RESULTS OF MACULAR HOLE SURGERY: Evaluation Based on the International Vitreomacular Traction Study Classification.

Abstract

To evaluate the differences in anatomical and visual function changes after macular hole (MH) surgery using the International Vitreomacular Traction Study classification. Patients who underwent vitrectomy and blood-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling because of MHs were enrolled in the present study. The patients were divided into three groups according to the sizes of their MHs (small: ≤250 μm, medium: >250 μm and ≤400 μm, and large: >400 μm). The effect of vitreomacular traction on the outcome was also analyzed. All the patients were followed for at least 12 months. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity and the outer retina at the foveal area were monitored using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A total of 146 eyes of 146 patients were enrolled. The patients with small MHs showed significantly better mean final visual acuity (mean: 20/58) than patients with large MHs (20/178, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between patients with small- and medium-sized MHs (20/69). Longitudinal analysis showed that the presence of vitreomacular traction was related to a better restoration of the outer retinal structure and visual acuity. Patients with smaller MHs and vitreomacular adhesion had superior final visual acuity and better restoration of the outer retinal structure after MH surgery.