Optical coherence tomography evaluation of idiopathic macular hole treatment by gas-assisted posterior vitreous detachment.

Abstract

To report a case of idiopathic macular hole, with vitreoretinal traction confirmed by optical coherence tomography that was successfully treated by a single intravitreous perfluoropropane (C(3)F(8)) gas bubble injection. Case report. A 65-year-old patient with idiopathic macular hole (stage 2, one eye) received an intravitreous gas injection and was prospectively followed with optical coherence tomography. A complete posterior vitreous detachment was achieved within 6 weeks after gas injection. Visual acuity improved from 20/80 to 20/25 by 10 months of follow-up. Optical coherence tomography disclosed vitreoretinal traction release and macular hole closure. No complications were related to the procedure. This simple procedure can assist a complete posterior vitreous detachment with relief of the hyaloid-foveolar traction, facilitating macular hole closure.