INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE FOR SURGICAL REPAIR OF MYOPIC MACULAR HOLES

Abstract

Purpose: To present the anatomical and functional results of vitrectomy with the “inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique” in myopic macular holes without retinal detachment. Methods: A prospective interventional study of 19 myopic eyes with a spherical equivalent >−6 diopters with macular holes in 18 consecutive patients. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity and spectral domain optical coherence tomography images were evaluated. The main outcome measure was visual outcome and macular hole closure rate. Results: Mean visual acuity improved from 1.2 logMAR to 0.56 logMAR. We confirmed the closure of the macular hole with spectral domain optical coherence tomography in all cases. The closure of the macular hole began in the inner retinal layers, and the architecture gradually filled with tissue. Photoreceptor and external limiting membrane defects improved during the first 12 months after surgery. Conclusion: Vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique may be an effective addition to surgical options for treating myopic macular holes. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images confirm that the process of foveal architectural repair after this surgery continues over at least a 12-month period.