated with a long-standing serous macular detachment that resolved gradually over a 2.5-year period and, despite very poor presenting visual acuity, demonstrated eventual visual recovery.

Autofluorescence from the outer retina and subretinal space: hypothesis and review

PURPOSE

To review the pathophysiologic principles underlying increased autofluorescence from the outer retina and subretinal space using selected diseases as examples.

METHODS

The ocular imaging information and histopathologic features, when known, were integrated for diseases causing increased autofluorescence from the outer retina and subretinal space. Inferences were taken from this information and used to create a classification scheme.

RESULTS

These diseases are principally those that cause separation of the outer retina from the retinal pigment epithelium, thereby preventing proper phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments. The separation can arise from increased exudation into the subretinal space or inadequate removal of fluid from the subretinal space. Lack of normal outer segment processing initially leads to increased accumulation of outer segments on the outer retina and subretinal space. Over time, this material is visible as an increasingly thick coating on the outer retina, is yellow, and is autofluorescent. Over time, atrophy develops with thinning of the deposited material and decreasing autofluorescence. The accumulated material is ultimately capable of inducing damage to the retinal pigment epithelium. Diseases causing accumulation of the material include central serous chorioretinopathy, vitelliform macular dystrophy, acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy, choroidal tumors, and vitreomacular traction syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The physical separation of the retinal outer segments from the retinal pigment epithelium hinders proper phagocytosis of the outer segments. Accumulation of the shed but not phagocytized outer segments plays a role in disease manifestations for a number of macular diseases.

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

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.

Documentation of Optic Nerve Pit With Macular Schisis-like Cavity by Spectral Domain OCT

The authors report using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) to observe a patient with an optic nerve pit and macular schisis-like spaces. An 8-microm axial resolution prototype spectral domain OCT and stereo fundus photography were used to observe the patient. A macular schisis-like cavity was present at baseline and additional cystic changes developed in the nerve fiber layer over a period of 16 months; however, the visual acuity remained stable at 20/20. Spectral domain OCT provides greater detail of the changes in morphology and structure of macular schisis and edema associated with an optic nerve pit.

[Optic disc pit complicated by serous macular detachment: a case report]

INTRODUCTION

Optic disc pit is a rare congenital anomaly that, in 60% of cases, can be complicated by serous macular detachment.

CASE REPORT

We report the case of a 56-year-old patient who presented with serous macular detachment caused by optic disc pit and responsible for a deterioration of visual acuity. Intravitreal injection of 0.3 cc of C3F8 and peripapillary photocoagulation was unsuccessful. Vitrectomy, peripapillary photocoagulation, and intravitreal injection of C3F8 helped reduce the serous detachment and improved visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

Optic coherence tomography has become necessary in the management of this pathology whose mechanism is uncertain and treatment unconventional.

Stratus optical coherence tomography for evaluating optic disc pits associated with maculopathy before and after vitrectomy: two case reports

Optic disc pit (ODP) can be either congenital or acquired. Congenital ODP is typically unilateral, and the visual acuity and visual field are normal unless associated with macular serous detachment, which occurs in about 25-75% of cases. Acquired ODP is known as an important risk factor for progressive visual field loss in glaucoma. The fundus finding of congenital ODP includes oval depression involving the optic disc, with or without macular serous detachment. We used third-generation Stratus optical coherence tomography (Straus OCT) to investigate the possible pathogenesis of ODP associated with maculopathy and to monitor the anatomic changes before and after treatment.

Pathological optic-disc cupping

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Pathological optic-disc cupping is most often caused by glaucoma, but may be seen in many less-common neuro-ophthalmic conditions. The goal of this article is to examine a host of entities causing optic-disc cupping, present key differentiating characteristics and pathophysiologies, and outline diagnostic approaches.

RECENT FINDINGS

Multiple entities not associated with elevated intraocular pressure or glaucomatous optic-nerve disease may result in pathologic optic-nerve excavation. Even with the photography and imaging of today, it is still difficult for the clinician to accurately diagnose other causes of optic-disc cupping. Up to 20% of patients may be misdiagnosed and treated for glaucoma due to misinterpretation of the optic-disc cupping. Newer forms of imaging including optical coherence tomography may assist the clinician in decision making. A scrutinizing history, close observation of disc appearance, and the vasculature will aid in the diagnosis of glaucoma or other entity of optic-disc cupping.

SUMMARY

Optic-disc cupping is a consequence of myriad disorders. Knowledge of the anatomy and vasculature of the disc is quintessential to the understanding of how, why, when, and what type of optic-disc cupping occurs in various conditions. Cupping can be seen with neurological processes, including benign tumors, which are treatable. Patient history, visual fields assessment, and funduscopic findings are the key to unlocking the diagnosis of glaucomatous versus nonglaucomatous optic-disc cupping. As clinicians, we must remain vigilant and receptive to the findings of potentially ominous forms of nonglaucomatous optic-disc cupping.

Long-term Results of Vitrectomy without Laser Treatment for Macular Detachment Associated with an Optic Disc Pit

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of vitrectomy and gas tamponade, without laser photocoagulation to the margin of the optic nerve, for the treatment of macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit.

DESIGN

Noncomparative interventional case series.

PARTICIPANTS

Eleven consecutive patients (8-47 years of age) who presented with unilateral macular detachment associated with an optic disc pit.

INTERVENTION

Pars plana vitrectomy, induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), and gas tamponade were performed, with postoperative facedown positioning for 1 week. The presence of a double-layer detachment consisting of an inner layer separation and an outer layer detachment was observed in 10 of 11 eyes either preoperatively or postoperatively. Patients were observed for 10 to 98 months (mean, 47) after surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Anatomic outcome and visual acuity were retrospectively analyzed for all eyes. Optical coherence tomography was used to observe anatomic changes in the macula in some eyes.

RESULTS

Complete retinal reattachment was achieved in 10 of 11 eyes, although these eyes required nearly 1 year to reach this state. The one eye with persistent retinal detachment was observed to have a marked reduction of the detachment by 10 months postoperatively. No recurrences were observed. Visual acuity improvement was documented in 7 of 11 eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that vitrectomy with induction of PVD and gas tamponade, without additional laser treatment, is successful in reattaching the macula and improving central vision in most patients with optic disc pit maculopathy.

STRATUS optical coherence tomography in unilateral colobomatous excavation of the optic disc and secondary retinoschisis

PURPOSE

To report the STRATUS optical coherence tomography (STRATUSOCT) findings in a patient with unilateral coloboma-like excavation of the optic disc without pit but secondary retinoschisis, as well as to discuss the possible involved pathophysiologic mechanisms.

METHODS

Observational case report. STRATUSOCT findings in a 66-year-old woman with a coloboma-like excavation of the optic disc without pit but secondary retinoschisis encompassing the macular region, along with evidence of a mild epiretinal membrane superonasal to the disc were evaluated.

RESULTS

STRATUSOCT showed signs of a connection between the perineural space and the inner retinal layers on the temporal optic disc border, as well as schisis-like changes extending from the disc to the macula, with cystoid degeneration and two lamellar holes in their nasal portion.

CONCLUSION

The use of third generation OCT afforded an enhanced visualization of retinal structures, revealing signs of fluid at several distinct levels, as well as deep and superficial inner breaks apart from the schisis cavity. We are unaware of such previous reports, and could find no reference to them in a computerized search using MEDLINE. In addition, our study supports a common pathomechanism for the development of macular complications in optic pits and colobomas.

Vitreal pathogenic role in optic pit foveolar retinoschisis and central serous retinopathy

PURPOSE

To expand on current theories concerning the vitreal-induced mechanism underlying the development of foveolar retinoschisis and macular sensory detachments associated with optic nerve head pits. To propose the notion that vitreal traction may contribute to the pathogenesis of serous detachments in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).

REPORTS

We describe two patients, one with macular retinoschisis and the other with central serous detachment. The first patient, a 45-year-old Hispanic female, presented with a temporally located optic nerve head pit, foveolar retinoschisis and schisis retinal spaces extending to the surrounding macula and to the disc. The second patient, a 43-year-old Haitian male, developed a central serous retinal detachment OS with decreased visual acuity one day following in-office administration of Apraclonidine (0.5 per cent Iopidine, Alcon) and Dorzolamide-Timolol Maleate (Cosopt, Merck) to lower elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Macular retinal pigment mottling and epiretinal membrane sheen OU had been observed on his initial visit. Visual acuity improved within a three-day period with resolution of the serous detachment.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that the persistence of Cloquet's canal may permit fluid leakage into the proximal vitreous in cases of congenital optic nerve head pits. Tangential vitreal traction may promote the opening of a fistula at the optic pit and additionally thrust vitreal fluid into the pit and retinal space inducing the formation of schisis spaces, foveolar-schisis and underlying sensory serous detachment. We question whether a reduction in vitreous volume, induced by initial administration of anti-glaucoma medications, may contribute to the development and/or recurrence of central serous choroidopathy in predisposed individuals.

Preoperative and postoperative assessment by multifocal electroretinography in the management of optic disc pits with serous macular detachment

PURPOSE

To evaluate the macular function by means of multifocal electroretinogram (MF ERG) in eyes with congenital optic disc pit and serous macular detachment. The evaluation was performed before and after the successful surgical intervention.

DESIGN

Nonrandomized, comparative (self-controlled), interventional trial.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten patients (10 eyes) with optic disc pit with serous macular detachment were treated with the macular buckling procedure and followed up from March 1999 through May 2001.

METHODS

In all patients included in the study, MF ERG was recorded before and after treatment. For recording, the VERIS III system (Visual Evoked Response Imaging System; Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) was used.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The retinal response densities were studied before and after treatment in areas 1 and 2 and were compared with visual acuity.

RESULTS

The MF ERG before treatment showed decreased retinal response densities in all 10 cases. Twelve months after the surgical intervention, the electrical response densities in areas 1 (foveal area) and 2 (parafoveal area) improved. Further improvement was noted in 3 of the 10 patients who completed a follow-up of 18 months after treatment. In 8 of the 10 patients, postoperative visual acuity also increased. In the remaining two patients, visual acuity did not change after treatment, despite improvement of the retinal response densities.

CONCLUSIONS

In eyes with congenital optic disc pit with serous macular detachment, the decrease in retinal electrophysiologic response before treatment was not limited to the fovea, but also involved the perifoveal area. In all 10 eyes 12 months after treatment, the electrical activities in areas 1 and 2 improved. This improvement was not always followed by an increase in visual acuity. In 2 of the 10 patients, visual acuity remained unchanged. The values of retinal response densities before treatment cannot be used alone as a prognostic factor for the postoperative functional retinal results. It should also be stressed that the results of this study cannot be compared with the results of studies where spontaneous resolution of the macular detachment occurred.

Macular hole surgery in an eye with an optic pit

PURPOSE

To report an eye with a full-thickness macular hole and an associated optic pit and the noteworthy intraoperative findings.

METHODS

Case report. A 56-year-old woman presented with visual acuity LE: 20/100, a full thickness macular hole, and an optic pit. Optical coherence tomography and ophthalmic examination were performed preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Although usually a macular hole associated with an optic pit tends to be a lamellar and characterized by outer layer defects within preexisting macular detachments or schisis-like cavities, this type of macular hole was not presented in this case. Although the macular hole resembled the idiopathic type on clinical examination as well as on optical coherence tomography, it could only be closed in the third surgical attempt after using silicone oil as a long-standing tamponade. Peeling of an epiretinal membrane or the internal limiting membrane was not possible during any of the three surgeries.

CONCLUSION

Our observations suggest that in cases of macular hole in association with optic pit, instillation of silicone oil should be considered in the first surgical procedure, especially if no epiretinal membrane or internal limiting membrane peeling is possible intraoperatively.

Optical coherence tomography in optic disk pit maculopathy treated by the macular buckling procedure

PURPOSE

To report optical coherence tomography in optic disk pit maculopathy treated with macular scleral buckling procedure.

METHODS

Twenty six eyes (26 patients) with optic disk pit maculopathy were treated with macular buckling procedure and evaluated with optical coherence tomography. In group 1, five eyes were evaluated with optical coherence tomography before and after macular buckling procedure. In group 2, 21 eyes were evaluated with optical coherence tomography after macular buckling procedure. With optical coherence tomography, cross-sectional, horizontal retinal images were obtained through the fovea and optic disk pit.

RESULTS

In group 1, four of five eyes showed absorption of intraretinal fluid 7 to 9 months after macular buckling procedure. After absorption of fluid, retinal thickness in the foveal center ranged from 128 to 178 microm. In one eye the channel from optic disk to fovea reopened and fluid reappeared. In group 2, 20 of 21 eyes showed absorption of intraretinal schisis and subretinal fluid after macular buckling procedure. After absorption of fluid, retinal thickness in the foveal center ranged from 119 to 216 microm.

CONCLUSIONS

In optic disk pit maculopathy, optical coherence tomography enabled morphologic assessment of the retina before and after macular buckling procedure. In the successfully treated cases the permanent closure of the connection between the optic disk pit and the intraretinal schisis was demonstrated. Eventual disappearance of schisis and subretinal fluid was depicted. It was also proved that the thickness of the macula returned to normal and visual acuity improved.