Vitrectomy for retinal detachments with both peripheral retinal breaks and macular holes. An assessment of outcome and the status of the macular hole.

Abstract

To establish the effectiveness of vitrectomy and gas tamponade for treating retinal detachments due to peripheral retinal breaks with an associated macular hole and to discover the status of the macular hole at long-term follow-up. Twenty-three consecutive patients with combined peripheral break and macular hole retinal detachments were treated by pars plana vitrectomy. The main outcome measures were reattachment of the retina and status of the macular hole. Seventy-eight percent of the operations were successful in reattaching the retina initially, improving to 87% after two patients had another operation. Three patients declined further surgery. Long-term follow-up of macular hole status was possible in 16 cases. Closure rate was 31%. Pars plana vitrectomy with gas tamponade is an effective method of treating this form of retinal detachment. Some macular holes close after this surgery.