20-gauge and 23-gauge phacovitrectomy for idiopathic macular holes: comparison of complications and long-term outcomes

[Predictive parameters for anatomical surgical success in full-thickness macular holes : A retrospective evaluation of 391 eyes]

BACKGROUND

Full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) is a rare disease. Not all FTMHs can be closed by primary surgical intervention.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to characterize a large patient population with FTMHs and to detect possible predictive factors for anatomical treatment success.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprises a retrospective analysis of all consecutive idiopathic macular holes between March 2008 and June 2019 at the University Eye Hospital Cologne. Epidemiologic data, preoperative parameters (size of the FTMH), and surgical technique were examined in relation to the closure rate following primary surgery.

RESULTS

The anatomical closure rate for idiopathic FTMH after primary surgery was 83.6%. No association between age, gender, and lens status and closure rate could be shown. Regarding anatomical surgical success, the favorable prognostic factors identified were a small FTMH size, short symptom duration, performance of transconjunctival 23-gauge vitrectomy, and application of the inverted flap technique of the internal limiting membrane (ILM).

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment represents a valuable treatment option for patients with macular holes due to good prospects of success. Prompt intervention after diagnosis using 23-gauge vitrectomy and an ILM flap with gas tamponade seems to result in the most favorable outcomes.

Predictive value of ellipsoid zone-related angle parameters in primary surgery of large macular hole: a case control study

BACKGROUND

To explore the predictive value of Ellipsoid Zone (EZ) -related angle parameters for the outcome of primary macular hole surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Patients diagnosed with large macular hole (MH) (minimum diameter > 500 μm) between 2018 and 2021 were enrolled. All patients underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and air tamponade. Spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured in preoperative and 2-week post-operative. Classic and angle related parameters were measured via ImageJ. Angle regularity (AR) were defined as the standard deviation of the angle parameters in vertical and horizontal direction.

RESULTS

Seventy-six eyes were included for analysis; 24 eyes showed an unclosed macular hole at the 2-week postoperative and 52 eyes showed a closed hole. Preoperatively, MLD (P < 0.001), BD (P = 0.009) and diameter of EZ/ELM disruption (P = 0.002 and 0.025) in patients failed to close the hole after primary surgery were significantly larger than those succeeded. EZ-MH (P = 0.018), EZ-NFL (P = 0.006), EZ-GCL (P = 0.004), EZ-INL (P = 0.002), EZ-OPL (P = 0.009) and EZ-ONL (P = 0.011) angles were smaller in patients with unclosed hole. AR of the EZ-NFL (P = 0.009), EZ-GCL (P = 0.009), EZ-OPL (P = 0.023), EZ-ONL (P = 0.048) and Basal-NFL (P = 0.030) angles among the unclosed patients were significantly larger than those of the closed group. EZ-NFL (P = 0.015), EZ-GCL (P = 0.004), EZ-INL (P < 0.001), EZ-OPL (P < 0.001), EZ-ONL (P < 0.001), Basal (P = 0.023) and Basal-NFL (P < 0.001) angles of hole-unclosed patients enlarged significantly after the surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with large macular holes and an increased EZ-related angle and angle AR are more likely to experience unsuccessful outcomes following primary MH surgery. Therefore, EZ-related angles hold potential as valuable parameters for predicting the surgical outcome.

Trends and Hotspots Concerning Macular Hole between 2002 and 2021: A 20-Year Bibliometric Study

BACKGROUND

Macular hole (MH) can severely impair central vision. Although it can be treated with vitrectomy surgery, avoiding recurrence and improving visual acuity are still priorities to be addressed. This study aims to reveal the trends and hotspots about MH.

METHODS

The Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) was used to perform a bibliometric analysis investigating trends of MH research from 2002 to 2021. We evaluated the details of associated regions, institutions, authors, and journals. To construct and overlay network visualizations, VOSviewer software was used.

RESULTS

In total, 1518 publications were collected. Our analysis showed that MH research is becoming increasingly relevant, with Japan achieving the largest number of publications (291), largest number of citations (7745 in total), and highest h-index value (48). Retina published the most publications on this topic, totaling more than the next two journals combined. An analysis of keyword co-occurrence was evaluated, highlighting several novel keywords of interest, such as flap technique, transplantation, epiretinal proliferation (EP), foveal microstructure, and retinal sensitivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Details on MH research were uncovered by comprehensively analyzing the global trends and hotspots over the past two decades, presenting valuable information for future MH research. Japan, the USA, and China hold leading positions in research on this topic. Amendable surgical methods are a potential focus for improving prognosis.

Spotlight on the Internal Limiting Membrane Technique for Macular Holes: Current Perspectives

Pars plana vitrectomy has become the standard procedure for primary macular holes (MHs) repair, including the removal of the posterior cortical vitreous, the stripping of eventual epiretinal membranes, and finally an intraocular gas tamponade. During this procedure, peeling the internal limiting membrane (ILM) has been proven to increase closure rates and avoid postoperative reopening in several researches. In fact, even in large MHs more than 400 µm, the advantage of peeling off the ILM was highlighted by better anatomical closure rates. Nevertheless, some authors suggested that ILM peeling is not always essential, because it generates various side effects in retinal structure and function. Furthermore, the ideal amount of ILM peeling and the most effective strategies for removing the ILM are still subject of research. Different surgical modifications have been reported as alternatives to traditional peeling in certain clinical settings, including ILM flaps, ILM scraping, and foveal sparing ILM peeling. As regards large MHs, the introduction of ILM inverted flap appeared as a game changer, offering a significantly higher >90% closure rate when compared to traditional ILM peeling. Modifications to inverted ILM flap procedures have been claimed in recent years, in order to define the best area and direction of ILM peeling and its correlation with functional outcomes. Moreover, several innovations saw the light in the setting of recurrent MHs, such as ILM free flap transposition, inverted ILM flap combined autologous blood clot technique, neurosensory retinal flap, and human amniotic membrane (HAM) plug, claiming higher anatomical success rate also in those complex settings. In conclusion, the aim of this review is to report how the success rate of contemporary macular surgery has grown since the turn of the century, especially for big and chronic MHs, analyzing in which way ILM management became a crucial point of this kind of surgery.

Ellipsoid Zone and External Limiting Membrane-Related Parameters on Spectral Domain-Optical Coherence Tomography and Their Relationships With Visual Prognosis After Successful Macular Hole Surgery

Purpose: To compare structural diameters of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) bands on spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images between vision-improved (group A) and vision-unimproved (group B) patients, and investigate the connection between these parameters and visual prognosis.

Materials and Methods: Forty-five eyes of 43 patients with idiopathic full-thickness macular hole closed after vitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and SD-OCT were conducted preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month and 6 months postoperatively. Structural and functional parameters were then measured using ImageJ software.

Results: Among structural and functional parameters, the relative reflectivity of EZ and the ratio of continuous ELM and EZ in group A were significantly higher than in group B from the 1-month postoperative visit. At the 6-month follow-up, the diameter of EZ disruption in group A was significantly smaller than in group B, and the relative reflectivity of ELM/EZ was significantly higher than group B. At 6-months, BCVA was statistically significantly correlated with baseline BCVA, basal diameter (BD), macular hole index (MHI), and diameter of ELM/EZ disruption. Change in BCVA from baseline was found to be significantly correlated with axial length and diameter hole index (DHI).

Conclusions: Postoperative BCVA outcome was significantly correlated with integrity, thickness and reflectivity of the EZ band. Patients with smaller diameter of EZ disruption and higher reflectivity of EZ band tended to have better visual outcomes. Given that the EZ band reflects the recovery of mitochondria in photoreceptors, it is a promising parameter for their functional evaluation.

FUNCTIONAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF THE INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE IN SMALL-SIZED AND MEDIUM-SIZED MACULAR HOLES <400 µm

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of an internal limiting membrane flap (IF) in macular hole surgery on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane.

METHODS

Patients were included who had successful surgery for macular hole <400 µm with or without an IF. Main outcome measures were BCVA and restoration of the external limiting membrane and EZ at 12 months.

RESULTS

Sixty patients were included, 36 with conventional peeling and 24 with an IF. The best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.74 (±0.30) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/110 Snellen) to 0.26 (±0.20) (20/36 Snellen) in patients without and from 0.77 (±0.32) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (20/118 Snellen) to 0.18 (±0.12) (20/30 Snellen) in patients with an IF, respectively. There was no difference in the integrity of the EZ and external limiting membrane in patients with or without an IF at either 3 (P = 0.58, P = 0.20), 6 (P = 0.81, P = 0.10), or 12 months (P = 0.60, P = 0.20) or in the BCVA at 3 (P = 0.24), 6 (P = 0.18) and 12 months (P = 0.11). In the multivariable model, only preoperative BCVA (P < 0.01), EZ integrity (P = 0.001), and age (P < 0.01) were associated with the post-operative BCVA.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing surgery for macular hole <400 µm, the use of an IF did not affect the BCVA or the integrity of the EZ and external limiting membrane.

EFFECT OF INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP ON CLOSURE RATE, POSTOPERATIVE VISUAL ACUITY, AND RESTORATION OF OUTER RETINAL LAYERS IN PRIMARY IDIOPATHIC MACULAR HOLE SURGERY

PURPOSE

To investigate the role of an internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap in macular hole (MH) surgery on closure rate, visual acuity, and integrity of the outer retinal layers.

METHODS

Retrospective, nonrandomized interventional analysis in which 117 eyes of 117 patients were included who had undergone pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) and gas tamponade for primary idiopathic MH >400 µm with either conventional ILM peeling or with inverted ILM flap technique at The Royal Liverpool University Hospital between January 2016 and April 2018. Main outcome measures were closure of MH, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 3, 6, and 12 months, and restoration of external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone (EZ) using optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

Macular hole closure rate was significantly higher in patients with an ILM flap (67/68; 98.53%) than in those with conventional ILM peeling (43/49; 87.76%) (P = 0.02). Both groups showed significant improvements in their preoperative to postoperative BCVA at 3 months from 1.07 (0.43) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (20/235 Snellen) to 0.71 (0.34) logMAR (20/103 Snellen) (P <0.001), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.45, P = 0.71). We found significant associations between postoperative BCVA and preoperative BCVA (P < 0.01) and the integrity of the EZ (P < 0.01). In 35 patients who had follow-up to 12 months, there was a significant improvement in BCVA between 3, 6, and 12 months from 0.73 (0.45) logMAR (20/107 Snellen) to 0.53 (0.24) logMAR (20/68 Snellen) and to 0.35 (0.18) logMAR (20/45 Snellen), respectively (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference at these time periods between the two groups (P = 0.62, P = 0.21, P = 0.31). The integrity of the EZ also improved significantly between 3, 6, and 12 months (P = 0.01), irrespective of the presence of an ILM flap (P = 0.58), but with a trend toward delay in restoration in those patients with an ILM flap. The improvement in BCVA at 12 months, taking into account the age of the patient, size and duration of the MH, presence of an ILM flap, and preoperative BCVA was dependent on the state of the EZ (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing primary pars-plana vitrectomy for MH >400 µm, the presence of an inverted ILM flap was associated with a significantly higher closure rate than a conventional ILM peeling. Best-corrected visual acuity showed a strong correlation with the integrity of the EZ and both improved significantly between 3, 6, and 12 months, irrespective of the presence of an ILM flap.

Changes in each retinal layer and ellipsoid zone recovery after full-thickness macular hole surgery

To analyze the changes in each retinal layer and the recovery of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) after full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery. Patients who underwent surgery for FTMH were included. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. A total of 32 eyes were enrolled. Ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, and inner nuclear layer showed significant reductions over time after surgery (P = 0.020, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, respectively), but were significantly thicker than those of fellow eyes at 12 months postoperatively. The average recovery duration of the external limiting membrane (ELM), outer nuclear layer (ONL), and EZ was 1.5, 2.1, and 6.1 months, respectively. Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (P = 0.003), minimum linear diameter (MLD) (P = 0.025), recovery of EZ (P = 0.008), and IRL thickness (P < 0.001) were significant factors associated with changes in the BCVA. Additionally, axial length (P < 0.001), MLD (P = 0.020), and IRL thickness (P = 0.001) showed significant results associated with EZ recovery. The IRL gradually became thinner after FTMH surgery but was still thicker than that of the fellow eye at 12 months postoperatively. The recovery of ELM and ONL may be a prerequisite for the EZ recovery. The BCVA change was affected by baseline BCVA, MLD, recovery of EZ, and IRL thickness. Additionally, axial length, MLD, and IRL thickness were significantly associated with EZ recovery.

A multi-center study of prediction of macular hole status after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling by a deep learning model

Background

To develop a deep learning (DL) model for prediction of idiopathic macular hole (MH) status after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling (VILMP) based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images from four ophthalmic centers.

Methods

Eyes followed up at 1 month after VILMP for full-thickness MH were included. In the internal training set, 920 preoperative macular OCT images (as the input) and post-operative status of MH (closed or open, as the output) of 256 eyes from two ophthalmic centers were used to train the DL model using VGG16 algorithm. In the external validation set, 72 preoperative macular OCT images of 36 MH eyes treated by VILMP from another two ophthalmic centers were used to validate the prediction accuracy of the DL model.

Results

In internal training, the mean of overall accuracy for prediction of MH status after VILMP was 84.6% with a mean area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 91.04% (sensitivity 85.37% and specificity 81.99%). In external validation, the overall accuracy of predicting MH status after VILMP was 84.7% with an AUC of 89.32% (sensitivity 83.33% and specificity 87.50%). The heatmaps showed that the area critical for prediction was at the central macula, mainly at the MH and its adjacent retina.

Conclusions

The DL model trained by preoperative macular OCT images can be used to predict postoperative MH status after VILMP. The prediction accuracy of our DL model has been validated by multiple ophthalmic centers.

Influence of pars plana vitrectomy for macular surgery on the medium term intraocular pressure

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term effect of 20 and 23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods

Study type: Monocentric retrospective cohort study. 249 eyes of 249 patients undergoing PPV due to epiretinal membrane (EM), idiopathic macular hole (IMH) or vitreoretinal traction (VT) were included. The fellow eye served as control. Exclusion criteria were factors known to influence the IOP, such as cataract surgery during follow-up, extended use of steroids, cryotherapy and silicone oil endotamponade. The relative change of IOP (operated vs. fellow eye) at 6–12 months after surgery was defined as primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were the relative change of IOP at 3–6 and 12–24 months. Possible influencing cofactors were analysed using ANCOVA.

Results

The primary endpoint did not show a significant IOP reduction of the operated eye relative to the fellow eye (P = 0.089, n = 84). However, the IOP of the operated eye alone was significantly reduced at 6–12 and 12–24 months after surgery (-0.75 ± 2.80 and -1.22 ± 3.29 mmHg, P = 0.008 and 0.007, respectively). The IOP of the fellow eye was also significantly reduced at the 12–24 months period (-0.75 ± 2.73 mmHg, P = 0.008). In the subgroup analysis, sclerotomy size was a significant influencing cofactor, leading to lower IOP after 20G compared to 23G vitrectomy (P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Pars plana vitrectomy did not induce a significant long-term IOP reduction relative to the contralateral eye. However, we observed a IOP lowering potential in 20G vitrectomy.

Literature Review of Surgical Treatment in Idiopathic Full-Thickness Macular Hole

Purpose

To summarize current surgical techniques for treating primary macular holes (MHs).

Methods

We reviewed publications detailing surgical approaches to primary MHs, briefly described their protocols, and outlined their results.

Results

Currently, the technique for primary MH repair is pars plana vitrectomy, removing the posterior cortical vitreous, stripping the epiretinal membranes, and ending with intraocular gas tamponade. The evident benefit of peeling off the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was clearly shown for MHs at stages 2 to 4 by achieving an anatomical closure rate of >90%, even in large MH up to 650 µm. Newer MH surgical techniques include modification of ILM flap techniques, placing an autologous scaffolding of tissue within the hole, and cell therapy has shown to increase the closure rate of large and chronic macular holes, resulting in modest functional improvement in complicated MHs.

Conclusion

Since the turn of the century, the success rate of modern macular surgery has increased, even for large and chronic MHs. There seems to be no limit to novel concepts in MH surgery, which range from anatomical closure to those proposing natural restoration of visual function via stem cell therapy.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF VITAL DYES AFTER UNEVENTFUL VITREOMACULAR SURGERY

PURPOSE

Vital dyes have become a clinical standard during chromovitrectomy but toxicity remains an issue. We compared the clinical outcome of one supposedly toxic vital dye (AV 17 with 5% mannitol) with a standard vital dye (MBB Dual) and performed a power analysis for future comparative studies.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 270 eyes after chromovitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling because of macular holes. Primary endpoint was loss in BCVA >2 lines and photoreceptor atrophy as seen on optical coherence tomography examination.

RESULTS

In 173 eyes, staining of the epiretinal membrane and extracellular matrix was performed using MBB (Group A), and in 97 using AV 17-M (Group B). The mean BCVA was not significantly different after more than 3 months and also not in the early postoperative period after surgery between Group A and Group B. The number of patients suffering from a decline in BCVA of two lines and more was not significantly higher in patients of Group B. There was not a significantly higher percentage of patients with an inner segment/outer segment defect.

CONCLUSION

Our rather homogeneous study showed no significant difference between both dyes. Thousand five hundred patients would need to be examined to find a significant difference in future studies.

Comparison between Cryopreserved and Dehydrated Human Amniotic Membrane Graft in Treating Challenging Cases with Macular Hole and Macular Hole Retinal Detachment

Purpose

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of cryopreserved and dehydrated human amniotic membrane (hAM) graft transplantation for macular hole (MH) and macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) repair.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective, interventional case series was conducted in two hospitals. Two types of hAM grafts, namely, the dehydrated form (AmnioGen, HCT Regenerative, Taiwan) and the cryopreserved form (AmnioGraft, Bio-Tissue, Miami, FL), were consecutively used in MH surgeries. Anatomical and functional outcomes between the 2 types of hAM grafts were compared.

Results

Seventeen patients (mean age: 62.1 ± 10.0 years, 9 (52.9%) males) were enrolled. Of them, 11 patients had persistent MH, 3 had MH without prior surgery, and 3 had MHRD. A cryopreserved hAM graft was used in 10 patients, and a dehydrated hAM graft was used in 8 patients. One patient used a cryopreserved hAM in the first MH surgery and a dehydrated hAM in the second surgery for extramacular hole with retinal detachment. After a 6-month follow-up, 13 (76.5%) patients had sealed MHs. The average visual acuity (VA) of cases with sealed MHs improved from 1.38 ± 0.62 to 1.12 ± 0.47 logMAR (p=0.03). In the other 4 cases with persistent MH, 3 had graft dislocation and 1 had a reopened MH with graft contraction. There were no significant differences in closure rate (80.00% vs. 71.43%, p=0.68) or VA improvement (0.19 ± 0.37 logMAR vs. 0.15 ± 0.41 logMAR, p=0.85) between the 2 kinds of hAM graft.

Conclusion

This preliminary case series showed that both cryopreserved hAM and dehydrated hAM are feasible alternative grafts for either persistent or recurrent MH. Both approaches have similar anatomical and functional outcomes.

Limited Vitrectomy in Patients with Idiopathic Macular Hole

Background

Partial posterior hyaloidectomy is suggested to minimize traction on the vitreous base and thus reduce the risk of iatrogenic breaks in patients with macular hole and epiretinal membrane.

Aims

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of limited vitrectomy in patients with macular hole.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Fifty-two consecutive patients who underwent macular hole surgery without complete peripheral vitreous removal were included in the study. The improvement in visual acuity, the incidence of retinal breaks and detachment, anatomical results, and intraoperative and postoperative complications of this technique were evaluated.

Results

The median visual acuity was 0.2 (0.1-0.4) before surgery and 0.5 (0.3-0.6) after surgery (p<0.001). None of the patients had retinal breaks or detachments. A sulfur hexafluoride was used in 24 patients (46.2%), and perfluoropropane was used in 28 patients (53.8%). Three patients (5.76%) had revision surgery because of recurrence of the macular hole. We did not observe proliferative vitreoretinopathy or surgery-related major complications in any patient during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Limited vitrectomy without removal of the peripheral vitreous seems to be effective and safe with minimal risk of peripheral retinal breaks and detachment.

Augmented Posterior Hyaloid Adhesion Associated With Retinal Detachment After Macular Hole Repair

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

There remains a low but intractable risk of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) after surgical repair of macular holes (MHs). The purpose of this study is to identify potential causes for RRDs after MH surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively examined a single surgeon series of stage 3 MH repair surgeries during a 5-year period. Clinical data, including preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative evaluations, were reviewed to determine potential causes of RRD.

RESULTS

Of the 332 eyes that received MH surgery, 12 (3.6%) developed postoperative RRD. Seven RRD cases exhibited no evident precursor pathology; however, augmented posterior hyaloid adhesions (APHAs) were found intraoperatively and postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

In MH surgery, APHA increases risk for RRD. During PPV, the vitreous typically separates to the peripheral vitreous base. Some eyes have APHAs near the equator that cannot be elevated, consistent with strong adhesion. The authors believe the high postoperative RRD rate is due to continued hyaloid elevation after surgery. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:635-638.].

Coexistence of Peripheral Retinal Diseases with Macular Hole

Objectives:

To investigate the frequency of retinal tear, retinal hole, and lattice degeneration in peripheral retinal examination of patients with macular hole.

Materials and Methods:

The files of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery with a diagnosis of macular hole at Eskişehir Osmangazi University Department of Ophthalmology between 2008 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 106 patients with primary macular hole who underwent peripheral retinal examination were included in the study. The frequency of retinal tears, holes, and lattice degeneration associated with macular hole was investigated.

Results:

Peripheral retinal examination of 106 patients who underwent macular hole surgery revealed retinal tear in 3 patients (2.8%), retinal hole in 4 patients (3.8%), and lattice degeneration in 10 patients (9.4%). Retinal hole and lattice degeneration were observed concomitantly in 1 patient.

Conclusion:

This study showed that patients with macular hole have concomitant retinal tears and holes, which are also thought to arise due to vitreoretinal traction, at a frequency similar to that in the general population. This result suggests that both the anterior and posterior vitreous may have different pathologies at the same time related to these diseases.

Pathogenesis and Management of Macular Hole: Review of Current Advances

Macular hole has been believed to be a disorder of vitreomacular interface, which forms as a result of abnormal vitreous traction from incomplete vitreous detachment. However, our recent studies demonstrated that dynamic forces, caused by mobile posterior cortical vitreous with fluid currents, exist already at early stages of macular hole development. Therefore, in eyes with flexible vitreous, the contributions of tractional forces due to vitreous shrinkage are unlikely. These facts indicate that in the development of idiopathic macular holes, there is a greater contribution of dynamic forces than has been previously reported. This review also evaluates the recent findings in the assessment of the idiopathic macular holes and the recent therapeutic strategies for optimal management. Inner limiting membrane is considered to improve anatomical closure rate; however, it is still questionable if peeling is necessary in holes less than 250 µm. There are plenty of publications indicating that in the management of small and medium size hole (less than 400 µm), use of long-lasting gas and face-down position is not always required; however, it may be necessary for the treatment of large holes. Ocriplasmin and expansile gas had been reported to be successful for management of small- and medium-sized holes and vitreomacular attachment.

A Combination of Surgical Techniques to Repair a Giant Traumatic Macular Hole

A 38-year-old man with a traumatic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) presented to our eye casualty department with a sudden deterioration of his right eye vision to hand movements over the past one week. The suspected traumatic FTMH was present since he was 13 years old from a direct impact of a golf ball in his right eye and his best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) has always remained at 1/60 Snellen vision. On examination, he had a very large FTMH measuring 1635 µm with central foveal retinal detachment. Pars plana vitrectomy combined with large inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel flap, 5000 Cs silicone oil tamponade, and autologous platelets implantation was performed. Follow-up visits revealed that the FTMH was closed under silicone oil. The silicone oil was removed six months after the surgery and the FTMH remained close with the retina remaining attached. His BCVA was restored to his previous baseline level of 1/60 Snellen vision. With the advent of multiple techniques to repair FTMH such as the ILM flaps, we have combined this technique with older proven techniques such as silicone oil tamponade and autologous platelets implantation to close the giant traumatic FTMH. This case study demonstrates that combining techniques can help close a FMTH that is otherwise deemed impossible in the past.

Iatrogenic retinal breaks and postoperative retinal detachments in microincision vitrectomy surgery compared with conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy: a meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To assess the incidence of iatrogenic retinal breaks (IRBs) and postoperative retinal detachments (RDs) in microincision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) compared with 20-gauge (20 G) vitrectomy.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was performed to find relevant studies and a meta-analysis of the IRBs and postoperative RDs rates after 20 G vitrectomy versus MIVS was conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty-two studies were selected, including 14,373 eyes (6932 eyes in the 20 G group, 7441 eyes in the MIVS group). The meta-analysis demonstrated that the incidence of IRBs was significantly higher in 20 G vitrectomy vs. MIVS (OR = 2.22, 95% CI, 1.93-2.57, P < 0.00001) and in a subanalysis vs. 23 G MIVS (OR = 2.19, 95% CI, 1.87-2.56, P < 0.00001) and vs. 25 G MIVS (OR = 2.27, 95% CI, 1.62-3.18, P < 0.00001). Similar result was obtained in a subanalysis for macular surgery (OR = 2.44, 95% CI, 1.99-2.99, P < 0.00001), and also for sclerotomy-related IRBs (OR = 3.73, 95% CI, 2.55-5.44, P < 0.00001), but not for surgically induced posterior vitreous detachment-related IRBs (OR = 1.59, 95% CI, 0.89-2.84, P = 0.12). The incidence of postoperative RDs in 20 G vitrectomy was significantly higher compared to MIVS (OR = 1.72, 95% CI, 1.21-2.46, P = 0.003) and in a subanalysis vs. 23 G MIVS (OR = 2.45, 95% CI, 1.50-4.00, P = 0.0003), but not for 25 G MIVS (OR = 1.01, 95% CI, 0.63-1.64, P = 0.96). Similar result was obtained in a subanalysis for macular surgery (OR = 1.89, 95% CI, 1.26-2.85, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis demonstrated that MIVS is associated with a lower risk of IRBs and postoperative RDs compared to 20 G vitrectomy.

A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Comparing 20 Gauge and 23 Gauge Vitrectomy for Patients with Macular Hole or Macular Pucker

Introduction

To compare the transconjunctival sutureless 23 gauge (G) pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with 20 G PPV regarding inflammation, safety, visual outcome and patient comfort.

Methods

We included 103 patients with symptomatic macular hole or macular pucker, scheduled for vitrectomy in this prospective, randomized, controlled, mono-center clinical trial. Patients were randomized 1:1 to either 20G PPV (n = 51) or 23G PPV (n = 52). All eyes underwent standard 20G or 23G PPV with membrane peeling. Primary outcome measure was change in aqueous humor flare 3 weeks after surgery compared with baseline. Secondary outcome measures were flare values 2 days and 26 weeks after surgery, subjective discomforts measured with a visual analog scale, best-corrected visual acuity, duration of surgery, intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events.

Results

There was no significant difference in change of flare 3 weeks after PPV [− 1.7, 95% CI (− 6.3 to 2.9), p = 0.466]. Both groups showed a significant increase in flare 2 days after surgery (20G: p < 0.001, 23G: p = 0.002), but only the 20G group after 3 weeks (p = 0.011). The gain in visual acuity after 3 weeks was higher after 23G PPV (4.2 95% CI (0.4–8.0, p = 0.029), but without a difference after 6 months. The duration of surgery was shorter in the 23G group (p < 0.001). Patient comfort 3 weeks after surgery was greater after 23G PPV (foreign body sensation p = 0.002; itching: p = 0.021). However, the rate of complications did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

The primary aim, showing the superiority of the 23G group regarding the change of flare value from baseline to 3 weeks after surgery, was not met, but the level of inflammation decreased faster after 23G PPV. Clear advantages of the 23G PPV were a lower risk of postoperative IOP elevation, a shorter surgery time, faster visual recovery and greater patient comfort in the early postoperative phase.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01969929.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12325-018-0826-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Manchester Large Macular Hole Study: Is it Time to Reclassify Large Macular Holes?

PURPOSE

To evaluate anatomic and functional outcomes of full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) larger than 400 μm following vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peel, gas tamponade, and face-down posturing.

DESIGN

A retrospective interventional case series.

METHODS

A total of 258 consecutive eyes with FTMH larger than 400 μm were enrolled at the Manchester Royal Eye Hospital study over a 5-year period from 2012 to 2017. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy, ILM peel, and gas tamponade. Anatomic success rates were measured. A correlation between macular hole size and closure was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 258 eyes were analyzed. The anatomic closure rate was 89.92%. When divided into quartiles, the closure rate of FTMH was 98% (64/65) in the 400-477 μm quartile, 91% (59/65) in the 478-558 μm quartile, 94% (60/64) in the 559-649 μm quartile, and 76% (49/64) in the 650-1416 μm quartile. Using receiver operating characteristic and area under the curve analysis, the maximum sensitivity and specificity was obtained with a cutoff ≤ 630 μm (sensitivity 76.7%, specificity 69.2%) giving a Youden index (J) of 0.46. One hundred and forty-six eyes (56.6%) improved by 0.3 logMAR units from their preoperative best-corrected visual acuity at 3 months following surgery.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that standard FTMH surgical repair has very high success rate up to 650 μm. It may suggest that there is a need for a reclassification of large FTMH, and new surgical techniques such as internal limiting membrane flaps should be reserved for macular holes larger than 650 μm.

Clinical outcome of 23g Trans-Conjunctival pars plana vitrectomy - a prospective comparison of Phaco-Vitrectomy with only vitrectomy in phakic eyes

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety profile of combined phacoemulsification with 23G pars plana vitrectomy when compared to pars plana vitrectomy alone in phakic patients.

Methods

This study was performed at Al-Ehsan Eye Hospital (tertiary care eye hospital in Lahore, Pakistan) from January 2016 to August 2016. A total of 40 eyes in two equal groups of 20 eyes each, were enrolled in this prospective study. Group-A underwent combined phaco-vitrectomy, whereas Group-B underwent vitrectomy only for various vitreoretinal pathologies. We evaluated the safety of combined surgery, intra-operative and postoperative complications and short term surgical outcome.

Results

The most common reason for vitreoretinal intervention was rhegmatogenous retinal detachment followed by vitreous haemorrhage in combined study population. There was statistically significant difference in best corrected visual acuity pre-operatively and post operatively within the groups and between the groups. The most significant immediate post operative observation in Group-A was enhanced anterior chamber inflammation as compared to Group-B, whereas most signification observation in Group-B was development of visually significant cataract (35%) at 6 months follow-up. There was no other significant sequel or complication difference between both groups.

Conclusions

Combined phaco-vitrectomy is a safe and effective procedure with minimum complication profile and it avoids the need of subsequent cataract surgery.

Comparison of inverted flap and subretinal aspiration technique in full-thickness macular hole surgery: a randomized controlled study

PURPOSE

To compare the inverted flap and the subretinal aspiration technique for full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery.

METHODS

Forty consecutive eyes with a stage IV FTMH were randomly assigned into 2 treatment groups. After core vitrectomy and perimacular internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, in group A, the subretinal remnant macular fluid was aspirated with a 41-G cannula after the air-fluid exchange procedure, while in group B, the technique of an inverted ILM flap was completed. Differences in postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and occurrence of intraoperative or postoperative complications between the 2 groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

All FTMHs were closed after the first surgery with no intraoperative or postoperative complications. In group A, 16 patients (80%) showed improvement of BCVA and 4 (20%) showed stabilization. In group B, 12 patients (60%) had improved BCVA, while 6 (30%) remained stable and 2 (10%) worsened. Postoperative BCVA for group A was significantly better than for group B (p = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS

The surgical techniques had similar rates of closure of FTMH, although BCVA outcomes were significantly better in the subretinal aspiration group.

Macular hole surgery: an analysis of risk factors for the anatomical and functional outcomes with a special emphasis on the experience of the surgeon

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate risk factors for the anatomical and functional outcomes of macular hole (MH) surgery with special emphasis on the experience of the surgeon.

Methods

A total of 225 surgeries on idiopathic MHs (IMHs) performed by 6 surgeons with a mean follow-up period of 20.5 months were reviewed in this retrospective study. Outcome parameters focused on IMH closure, complications and visual acuity improvement. The results of MH surgeries performed by experienced surgeons were compared to those of surgeons in training.

Results

The average MH size was 381 µm (standard deviation [SD]=168). Brilliant blue G (BBG) for internal limiting membrane (ILM) staining was used in 109 (48%) eyes and indocyanine green (ICG) in 116 (52%) eyes. As endotamponade, 20% SF6 was used in 38 (17%) cases, 16% C2F6 in 33 (15%) cases and 16% C3F8 in 154 (68%) cases. IMH closure was achieved in 194 eyes (86%). Mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.84 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (log MAR; SD=0.29, range: 0.3–1.5); surgery led to a mean improvement of 0.40 (SD=0.37) log MAR. Although the MH closure rate was the same using BBG or ICG for ILM peeling, visual acuity improvement was better in eyes peeled with BBG compared to eyes peeled with ICG (log MAR: BBG: 0.38 [95% CI: 0.32, 0.44] vs ICG: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.42, 0.54], P=0.029). Surgeons with previous experience in vitreoretinal surgery of ≥6 years achieved better visual outcomes compared to surgeons with 0–3 years of experience, regardless of the MH size, preoperative visual acuity, time to follow-up or dye used for ILM peeling (0–3 years [0.27, Δlog MAR] vs ≥6 years [0.43, Δlog MAR], P=0.009).

Conclusion

Our results indicate that vitrectomy with ILM peeling performed by non-experienced surgeons is a safe procedure leading to good anatomical and functional results. Very experienced surgeons may achieve even better functional outcomes.

Intraoperative complications of patients undergoing small-gauge and 20-gauge vitrectomy: a database study of 4,274 procedures

PURPOSE

To compare the intraoperative complications between 23-G and 20-G instrumentation in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).

METHODS

This was a retrospective comparative study of 4,274 PPV procedures by the same surgical team between 1998 and 2016. A total of 2,648 operations were carried out with 20-G surgery and 1,626 operations with 23-G surgery. Main outcome measures were the incidence of choroidal haemorrhage, iatrogenic retinal break, and lens touch.

RESULTS

The most frequent surgical indication in both 20-G and 23-G was rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), 38.7% (1,026/2,648) and 45.9% (746/1,626), respectively. The frequency of choroidal haemorrhage was 1.0% with 20-G surgery (26/2,648) vs 0.6% with 23-G (9/1,626, p = 0.16). Subgroup analysis showed the increased risk was present in RRD surgery, 1.6% (16/1,026) vs 0.1% (1/746, p = 0.002), but not in all other indications combined, 20-G with 0.6% (10/1,622) and 23-G 0.9% (8/88, p = 0.46). This increased risk was also true for RRD when excluding combined scleral buckle surgery. There was an increased risk of iatrogenic retinal break in RRD cases undergoing 20-G, 5.8% (60/1,026), compared to 23-G vitrectomy, 1.9% (14/746, p<0.0001). There was no difference in rates of lens touch between 20-G and 23-G.

CONCLUSIONS

23-G microincisional PPV has a lower risk of choroidal haemorrhage and iatrogenic retinal tears than 20-G vitrectomy particularly for eyes with RRD.

Clinical outcomes of 25-gauge vitrectomy surgery for vitreoretinal diseases: comparison of vitrectomy alone and phaco-vitrectomy

AIM

To compare the clinical outcomes of combined 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and phacoemulsification/posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) implantation with vitrectomy alone surgery in patients with various vitreoretinal diseases.

METHODS

A total of 306 eyes (145 with PPV alone and 161 with phaco-vitrectomy) were enrolled in this retrospective analysis. The surgical approach was 25-gauge PPV combined with phacoemulsification and PC-IOL implantation at the same time in eyes in phaco-vitrectomy group and only PPV in eyes in vitrectomy alone surgery group. The main outcome measures were postoperative clinical outcomes included anterior chamber inflammation, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

RESULTS

The most common postoperative complication was anterior chamber reaction which has higher incidence in phaco-vitrectomy group (P<0.001). The mean postoperative 1(st) day IOP of vitrectomy alone group was significantly lower than that of phaco-vitrectomy group (16.3±5.8 mm Hg vs 17.8±8.1 mm Hg, respectively, P=0.02). Hypotony (IOP≤8 mm Hg) was not different between groups in the postoperative 1(st) day (P>0.05). The mean preoperative visual acuity was not different between groups (1.6±0.9 logMAR vs 1.8±0.9 logMAR, respectively, P>0.05). However, the mean visual acuity was decreased in vitrectomy alone group at the final visit compared to phaco-vitrectomy group (1.2±0.8 logMAR, 0.9±0.7 logMAR, respectively P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Twenty-five gauge PPV combined with phacoemulsification surgery is a safe and efficient procedure, which can be preferred in phacic patients with a variety of vitreoretinal diseases compared to vitrectomy alone. Despite improved outcomes, this approach is not free of limitations as anterior chamber complications especially with combined surgery.

Surgical and Functional Results of Hybrid 25-27-Gauge Vitrectomy Combined with Coaxial 2.2 mm Small Incision Cataract Surgery

Purpose. To investigate outcomes after coaxial 2.2 mm small incision cataract surgery combined with hybrid 25-27-gauge vitrectomy in eyes with vitreoretinal disease and age-related cataract. Methods. A single-center, retrospective case series study of 55 subjects (55 eyes) with a mean age of 70 years who underwent combined small incision phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and hybrid 25-27-gauge vitrectomy during the 12-month period to December 2014. Intraoperative and postoperative complications and visual results were the main outcome measures. Results. The mean follow-up period was 6 months (range: 2–18 months). Intraoperative findings were 3 retinal breaks (5.5%). No cases required corneal or scleral suture or conversion to larger-gauge vitrectomy. Postoperative complications consisted of posterior capsule opacification (12.7%), elevated intraocular pressure >30 mmHg (1.8%), and fibrin reaction (5.5%). There were no cases of hypotony (<7 mmHg), IOL decentration, or postoperative endophthalmitis. Visual acuity (mean ± SD) improved from 0.52 ± 0.6 logMAR preoperatively to 0.22 ± 0.46 logMAR at final postoperative visit (P < 0.0001). Conclusion. Surgical and visual outcomes suggest hybrid 25-27-gauge vitrectomy combined with small incision phacoemulsification and IOL implantation is feasible, safe, and effective as a one-step surgical procedure for the management of vitreoretinal pathologies and concurrent cataract.

Optimal management of idiopathic macular holes

This review evaluates the current surgical options for the management of idiopathic macular holes (IMHs), including vitrectomy, ocriplasmin (OCP), and expansile gas use, and discusses key background information to inform the choice of treatment. An evidence-based approach to selecting the best treatment option for the individual patient based on IMH characteristics and patient-specific factors is suggested. For holes without vitreomacular attachment (VMA), vitrectomy is the only option with three key surgical variables: whether to peel the inner limiting membrane (ILM), the type of tamponade agent to be used, and the requirement for postoperative face-down posturing. There is a general consensus that ILM peeling improves primary anatomical hole closure rate; however, in small holes (<250 µm), it is uncertain whether peeling is always required. It has been increasingly recognized that long-acting gas and face-down positioning are not always necessary in patients with small- and medium-sized holes, but large (>400 µm) and chronic holes (>1-year history) are usually treated with long-acting gas and posturing. Several studies on posturing and gas choice were carried out in combination with ILM peeling, which may also influence the gas and posturing requirement. Combined phacovitrectomy appears to offer more rapid visual recovery without affecting the long-term outcomes of vitrectomy for IMH. OCP is licensed for use in patients with small- or medium-sized holes and VMA. A greater success rate in using OCP has been reported in smaller holes, but further predictive factors for its success are needed to refine its use. It is important to counsel patients realistically regarding the rates of success with intravitreal OCP and its potential complications. Expansile gas can be considered as a further option in small holes with VMA; however, larger studies are required to provide guidance on its use.

Photoreceptor Outer Segment on Internal Limiting Membrane after Macular Hole Surgery: Implications for Pathogenesis

Purpose

This report presents a case, which highlights key principles in the pathophysiology of macular holes. It has been hypothesized that anteroposterior (AP) and tangential vitreous traction on the fovea are the primary underlying factors causing macular holes [Nischal and Pearson; in Kanski and Bowling: Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systemic Approach, 2011, pp 629–631]. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) has subsequently corroborated this theory in part but shown that AP vitreofoveal traction is the more common scenario [Steel and Lotery: Eye 2013;27:1–21].

Methods

This study was conducted as a single case report.

Results

A 63-year old female presented to her optician with blurred and distorted vision in her left eye. OCT showed a macular hole with a minimum linear diameter of 370 µm, with persistent broad vitreofoveal attachment on both sides of the hole edges. The patient underwent combined left phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel and gas injection. The ILM was examined by electron microscopy and showed the presence of a cone outer segment on the retinal side. Post-operative OCT at 11 weeks showed a closed hole with recovery of the foveal contour and good vision.

Conclusion

Our case shows the presence of a photoreceptor outer segment on the retinal side of the ILM and reinforces the importance of tangential traction in the development of some macula holes. The case highlights the theory of transmission of inner retinal forces to the photoreceptors via Müller cells and how a full thickness macular hole defect can occur in the absence of AP vitreomacular traction.

Comparison of outcomes between 20, 23 and 25 gauge vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole

Purpose

To compare the results of 20, 23, 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with two different gas tamponades for idiopathic macular hole (MH) in a multi-surgeon vitroretinal practice.

Methods

In this comparative, retrospective, interventional case series, the medical charts of 142 eyes/130 patients were reviewed. Patients who matched our inclusion criteria: eye with stage 2, 3, or 4 MH that underwent 20, 23, or 25 gauge PPV, internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, and fluid-gas exchange from January, 2005 to May, 2012 and had at least 6 months follow-up. The best current corrected visual acuity (VA) and anatomical status of the MH were assessed by optical coherent tomography (OCT) at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after vitrectomy.

Results

The MH closed successfully after primary vitrectomy in 86.5 % (20 gauge), 96.4 % (23 gauge), and 92 % (25 gauge). Preoperative VA median were 20\126 (20 gauge), 20\100 (23 gauge), and 20\80 (25 gauge). At 6 months and 2 years postoperative VA did not differ significantly between the 3 groups (p = 0.570, and 0.054 respectively). However, at 12 months postoperative VA median 20\60 (20 gauge), 20\69 (23 gauge), and 20\40 (25 gauge) differ significantly (p = 0.005) likely due to cataract changes. The final median postoperative VA (at 2 years) in 25 gauge PPV group was 20/40 which was better than final visual outcomes for 20, and 23 gauge PPV groups (20/50, and 20/55 respectively). The different was not a statistically significant. MH closed successfully in 96 % (C3F8), and 88.1 % (SF6) (p = 0.063). Preoperative median VA was 20/100 in both groups of gas. At 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperative median VAs did not differ significant between the 2 groups (p = 0.076, 0.343, and 0.309 respectively). MH closed successfully in (96.9 %) 12-14 % C3F8, and (95.3 %) 15-16 % C3F8 (p = 0.611). MH closed in (82.1 %) 18-20 % SF6, and (96.4 %) 22-26 % SF6 (p=0.053).

Conclusion

Based on the results of this study, 20, 23, and 25 gauge of PPV have similar MH closure rates and VA outcomes. SF6 at 22-26 % or C3F8 at 12-14 % achieved maximum closure rates.

23-gauge versus 25-gauge vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a comparison of surgical outcomes

PURPOSE

This study compared clinical outcomes and complications between 23-gauge (23g) and 25-gauge (25g) transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

STUDY DESIGN

It was a retrospective study using data prospectively defined and collected. 80 eyes underwent 23g transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, and 80 eyes underwent 25g surgery using the same vitrectomy system by one surgeon. Primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), and incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Vision was significantly improved after intervention in both groups (p ≥ 0.0001). There was no significant difference in visual outcomes between the groups (p = 0.43) or in the type and frequency of retinal breaks occurring during surgery (p = 0.63). The 23g group had significantly more patients with a day 1 IOP of <6 mm Hg (p = 0.034) and significantly more patients requiring a sclerostomy suture postoperatively (p = 0.014).

CONCLUSION AND MESSAGE

Both gauges are equally effective for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

Risk factors for posterior synechiae of the iris after 23-gauge phacovitrectomy

AIM

To identify risk factors for the development of posterior synechiae of the iris (PSI) after 23-gauge phacovitrectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed in consecutive Asian patients treated with 23-gauge phacovitrectomy with a 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL) or a single-piece 4 haptics IOL.

RESULTS

A total of 263 eyes from 242 patients were included in the study. Postoperative PSI was identified in 16 (6.1%) eyes. In multivariate analysis, C3F8 gas tamponade, oil tamponade, and long operation time were significantly associated with PSI formation. There was no difference in the incidence of PSI between the groups using two different types of IOL (P=0.779).

CONLUSION

C3F8 gas or oil tamponade and long operation time increased the incidence of PSI after 23-gauge phacovitrectomy. The single-piece 4 haptics IOL, in lieu of a 3-piece IOL, may be inserted into the capsular bag with a comparable incidence of PSI.

Idiopathic vitreomacular traction and macular hole: a comprehensive review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment

Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is a common phenomenon in the aging eye. However, this may be complicated by persistent symptomatic vitreomacular adhesions that exert tractional forces on the macula (vitreomacular traction; VMT). VMT itself may be associated with epiretinal membrane formation and the development of idiopathic macular holes (IMH). Such pathologies may cause visual disturbances, including metamorphopsia, photopsia, blurred vision, and decreased visual acuity, which impact an individual's quality of life. Technologies such as optical coherence tomography allow an increasingly more accurate visualisation of the macular anatomy, including quantification of macular hole characteristics, and this facilitates treatment decision-making. Pars plana vitrectomy remains the primary treatment option for many patients with VMT or IMH; for the latter, peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) of the retina has shown improved outcomes when compared with no ILM peeling. The development of narrow-gauge transconjunctival vitrectomy systems has improved the rate of visual recovery following surgery. Ocriplasmin, by degrading laminin and fibronectin at the vitreoretinal interface, may allow induction of PVD in a non-invasive manner. Indeed, clinical studies have supported its use as an alternative to surgery in certain patient populations. However, further research is still needed with respect to greater understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the development of VMT and IMH.

Microincision cataract surgery combined with vitrectomy: a case series

AIM

The objective of this study was to present the results of combined phacovitrectomy using 1.8 mm microincision cataract surgery (MICS) with special emphasis on the anterior segment complications in this group.

METHODS

Retrospective, single-centre case series involving consecutive patients undergoing phacovitrectomy in a single centre in the United Kingdom during a 6-month period.

RESULTS

A total of 52 eyes underwent combined MICS and pars plana vitrectomy. Intraoperative complications included posterior capsule rupture (n=2), minor iris trauma during phacoemulsification (n=1), iatrogenic retinal tears (n=2), and entry site break (n=1). Postoperatively two cases had significant inflammation, one of which resulted in 360° posterior synaechiea, iris bombe, and raised intraocular pressure. Other complications included mild posterior synaechiae (n=2), posterior capsular opacification (n=3), cystoid macular oedema (n=1), and hyphaema (n=1), which spontaneously resolved. There were no cases of intraocular lens decentration. Two patients who underwent surgery for retinal detachment repair subsequently redetached. Among those having surgery for macular hole, non-closure was seen in one patient and one patient developed a retinal detachment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, sub-2 mm MICS is a safe and effective technique in dealing with vitreoretinal disorders necessitating cataract surgery at the same time.

Predicting visual outcome following surgery for idiopathic macular holes

Since Kelly and Wendel [Arch Ophthalmol 1991;109:654-659] first reported successfully treating macular holes (MHs) using pars plana vitrectomy in 1991, MH surgery has been constantly improved. For example, introducing the removal of the internal limiting membrane considerably increased the closure rate of MHs, and the advent of microincision vitrectomy surgery reduced surgical trauma and decreased patient discomfort after surgery. As modern MH surgery can achieve a higher anatomical success rate and alleviate patients' postoperative distress, postoperative visual outcomes have lately become the primary concern. Informing patients of the expected visual acuity and visual improvement before surgery is ideal, but predicting postoperative visual outcomes is difficult because a large number of factors are associated with them. In this paper, we review previous studies and provide accumulating evidence for the relationship between individual prognostic factors and visual outcomes after MH surgery.