The design and validation of an optical coherence tomography-based classification system for focal vitreomacular traction

Comparison of the use of internal limiting membrane flaps versus conventional ILM peeling on post-operative anatomical and visual outcomes in large macular holes

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (iFTMH) closure rates following conventional vitrectomy, gas tamponade and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling decrease when the minimum linear diameter (MLD) ≥ 500 microns. ILM flap creation has been proposed to improve closure in larger holes. This study evaluated the anatomical and functional impact of ILM flap introduction to routine practice in iFTMH ≥500 microns.

METHODS

Retrospective, interventional analysis of prospectively collected data of 191 eyes from consecutive surgeries for primary iFTMH ≥500 microns performed by two surgeons between June 2018 and June 2022, during which both surgeons replaced ILM peeling with ILM flap creation. Post-operative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and anatomical closure were compared between Group 1 (ILM peel) and Group 2 (ILM flap) in an intention-to-treat analysis.

RESULTS

Rates of iFTMH closure were greater in the ILM flap group (77/80; 96.3%) than the ILM peel group (94/110; 85.5%) (OR = 4.37, 95% CI = 1.23-15.55, p = 0.023). A non-significant increase in post-operative BCVA improvement was observed in the ILM flap group (p = 0.084). There was no statistically significant difference in final BCVA (p = 0.83). Multivariate logistic regression found only MLD (OR = 0.993, 95% CI = 0.989-0.997, p = 0.001) and ILM flap group (OR = 5.795, 95% CI = 1.313-25.570, p = 0.020) predicted primary closure.

CONCLUSION

ILM flap creation improves closure rates in larger holes and should be considered routinely in iFTMH ≥500 microns. Whether ILM flaps affect post-operative visual function remains uncertain.

Surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular holes within four months of symptom onset yields superior visual outcomes: Results from an Irish patient cohort

PURPOSE

To describe the anatomical, visual, and safety results of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) repair surgery and determine factors influencing outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent primary FTMH repair surgery by a single surgeon over a 3-year period. For comparisons, Snellen visual acuity (VA) was converted to logMAR equivalent. Anatomical hole closure, visual improvement, and final VA of ≤ 0.30 logMAR were the primary outcome measures.

RESULTS

Twenty eyes of 19 patients were included. Mean patient age was 69 years (range 55 to 80 years) and 74% were female. Mean minimum linear diameter (MLD) was 440 μm (range 170 μm to 1200 μm). Mean duration of symptoms before surgery was 16 weeks (range 3 to 39 weeks). 100% of eyes achieved successful anatomical FTMH closure. Mean VA improved from 1.03 ± 0.43 logMAR (Snellen 6/60) preoperatively to 0.35 ± 0.22 logMAR (Snellen 6/15) postoperatively (p = 0.0001). Patients with worse preoperative VA gained more vision than those with better preoperative VA (p = 0.01). Eyes operated on within 4 months of symptom onset were more than twice as likely to achieve a postoperative VA of ≤ 0.30 logMAR (Snellen 6/12 or better) compared to eyes with a longer duration of symptoms (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

FTMH repair surgery was safe and effective, with outcomes comparing favourably with published international studies. All patients benefited from surgery regardless of symptom duration, presenting VA or FTMH size. However, surgery performed within 4 months of symptom-onset was particularly beneficial, highlighting the need for prompt referral and surgery.

Role of Small-Gauge Proportionate Reflux-Assisted Hydrodissection In Elevated Symptomatic Vitreofoveal Traction

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

To describe a new technique to release the elevated symptomatic vitreofoveal traction.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, interventional case series where a new technique of hydrodissection by proportionate reflux property of small-gauge vitrectomy cutter was used in cases of elevated symptomatic vitreofoveal traction as evident on optical coherence tomography. After vitrectomy, an opening was made in the taut posterior hyaloid face around the foveal elevation. Then, the cutter tip was insinuated inside the hyaloid opening, and the port opening was directed toward the tip of the fovea at its hyaloid attachment. The proportionate reflux property of the cutter was then used to cause reflux of cassette fluid. The hydrostatic force thus generated separates the vitreofoveal attachment. End point was separation of vitreofoveal traction.

RESULTS

Seven eyes of seven patients were operated by 27-gauge (n = 3) or 25-gauge (n = 4) vitrectomy system. Mean preoperative and postoperative BCVA were LogMAR 0.44 (20/55) ± 0.14 and LogMAR 0.27 (20/37) ± 0.11, respectively ( P = 0.23). Mean preoperative foveal elevation was 560.86 ± 196.57 μ m, which significantly decreased postoperatively to 251 ± 79.13 μ m ( P < 0.01). VMTs were successfully released in all cases. Mean follow-up was 184.00 ± 80.32 days.

CONCLUSION

Small-gauge proportionate reflux-assisted hydrodissection is an innovative technique for management of elevated symptomatic cases of vitreofoveal traction.

Novel En Face OCT-Based Closure Patterns in Idiopathic Macular Holes

PURPOSE

To determine the postoperative en face OCT pattern of closure in idiopathic macular holes (MHs).

DESIGN

Retrospective, multicentric, observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged > 18 years with a diagnosis of idiopathic MH, with well documented en face OCT images.

METHODS

Baseline characteristics and preoperative OCT and en face OCT parameters like horizontal and vertical minimum linear diameter (MLD), horizontal and vertical basal hole diameter (BHD), hole height, acircularity index, and hole orientation were measured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The type of hole closure on en face OCT, and a comparison of baseline parameters and final visual acuity among the en face closure types.

RESULTS

A total of 64 eyes of 62 patients (24 men and 40 women) with a mean age of 63.8 ± 12.4 years. The median duration of symptoms was 3 months (interquartile range, 1.75-10.5). The eyes had a mean baseline visual acuity of 0.97 ± 0.46 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR). The baseline horizontal MLD was 591.7 ± 219.4 μm and the vertical MLD was 552.9 ± 198.2 μm. Baseline horizontal and vertical BHD were 1240.3 ± 521.1 μm and 1142.1 ± 478.1 μm, respectively. The mean hole height was 394.8 ± 123.2 μm. Two different patterns were noted on en face OCT: round, or linear. A total of 38 eyes had a round/centripetal closure and 26 eyes had a linear closure (17 eyes had a horizontal closure, 7 eyes had an oblique closure, while 2 eyes had a vertical closure). The mean final visual acuity was 0.80 ± 0.43 logMAR (Snellen equivalent of 20/125). Eyes with linear closure (0.76 ± 0.23 logMAR) had a significantly (P = 0.03) better visual acuity than the round closure group (1.07 ± 0.28 logMAR), only in eyes with horizontal MLD of > 650 μm, but not when other MLD cut-offs were used.

CONCLUSION

We describe 2 different patterns of hole closure (linear and round) on en face OCT. Further studies will be required to determine its functional significance.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S)

Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Fovea sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes—Report of unfavourable outcomes of a surgical technique

Purpose

To describe the outcomes of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular holes.

Method

This was a prospective, interventional case series in patients with idiopathic macular holes. Patients underwent fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with the help of a finesse loop. The primary outcome measure was successful anatomical closure. Secondary outcome measures were postoperative improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) or any surgical complications.

Results

The study included 22 eyes of 22 patients (median age of 61 (IQR 58 to 66) years). The median basal diameter of the holes was 1054 (IQR 961.5 to 1278) microns, while the median minimal linear diameter was 697 (IQR 461.5 to 786) microns. Successful anatomic closure was achieved in nine cases out of 22 (40.9%). BCVA improved from 20/125 preoperatively to 20/80 at the end of the follow-up. There was no difference in baseline parameters between eyes with closure, versus eyes with an open hole. One eye had an iatrogenic break in an attempt to reinitiate peeling and create a fovea-sparing flap. One of the eyes had an ERM formation at end of 3 months.

Conclusion

Our outcomes of fovea-sparing ILM peeling in idiopathic macular holes were unfavourable. The residual ILM could be causing tangential traction resulting in non-closure.

Non-vasogenic cystoid maculopathies

Besides cystoid macular edema due to a blood-retinal barrier breakdown, another type of macular cystoid spaces referred to as non-vasogenic cystoid maculopathies (NVCM) may be detected on optical coherence tomography but not on fluorescein angiography. Various causes may disrupt retinal cell cohesion or impair retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller cell functions in the maintenance of retinal dehydration, resulting in cystoid spaces formation. Tractional causes include vitreomacular traction, epiretinal membranes and myopic foveoschisis. Surgical treatment does not always allow cystoid space resorption. In inherited retinal dystrophies, cystoid spaces may be part of the disease as in X-linked retinoschisis or enhanced S-cone syndrome, or occur occasionally as in bestrophinopathies, retinitis pigmentosa and allied diseases, congenital microphthalmia, choroideremia, gyrate atrophy and Bietti crystalline dystrophy. In macular telangiectasia type 2, cystoid spaces and cavitations do not depend on the fluid leakage from telangiectasia. Various causes affecting RPE function may result in NVCM such as chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and paraneoplastic syndromes. Non-exudative age macular degeneration may also be complicated by intraretinal cystoid spaces in the absence of fluorescein leakage. In these diseases, cystoid spaces occur in a context of retinal cell loss. Various causes of optic atrophy, including open-angle glaucoma, result in microcystoid spaces in the inner nuclear layer due to a retrograde transsynaptic degeneration. Lastly, drug toxicity may also induce cystoid maculopathy. Identifying NVCM on multimodal imaging, including fluorescein angiography if needed, allows guiding the diagnosis of the causative disease and choosing adequate treatment when available.

Macular Hole Detection Using a New Hybrid Method: Using Multilevel Thresholding and Derivation on Optical Coherence Tomographic Images

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a noninvasive imaging test. OCT imaging is analogous to ultrasound imaging, except that it uses light instead of sound. In this type of image, microscopic quality intratissue images are provided. In addition, fast and direct imaging of tissue morphology and reproducibility of results are the advantages of this imaging. Macular holes are a common eye disease that leads to visual impairment. The macular perforation is a rupture in the central part of the retina that, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss. A novel method for detecting macular holes using OCT images based on multilevel thresholding and derivation is proposed in this paper. This is a multistep method, which consists of segmentation, feature extraction, and feature selection. A combination of thresholding and derivation is used to diagnose the macular hole. After feature extraction, the features with useful information are selected and finally the output image of the macular hole is obtained. An open-access data set of 200 images with the size of 224 × 224 pixels from Sankara Nethralaya (SN) Eye Hospital, Chennai, India, is used in the experiments. Experimental results show better-diagnosing results than some recent diagnosing methods.

FOVEAL SPARING INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING FOR IDIOPATHIC MACULAR HOLES: EFFECTS ON ANATOMICAL RESTORATION OF THE FOVEA AND VISUAL FUNCTION

PURPOSE

Muller cells seem to be important in maintaining foveal morphology through connections between their foot processes and the internal limiting membrane (ILM). Internal limiting membrane peeling causes Muller cell trauma. We hypothesized that leaving a rim of unpeeled ILM around idiopathic macular holes undergoing vitrectomy surgery would improve postoperative foveal morphology and vision.

METHODS

Prospective pilot study of fovea-sparing ILM peeling in a consecutive cohort of patients with macular holes over a 12-month period. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters best-corrected visual acuity were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively, and foveal morphology and metamorphopsia postoperatively. The foveal sparing group was compared with a second consecutive cohort who received standard ILM peeling (control group).

RESULTS

Thirty-four eyes of 34 patients were included in each group. Groups showed no significant preoperative differences. 34/34 holes were successfully closed with surgery in the foveal sparing group and 32/34 in the control group. The foveal sparing group showed better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (67.7 vs. 63.8, P = 0.003) and best-corrected visual acuity improvement (25.1 vs. 20.2, P = 0.03). The foveal sparing group demonstrated thicker minimum foveal thickness (211 vs. 173 μm, P = 0.002) and less steep foveal depression (158 vs. 149, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Preserving nonpeeled ILM around macular holes resulted in a high closure rate, improved foveal morphology, and better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity. An appropriately powered randomized controlled study is warranted.

Determinants of vitreomacular traction width: associations with foveal floor width and vitreoretinal interface changes

To investigate the relationship between vitreomacular traction (VMT) width, foveal floor width (FFW) and other anatomical characteristics between eyes of patients with VMT. Retrospective observational study of unilateral and bilateral VMT cases from two specialist ophthalmic centres in the United Kingdom (UK) between 2016 and 2018. For unilateral VMT cases: VMT width in the affected eye and FFW in the non-affected fellow eye were measured. In bilateral VMT cases: VMT width in both eyes was measured. In all cases, the presence of any associated inner or outer retinal, and vitreoretinal interface (VRI) changes, including epiretinal membrane, was also documented. 88 patients fulfilled the study criteria: 57 having unilateral and 31 bilateral VMT. For unilateral VMT cases, log (VMT) width was significantly correlated with FFW (r = 0.347, p = 0.008). Using stepwise linear regression, FFW (p = 0.004) and VRI changes (p = 0.03) were both significantly associated with VMT width with a R² of 0.21. In bilateral VMT cases, there was strong positive correlation between log (VMT) width (r = 0.88, p < 0.001), and the presence of any VRI (r = 0.90, p < 0.001) or outer retinal changes (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) between the two eyes. These findings suggest that individual variations in foveal morphology as measured by the FFW, along with the presence of vitreoretinal interface changes, are associated with the extent of VMT width. VMT width, VRI and outer retinal changes were also highly correlated between eyes in bilateral VMT, suggesting that individual patient factors, which may be genetic or acquired, determine their presence and extent.

The Association between Foveal Floor Measurements and Macular Hole Size

PURPOSE

Determining which factors influence idiopathic macular hole (MH) size is important because it is a major prognostic indicator of treatment success. Foveal pit morphologic features are highly symmetrical within individuals and may influence idiopathic MH size. Using a series of patients with unilateral idiopathic MHs, we examined the foveal floor size of the fellow eye to evaluate its relationship with idiopathic MH size and postoperative outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred forty-one participants with a unilateral idiopathic MH treated with surgery and a fellow eye with no ocular pathologic features.

METHODS

Both eyes underwent spectral-domain (SD) OCT imaging at the time of surgery. Minimum linear diameter (MLD) and base diameter (BD) defined idiopathic MH size. Foveal floor width (FFW) and minimal foveal thickness defined foveal pit morphologic features of the fellow eye.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Baseline characteristics, SD OCT measurements, and preoperative variables were compared to determine their relationship with idiopathic MH size and postoperative visual acuity (VA) in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units.

RESULTS

Foveal floor width was correlated with MLD (r = 0.36; P ≤ 0.001) and BD (r = 0.30; P ≤ 0.001), but not postoperative VA. Minimum linear diameter correlated with preoperative VA (r = 0.49; P ≤ 0.0001) and postoperative VA (r = 0.54; P ≤ 0.0001). A 2-stage regression model was developed to predict postoperative VA (r² = 0.28): preoperative VA (β = 0.36; P = 0.002) explained 13% of variability and MLD (β = 0.29; P = 0.002), and idiopathic MH duration (β = 0.23; P = 0.004) explained a further 16%.

CONCLUSIONS

Foveal floor width of the fellow eye in patients with a unilateral idiopathic MH was correlated significantly with idiopathic MH size and may explain some of the variability in idiopathic MH size observed between individuals. However, FFW could not predict postoperative vision.

SIGNIFICANCE OF PREOPERATIVE EXTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE HEIGHT ON VISUAL PROGNOSIS IN PATIENTS UNDERGOING MACULAR HOLE SURGERY

PURPOSE

To investigate the association between the vertical elevation of the external limiting membrane (ELM) and visual outcome in patients undergoing surgery for idiopathic full-thickness macular hole.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing vitrectomy to treat macular hole. The greatest vertical height of the central ELM above the retinal pigment epithelium (ELM height) was measured on spectral domain optical coherence tomography preoperatively. The relationship of ELM height to other preoperative and postoperative variables, including macular hole width and height, and visual acuity was analyzed.

RESULTS

Data from 91 eyes of 91 patients who had undergone successful hole closure were included. The mean ELM height was 220 μm (range 100-394). There were significant correlations between the ELM height and the diameter of the hole, hole height, and worsening preoperative visual acuity. For holes less than 400 μm in width, better postoperative visual acuity was significantly predicted by a lower ELM height.

CONCLUSION

The ELM height varies widely in idiopathic macular hole. It is higher in eyes where the hole is wider and also when the hole itself is higher. For holes of less than 400 μm in width, a lower ELM height is a strong independent predictor of a good postoperative outcome.

Factors affecting anatomical and visual outcome after macular hole surgery: findings from a large prospective UK cohort

OBJECTIVES

To reassess the definition of a large macular hole, factors predicting hole closure and post-surgery visual recovery.

DESIGN

Database study of 1483 primary macular hole operations. Eligible operations were primary MH operations treated with a vitrectomy and a gas or air tamponade. Excluded were eyes with a history of retinal detachment, high myopia, previous vitrectomy or trauma.

RESULTS

A higher proportion of operations were performed in eyes from females (71.1%) who were 'on average' younger (p < 0.001), with slightly larger holes (p < 0.001) than male patients. Sulfur hexafluoride gas was generally used for smaller holes (p < 0.001). From 1253 operations with a known surgical outcome, successful hole closure was achieved in 1199 (96%) and influenced by smaller holes and complete ILM peeling (p < 0.001), but not post-surgery positioning (p = 0.072). A minimum linear diameter of ~500 μm marked the threshold where the success rate started to decline. From the 1056 successfully closed operations eligible for visual outcome analysis, visual success (defined as visual acuity of 0.30 or better logMAR) was achieved in 488 (46.2%) eyes. At the multivariate level, the factors predicting visual success were better pre-operative VA, smaller hole size, shorter duration of symptoms and the absence of AMD.

CONCLUSIONS

Females undergoing primary macular hole surgery tend to be younger and have larger holes than male patients. The definition of a large hole should be changed to around 500 μm, and patients should be operated on early to help achieve a good post-operative VA.

Anatomical configurations of vitreomacular traction syndrome: influence on clinical course and surgical outcomes

PURPOSE

To develop a new classification system for vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome according to spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging and to investigate the clinical course of VMT patients.

METHODS

This study included 68 eyes of 68 consecutive patients who were followed with observation or treated with vitrectomy for idiopathic VMT. Eyes were classified into one of three groups according to SD-OCT findings: group A (foveal pseudocyst, which was defined as the formation of cystoid cavity located in the inner part of the central fovea along with foveal thickening), group B (parafoveal retinoschisis, which was defined as intraretinal cysts or clefts along with no apparent foveal thickening), and group C (outer retinal dehiscence at the fovea, which is sometimes accompanied by foveal thinning). The minimum required follow-up period was 1 year. Clinical course and anatomical and functional outcomes were compared among the groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven eyes (39.7%) were included in group A, 22 eyes (32.4%) were included in group B, and 19 eyes (27.9%) were included in group C. Among the 24 eyes that were managed by observation, a significantly larger percentage of patients in group A (6/10 [60%]) exhibited more spontaneous resolution of VMT compared with those in groups B (9.1%) or C (0%) (P = 0.010). In the 44 eyes that were managed with vitrectomy, a significantly larger percentage of patients in group C (4/16 [25%]) experienced subsequent full-thickness macular hole development following vitrectomy compared with those in groups B (0%) or C (0%) (P = 0.014). The percentage of patients with photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment disruption was significantly reduced in group A after vitrectomy, with group C exhibiting the lowest recovery rate. Postoperatively, group A experienced a significantly better visual outcome than group C (P = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

A novel configuration system offering insight into the clinical course of VMT is proposed. According to this system, anatomical and functional outcomes were favorable in group A and worse in group C.

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.

Central perpendicular line in macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in five eyes

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to report a rare spectral-domain optical coherence tomography finding in the macula.

METHODS

This is a descriptive consecutive case series. Patients diagnosed with hyperreflective central perpendicular line in the macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were included. Best-corrected visual acuity assessment, standard Amsler grid test, biomicroscopic examination and macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed.

RESULTS

We examined three men and one woman, aged 56 to 91 years (average age: 75.25 years). Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed a hyperreflective central perpendicular line in five eyes accompanied by vitreofoveal adhesion in all of them. In two eyes, we observed a lifting of the ellipsoid zone, and in one eye the external limiting membrane was also pulled. In one eye, a subtle lifting of the interdigitation zone was revealed. In another eye, we also found a triangular foveolar detachment of the interdigitation zone. Snellen's best-corrected visual acuity ranged from 0.2 to -0.1 logMAR (average of 0.006 logMAR). Amsler grid test was unremarkable in four eyes and metamorphopsia was detected in one eye. One eye developed a full-thickness macular hole several weeks after the phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

CONCLUSION

The presence of a central perpendicular line can be revealed by the macular spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. We hypothesize that this finding could be considered as a sign of vitreomacular traction. In our patients, best-corrected visual acuity was only mildly reduced, and Amsler grid test was affected in only one eye.

Incidence and prevalence of vitreomacular traction with and without macular hole in Germany

PURPOSE

Symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (sVMA) comprises vitreomacular traction (VMT) and stage 1 and 2 full-thickness macular holes (MHs) associated with vitreomacular adhesion (VMA). We aimed to estimate the incidence and prevalence of sVMA in Germany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the incidence and prevalence of sVMA based on international epidemiologic studies, weighted for study size and then averaged across eligible studies. A second systematic review aimed to estimate the proportion of vitrectomy undertaken for sVMA in Germany. This was combined with the reported number of vitrectomies in Germany in 2016 to estimate the number of patients undergoing vitrectomy for sVMA.

RESULTS

The prevalence of sVMA is 1,365 per 100,000 population, with an incidence of 6.96 per 100,000 per year. For Germany, this translates to 1,119,300 cases, with 5,700 new cases reported annually. Analyzing the national hospital statistics, ~2,300 patients undergo vitrectomy due to sVMA in Germany each year, of which about 1,700 patients have VMT.

CONCLUSION

Incidence figures, driven by patients presenting to clinic, are much lower than expected based on population-based studies, suggesting that many patients with sVMA exist outside of the clinic system.

Intravitreal gas for symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion: a synthesis of the literature

Symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (sVMA) is defined as visual loss secondary to foveal damage from vitreomacular traction (VMT) and includes isolated VMT, impending macular hole (MH), and full-thickness MH with persisting vitreous attachment. Management options include pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), intravitreal ocriplasmin, intravitreal gas injection or observation. This synthesis of the literature aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravitreal gas for sVMA. Articles describing patients with VMT or MH treated with intravitreal expansile gas were selected by systematic literature review using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) up to September 2016. The main outcomes at 1 month and final review were logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity (VA), anatomical success (absence of both VMT and MH, without PPV) and adverse events (AEs). The intended comparator was observation. Nine of 106 identified articles were eligible, and none were randomized controlled trials. The mean VA of 91 eyes improved from 0.55 (Snellen equivalent 6/21) to 0.48 (6/18) logMAR at 1 month and to 0.35 (6/13) logMAR at final review. The mean VA at final review, prior to a vitrectomy, was 0.42 (6/16). Anatomic success was 48% at 1 month and 57% at final review. The reported AEs comprised retinal detachment in two highly myopic eyes. Intravitreal gas injection can relieve sVMA. Larger controlled studies are needed to determine safety and efficacy relative to observation, ocriplasmin, or vitrectomy.

Incidence of Macular Holes in the Fellow Eye without Vitreomacular Detachment at Baseline

PURPOSE

To determine the rate of macular holes (MH) occurring in the fellow eyes of eyes with MH depending on the vitreomacular interface at baseline.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of patients operated on for idiopathic MH, with persistent vitreofoveal attachment in the fellow eye assessed by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Follow-up lasted 6 months or more, and the main outcome was the occurrence of an MH.

RESULTS

The 77 fellow eyes included had a mean follow-up of 34.11 ± 22.3 months (6-78.4). At baseline, 31 eyes had vitreomacular traction (VMT), 35 vitreomacular adhesion, and 11 no posterior vitreous detachment. MH occurred in 19.5% of the cases (15/77). The rate of MH was significantly higher among the eyes with VMT than among the eyes without VMT at baseline (35.5 vs. 8.7%; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

One-third of eyes with VMT at baseline identified by SD-OCT will develop an MH in the following 5 years.

Pneumatic release of focal vitreomacular traction

PurposeTo study the efficacy of a single intravitreal injection of expansile gas as a valuable alternative to current treatment options (conservative, pharmacological, and surgical) in patients with symptomatic, focal vitreomacular traction (VMT).Patients and methodsThis study comprises a retrospective, interventional case series of patients. Twenty eyes in seventeen patients with symptomatic and persisting focal VMT were treated in an outpatient setting with an intravitreal gas injection of 0.2 ml. In 19 eyes, 100% hexafluoroethane (C₂F₆) was used. One eye received sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). To all but three patients posturing advice was given. Patients were reviewed with a full-eye examination and ocular coherence tomography (OCT) after 14 days and later. The primary outcome measure was the release of VMT on OCT.ResultsIn 17 of the 20 (85.0%) treated eyes, a release of VMT was achieved as documented on OCT. The release of VMT was diagnosed during the first month after injection in 11 eyes of 11 patients and within 3 months in 16 eyes of 15 patients. In all but five of our patients, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable or improved. In four patients, the progression or development of cataract was the probable cause of the decrease in BCVA. One patient developed a stage II macular hole after injection and needed vitrectomy. None of the treated patients developed retinal breaks.ConclusionIntravitreal expansile gas injection could offer a minimally invasive, low-cost alternative treatment in patients with symptomatic, persisting VMT. Additional studies on a larger number of patients are required.

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.