Acute full-thickness macular hole after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Abstract

To report the occurrence of a full-thickness macular hole in the early postoperative period after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of eyes referred for treatment of a full-thickness macular hole after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery. In a 4-year period, five eyes with acute full-thickness macular hole after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery were examined. Metamorphopsia and vision loss had occurred 2 to 8 (mean, 4.4) days after phacoemulsification. All eyes had attained normal corrected vision on day 1 postoperatively. A stage 2 full-thickness macular hole was present in four of the five, and a stage 3 full-thickness macular hole in one of the five eyes with acuities of 20/60--20/120 (median, 20/80). All five eyes had successful closure with early primary full-thickness macular hole surgery with visual improvement to 20/20-- 20/60 (median, 20/40). Full-thickness macular hole may occur rarely during the early postoperative period after uncomplicated phacoemulsification, and early diagnosis and full-thickness macular hole surgery carries a favorable prognosis. The mechanisms underlying macular hole formation in these eyes are unclear.