Foveal-Sparing ILM Peeling with ILM Flap Transposition over the Macular Hole for Repair of Full-Thickness Macular Holes.

BACKGROUND: Full-thickness macular holes, defined as full-thickness defects of the fovea, lead to central scotoma and deterioration of vision. Apart from peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM), ILM flap techniques have been reported to have potential in improving results in macular hole surgery. In addition, foveal-sparing ILM peeling gives a high macular hole closure rate and improvement in postoperative visual acuity. The aim of this study was to examine outcomes in a cohort of patients with full-thickness macular holes that underwent vitrectomy with foveal-sparing ILM peeling and transposition of an ILM flap over the macular hole. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients scheduled for pars plana vitrectomy with foveal-sparing ILM peeling, combined with ILM flap transposition over the macular hole, for macular hole repair. All patients received a gas tamponade with 20% sulphur hexafluoride and were encouraged to undergo postoperative face-down positioning for 48 hours after surgery. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the macula and distance-corrected visual acuity (DCVA) were performed before and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: In total, 42 eyes of 42 patients were included in this study. Leaving a broad area of residual ILM at the foveal rim led to a high risk of failure in macular hole closure, while leaving a narrow zone of residual ILM at the foveal rim resulted in high macular hole closure rates (97% type 1 closure and 3% type 2 closure), with a median improvement of DCVA of 4 lines [interquartile range (IQR): 3 to 6] among pseudophakic and 3.5 lines (IQR: 2 to 5) among phakic patients. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of foveal-sparing ILM peeling with ILM flap techniques was shown to be a safe and effective surgical option for patients with full-thickness macular holes, resulting in a high macular hole closure rate and improvement in visual acuity in the majority of patients.

The contribution of the proximity of the retinal detachment to the fovea for postoperative metamorphopsia after 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy for the primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical factors contributing to metamorphopsia after 27-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (27GPPV) for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) to reveal whether the proximity of the preoperative retinal detachment to the fovea is associated with postoperative metamorphopsia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 77 eyes of 77 patients after 27GPPV for RRD. Patients were subdivided into three groups using optical coherence tomography findings: Group A, patients with RRD outside the vascular arcade; Group B, patients whose condition was present within the vascular arcade, but without foveal detachment; and Group C, patients with foveal detachment. RESULTS: The average metamorphopsia score (°) assessed with M-charts 12 months after surgery was 0.01 ± 0.04 in Group A (24 eyes), 0.08 ± 0.18 in Group B (20 eyes), and 0.49 ± 0.48 in Group C (33 eyes) (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that metamorphopsia at 12 months after surgery significantly correlated with the proximity of the retinal detachment to the fovea (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Metamorphopsia after 27GPPV for RRD correlated with the proximity of the preoperative retinal detachment to the fovea. Attention should be paid to the possibility of postoperative metamorphopsia development when retinal detachment is present within a vascular arcade even if the fovea is not involved.

NOVEL SURGICAL TECHNIQUE TO REMOVE RETAINED SUBFOVEAL PERFLUOROCARBON LIQUID.

PURPOSE: To describe a novel surgical technique to remove retained subfoveal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL). METHODS: After setting up for 23-G pars plana vitrectomy, a 38-G flexible-tip macular hydrodissection cannula connected to the automated viscous fluid infusion kit was used to create a small retinotomy approximately 700 µm to 800 µm inferior to the fovea and induce macular detachment involving the retained PFCL bubble. The flexible cannula was bent at its junction with the shaft and was carefully advanced through the same retinotomy into the subretinal space to access and directly aspirate the retained subfoveal PFCL bubble. Fluid-air exchange was then performed, and surgery was concluded. RESULTS: The retained subfoveal PFCL bubble was successfully removed with restoration of normal foveal architecture on optical coherence tomography and with objective and subjective improvement of central vision. CONCLUSION: We report a novel surgical technique combining macular detachment with direct aspiration of the retained subfoveal PFCL without direct perforation of the foveal center. This technique may provide an alternative approach to manage this difficult complication.

Effect of Foveal Vitreous Cortex Removal to Prevent Epiretinal Membrane after Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of foveal vitreous cortex removal during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) on the prevention of postoperative epiretinal membrane (ERM) development without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. DESIGN: Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 105 consecutive eyes of 105 patients who underwent primary PPV for RRD between September 2018 and August 2019 and were followed for at least 6 months. METHODS: The presence of foveal vitreous cortex during PPV was determined by examining the images obtained by a widefield viewing system in 52 eyes (WF group) operated in the first half of the study period and obtained by a high-magnification floating lens in 53 eyes (FL group) operated in the latter half of the study period. Triamcinolone acetonide was used to make the vitreous cortex more visible during PPV. The foveal vitreous cortex was removed if detected by forceps with a high-magnification floating lens without ILM peeling or use of dye staining. The presence of postoperative ERM was examined by using OCT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The rate of detected and removed foveal vitreous cortex during PPV and the incidence of postoperative ERM of each group. RESULTS: The rate of detected and removed foveal vitreous cortex during PPV was significantly higher in the FL group than in the WF group (41.5% vs. 15.4%, P = 0.004). The incidence of postoperative ERM was significantly lower in the FL group than in the WF group (1.9% vs. 13.5%, P = 0.03). None of the eyes required additional surgery for the postoperative ERM during the follow-up period. The retinal reattachment rate was not significantly different (98.1% vs. 100%, P = 0.99), and the final retinal attachment rate was 100% in both groups. A dissociated optic nerve fiber layer appearance and a temporal macular thinning were not detected postoperatively in any of the eyes with removal of the foveal vitreous cortex during PPV. CONCLUSIONS: The detection and removal of foveal vitreous cortex with the high-magnification floating lens during PPV for RRD significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative ERM without adverse findings.

Fovea-Sparing as Opposed to Total Peeling of Internal Limiting Membrane for Myopic Foveoschisis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

TOPIC: The effectiveness of fovea-sparing (FS) peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM) to treat myopic foveoschisis (MF) has not been understood fully. The present meta-analysis aimed to compare postoperative visual and anatomic outcomes between FS peeling and total peeling (TP) of ILM in pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of MF. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Postoperative macular hole (MH) development is not uncommon and is a serious complication after surgery for MF, with poor visual prognosis. Fovea-sparing peeling of ILM is expected to reduce the risk of postoperative MH; however, no statistically significant evidence exists to prove this hypothesis. In addition, its effect on postoperative visual acuity has not been clear. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and EMBASE were reviewed systematically, and studies that compared FS with total ILM peeling in MF surgery were retrieved. The protocol was registered in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier, CRD42020201675). Primary outcome measures were the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and frequency of postoperative MH development. Certainty of evidence was evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Eight studies with 300 eyes from 289 patients were included. All studies were nonrandomized and observational. The postoperative BCVA was significantly better in eyes treated with FS (mean difference [MD], -0.15 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.24 to -0.05 logMAR; P = 0.002). The risk of postoperative MH was significantly lower in the FS group (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.06-0.56; P = 0.003). No significant difference was found in postoperative central foveal thickness (MD, 12.59 µm; 95% CI, -2.8 to 28.0 µm; P = 0.11). The certainty of evidence regarding lower frequency of postoperative MH after FS peeling was considered moderate, whereas the certainty regarding better postoperative BCVA after FS peeling was judged to be low. DISCUSSION: Fovea-sparing peeling may contribute to better visual acuity outcome and lower risk of postoperative MH development in eyes with MF.

Characteristics of secondary epiretinal membrane due to peripheral break.

This study aimed to investigate morphological differences between idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and secondary ERM due to peripheral break (SEPB) and to identify clinical characteristics in eyes with SEPB to facilitate peripheral retinal examination. The retrospective cross-sectional study involved 93 consecutive eyes in 91 patients who underwent ERM removal surgery. Eyes were divided into two groups: the macular pucker group and the idiopathic ERM group. En-face Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images, fundus photographs, severity of metamorphopsia (M-score) and clinical characteristics of each group were compared. ERM extent and eccentricity (ratio of the shortest and longest distances from the foveal center to the boundary) were obtained through en-face OCT imaging. Fundus photographs were used to judge whether the membrane was turbid or not. Patients with SEPB were younger than patients with idiopathic ERM (61.3 ± 7.5 vs. 66.6 ± 8.3 years; p < 0.05). Preoperative M-score and myopic refractive error, axial length were also significantly higher in the macular pucker group than in the idiopathic ERM group (all p < 0.05). There was no difference in ERM extent between the two groups. The incidence of ERM eccentricity was 23 of the 34 eyes (67.6%) in the SEPB group and 26 of the 59 eyes (44.1%) in the idiopathic ERM group (p < 0.05). The incidence of turbid ERM was 18 of the 34 eyes (52.9%) in the SEPB group and 10 of the 59 eyes (16.9%) in the idiopathic ERM group (p < 0.01). The SEPB group, compared with the idiopathic ERM group, tended to have eccentric, turbid ERM at a younger age and with more severe metamorphopsia and myopic refractive error.

Surgical outcomes of macular hole and epimacular membrane treatment in patients with intraoperative amaurosis under sub-Tenon's anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: Some patients have been found to develop intraoperative amaurosis under sub-Tenon's anesthesia. We explored whether these patients have poor surgical outcomes during mid- to long-term postoperative follow-up. METHODS: In this case series, 74 of 85 patients with macular diseases who underwent phacoemulsification combined with vitrectomy under sub-Tenon's anesthesia developed intraoperative amaurosis. The surgical outcomes at the 2- and 4-month follow-ups in these patients were investigated and compared with the outcomes in patients without amaurosis using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP). RESULTS: Both BCVA and the OCT-based macular structure in patients with intraoperative amaurosis showed significant postoperative improvement comparable with that of patients without amaurosis. The presence of intraoperative amaurosis was not associated with either macular hole closure or macular edema regression. PVEP revealed no significant changes in the wave latency or amplitude before and after surgery. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative amaurosis following sub-Tenon's block is commonly seen but does not predict a poor surgical prognosis. When a patient develops amaurosis during surgery, the surgeon should increase patient comfort through verbal communication rather than perform an additional intervention to help relieve the patient's anxiety.

Foveal Microvascular Structures in Eyes with Silicone Oil Tamponade for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: A Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Silicone oil (SO) is widely used as a long-term intravitreal tamponading agent for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. This study investigated the structural changes of the foveal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with RRD treated with vitrectomy and SO tamponade. Thirty-eight patients with unilateral RRD who were treated with vitrectomy and SO tamponade and were followed up for ≥3 months after SO removal were included. En face OCTA images were obtained and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vascular density (VD) were compared between study eyes and unaffected contralateral eyes. The FAZ area in deep capillary plexus (DCP) was larger (P < 0.001) and the VD in DCP was lower (P = 0.022) in the study eyes than in the fellow eyes. The duration of SO tamponade was significantly correlated with the enlargement of FAZ area (P = 0.034) and reduction of VD in DCP (P = 0.015). These changes could reflect vascular insufficiency in eyes with SO tamponade and may represent a potential explanation for the pathogenesis of retinal thinning and unexplained visual loss.

PEELING OF THE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE WITH FOVEAL SPARING FOR TREATMENT OF DEGENERATIVE LAMELLAR MACULAR HOLE.

PURPOSE: To compare the functional and anatomical results of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy with those of observation for degenerative lamellar macular hole with lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, comparative pilot study. METHODS: Thirty-six eyes were randomized to undergo surgery with foveal internal limiting membrane sparing (Group S) or observation only (Group C). The main outcome measures were foveal retinal sensitivity, visual acuity, and central retinal thickness. RESULTS: After 6 months, a significant difference was found in foveal retinal sensitivity between Group S (12.8 ± 1.7 dB) and Group C (9.39 ± 1.8 dB; P < 0.001). Similarly, best-corrected visual acuity improved in Group S and remained stable in Group C (respectively, 0.17 ± 0.13 and 0.46 ± 0.21 logMAR; P < 0.001). A significant increase in central retinal thickness was observed in Group S, but not in Group C (272 ± 24 vs. 147 ± 20 µm, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling is a feasible treatment for degenerative lamellar macular hole with lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation, yielding better improvements in best-corrected visual acuity and foveal retinal sensitivity than observation alone. Further studies are needed to optimize this new surgical approach.

FOVEA-SPARING VERSUS COMPLETE INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING IN VITRECTOMY FOR THE TREATMENT OF MACULAR HOLES.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomical and functional outcomes of vitrectomy involving complete internal limiting membrane peeling (CP) with those of vitrectomy involving fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling (FSP) for the treatment of macular holes measuring >250 µm. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, comparative study included 46 eyes with a medium or large macular hole that was randomized to undergo complete (CP group) or fovea-sparing (FSP group) internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy. The main outcome measures included the foveal retinal sensitivity, visual acuity, and central retinal thickness. RESULTS: Both groups showed significantly improved foveal retinal sensitivity after surgery; the mean foveal retinal sensitivity change at 12 months after surgery was +2.8 ± 2.1 dB in the CP group and +7.2 ± 2.3 dB in the FSP group. The visual acuity also showed a significant improvement in both groups, with no significant differences in values at any time point. Regarding central retinal thickness, there was a significant decrease in the CP group and no change in the FSP group. Nicks or dimples in the inner retinal layers were visible in the fovea and perifovea of nine eyes in the CP group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that both CP and FSP are safe and effective treatments leading to functional and anatomical improvements in patients with all size macular holes. However, the fovea-sparing technique may provide better functional outcomes because of a greater improvement in foveal retinal sensitivity.

Influence of submacular fluid on recovery of retinal function and structure after successful rhegmatogenous retinal reattachment.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of residual submacular fluid (SMF) on the recovery of function and structure of the retina after successful rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) reattachment. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of all patients who had undergone successful RRD repair by scleral buckling (SB) surgery or by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) from March 2011 to August 2014. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic images of the macular regions were used at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following the surgery. The best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) were evaluated at the same times. RESULTS: The eyes with a macula-off RRD that were treated by SB surgery had a significant higher incidence of residual SMF (52%) than those treated by PPV (6.8%; P <0.001). Nevertheless, the postoperative BCVA was significantly improved in the eyes that had undergone SB surgery (P = 0.007). The postoperative BCVAs were not significantly different between the groups in which the SMF was absorbed (12 eyes) and not absorbed (13 eyes) within 1 month after the SB surgery. The photoreceptor outer segment length and the presence of a foveal bulge were not significantly different between these two groups at 12 months. Multiple regression analyses showed that the presence of a foveal bulge (ß = 0.531, P = 0.001) and the duration of the retinal detachment before surgery (ß = 0.465, P = 0.002) but not the duration of the SMF were independent factors significantly correlated with the final BCVA. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the postoperative residual SMF does not significantly disrupt the functional and structural recovery of eyes with macula-off RRD treated by SB surgery.

Should the outcome of focal photocoagulation for center-sparing diabetic macular edema require expanding the definition of center involvement?

Photocoagulation may still be a therapeutic choice for center-sparing diabetic macular edema. We compared the visual evolution after photocoagulation, in eyes with focal diabetic macular edema, stratified per the location of thickening with optical coherence tomography. We evaluated people with type 2 diabetes and focal diabetic macular edema, before and three weeks after focal photocoagulation. We divided the sample by edema location: central (group1); paracentral (group 2) and pericentral (group 3) and compared the proportions of eyes with baseline visual impairment, visual improvement, and visual deterioration between groups; central edema was evaluated with logistic regression, as an explaining variable of baseline visual impairment and visual improvement. The study included 160 eyes: 77 in group 1, 20 in group 2, 63 in group 3; baseline visual impairment was more frequent in groups 1 and 2 (52.6%) than in group 3 (28.6%, p = 0.002, OR 2.77) and as common in groups 1 (51.9%) and 2 (55.0%, p = 0.8). The proportions of visual improvement and visual deterioration did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). The outcome after focal photocoagulation was similar in paracentral (considered center-sparing) and central macular edema; the definition of center involvement, which needs intravitreal antiangiogenics, should expand to include paracentral thickening.

PRESERVATION OF THE FOVEAL FLAP IN MACULAR HOLE SURGERY.

PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of preserving the foveal flap on surgical outcomes of full-thickness macular hole (MH) with foveal flaps. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with Stages 2 and 3 idiopathic MH, who underwent pars plana vitrectomy by a single surgeon at Asan Medical Center from November 2011 to November 2016. In the study group, we included eyes with MH and a foveal flap on preoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography and successfully preserved the flap during surgery. The control group included eyes with MH and an operculum in the posterior vitreous plane on preoperative optical coherence tomography. We compared the anatomical and functional surgical outcomes between these groups. RESULTS: Postoperative mean best-corrected visual acuity at the last visit was 20/25 and 20/33 in the study (9 eyes) and control (23 eyes) groups, respectively. The study group showed a significantly better postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (P < 0.05). Restoration of both the external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone, as assessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, was achieved in 9 (100%) and 15 (65.2%) eyes of the study and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Preserving the foveal flap might improve both functional and anatomical outcomes of vitrectomy for MHs with a foveal flap.

EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE REMOVAL WITH FOVEAL-SPARING INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE PEELING: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the retinal sensitivity after complete internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with that after foveal-sparing ILM peeling during vitrectomy for Type I epiretinal membrane. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, comparative study. Thirty-eight eyes were randomized to undergo complete peeling of the ILM (CP group) or peeling with foveal sparing (FS group). The main outcome measures were foveal and perifoveal retinal sensitivity, visual acuity, and central retinal thickness. RESULTS: Foveal retinal sensitivity showed a significant improvement in the FS group (2.82 ± 0.85 dB, P = 0.037) versus a slight drop in the CP group (-0.66 ± 0.48 dB, P = 1). Perifoveal retinal sensitivity slightly improved in both groups (0.47 ± 0.37 dB, P = 1 in the CP group and 0.79 ± 0.42 dB, P = 0.77 in the FS group), showing a similar trend without significant differences. Significant improvements were observed in both visual acuity and central retinal thickness in both groups. However, three cases in the FS group showed epiretinal membrane recurrence and required revision surgery with complete ILM removal. CONCLUSION: Internal limiting membrane peeling may reduce retinal sensitivity and significantly increase the incidence of microscotomas. However, the higher epiretinal membrane recurrence rate after the foveal-sparing technique limits the effectiveness of this procedure. Further studies must be conducted to determine if it is safe to leave a portion of the ILM in front of the fovea.

Optical Coherence Tomography Macular Findings after Successful Scleral Buckling in Eyes with Compromised Visual Status.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optical coherence tomography (OCT) macular findings after successful scleral buckling in eyes with compromised visual status. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive cross-sectional study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Clinical Ophthalmology, Khyber Institute of Ophthalmic Medical Sciences, Postgraduate Medical Institute, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan, from February 2015 to November 2016. METHODOLOGY: Patients with postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) less than 6/6, successful scleral buckling, and flat macula clinically, aged 18-70 years, were included. OCT scan (OCT-Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, GmbH 69121) of central 30 degrees around fovea was performed three months postoperatively. Foveal detachment, epimacular membrane (EMM) and cystoid macular edema (CME), were studied on OCT after successful buckling surgery in eyes with compromised visual status. RESULTS: A total of 164 eyes of 164 patients (92 males 72 females) were assessed with OCT. Foveal detachment (FD) was present in 54 cases (32.9%), cystoid macular edema (CME) in 30 (18.3%), and epimacular membrane (EMM) in 11 cases (6.7%); while no abnormality was detected in 69 (42.1%) cases on OCT. CONCLUSION: OCT is very helpful in identifying the cause of limited visual recovery after successful retinal detachment (RD) surgery.

Vitrectomy with a modified temporal inverted limiting membrane flap to reconstruct the foveolar architecture for macular hole retinal detachment in highly myopic eyes.

PURPOSE: We investigated the surgical results of macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) with a modified C-shaped temporal inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap to reconstruct the foveolar architecture in highly myopic eyes. METHODS: Eighteen highly myopic eyes with MHRD in 17 patients who underwent a vitrectomy with a modified C-shaped temporal inverted ILM flap were followed for 12 months. Anatomic outcomes were evaluated by fundus examinations and optical coherence tomography. The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were compared as functional outcomes. RESULTS: Women accounted for 88% of the MHRD patients. The mean age was 60.2 ± 8.2 years. The mean axial length was 29.25 ± 2.10 mm. Type 1 and type 2 MHRD was present in four eyes and 14 eyes, respectively. After a single surgery, the hole was closed in 18 eyes (100%). Retinal attachment was achieved in 95%. Persistent shallow subretinal fluid (SRF) was noted in one case, which was resolved at follow-up. The surgery significantly improved BCVAs (from 1.7 ± 0.6 to 0.72 ± 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units [p < 0.001]) at the last visit. In total, 94.4% of the eyes had restored foveolar architecture. Ellipsoid zone recovery within the foveola was found in 77.8% of the eyes. CONCLUSION: A vitrectomy and modified C-shaped inverted temporal ILM flap is effective for closing MHs, reattaching the retina, restoring the foveolar architecture and significantly improving the postoperative BCVA in MHRD patients. This technique is feasible, and we propose 'presumed' Müller cell cone repair in MHRD surgery.

RESIDUAL VITREOUS CORTEX AT THE FOVEA DURING VITRECTOMY FOR PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT REPAIR.

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of residual cortex and the effectiveness of removal of residual cortex in the fovea during vitrectomy for primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and the operative videos of the 80 patients (80 eyes) who underwent vitrectomy for repair and who were observed for more than 6 months. After triamcinolone acetonide injection, we observed residual cortex on the surface of the retina. Residual cortex was removed with a diamond-dusted scraper. After surgery, we watched for the occurrence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) for at least 6 months. We graded ERM according to the postoperative visual acuity (thin membranes that did not affect vision vs. thick membranes that reduced vision). RESULTS: Of the 80 eyes, 60 eyes (75%) showed macular residual cortex, which we removed with a scraper, and 20 eyes (25%) did not have visible cortical remnants. Postoperative ERM occurred in 30% of eyes (24/80). The rate of postoperative ERM was 35% (21/60) in eyes with residual cortex and 15% (3/20) in eyes without residual cortex (P = 0.091). In the 60 eyes with residual cortex during vitrectomy, a thin membrane occurred in 18 eyes (30%) and a thick membrane occurred in 3 eyes (5%). In the 20 eyes without residual cortex, however, a thin membrane occurred in 3 eyes (15%) and no thick membrane was found. CONCLUSION: Eyes with residual cortex have a higher rate of ERM than eyes with no residual cortex after vitrectomy for primary repair. It is uncertain whether removing the cortex reduces the rate of postoperative ERM. The residual cortex may have already started the pathogenesis of ERM, or surgical trauma may have played a role.

Ten years follow-up after surgery for a foveal detachment due to optic disc pit: a case report of outer retinal layer healing.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of complete progressive visual recovery and healing of outer retinal layers after vitrectomy for foveal detachment associated with optic disc pit. CASE PRESENTATION: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) follow-up was performed on a 15-year-old boy with deep optic disc pit and foveal detachment, before and for 10 years after vitrectomy with gas. The foveal detachment was successfully reattached with complete reapplication of the retina. OCT scans showed a progressive long-term retinal healing with reappearance of the ellipsoid line and visual acuity improved from 20/100 before surgery to 20/25, 10 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Photoreceptor regeneration after foveal detachment surgery has been already described only in zebrafish but never humans. However, we highlight with this case that in humans, a healing process of the outer retinal layers can occur with reappearance of the ellipsoid zone on OCT. This healing process may take several years and allow a complete functional restoration.

Fovea sparing internal limiting membrane peeling using multiple parafoveal curvilinear peels for myopic foveoschisis: technique and outcome.

BACKGROUND: To introduce a modified surgical technique, the "parafoveal multiple curvelinear internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling", to preserve epi-foveal ILM in myopic foveoschisis surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients with myopic foveoschisis were enrolled in the present prospective interventional case series. The surgeries were performed using transconjunctival 23-gauge system. The macular area was divided into quadrants. ILM was peeled off in a curvilinear manner centered around the site that was away from the central fovea in each quadrant. Shearing forces were used to control the direction to keep the peeling away from central fovea. ILM at central fovea of about 500 to 1000 µm was preserved by this technique. RESULTS: This technique was performed in 20 eyes of 20 consecutive patients. Epi-foveal ILM was successfully preserved in all cases using the technique. Patients were followed up for more than 12 months. The mean postoperative logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.67 ± 0.65 preoperatively to 1.15 ± 0.49 (P = 0.015; paired t-test). Postoperative OCT examinations showed that full-thickness macular holes (MHs) did not developed in any case. Central fovea thickness decreased from 910 ± 261 µm preoperatively to 125 ± 85 postoperatively (P = 0.001; paired t-test). CONCLUSION: Fovea sparing ILM peeling using multiple parafoveal curvilinear peels prevents the development of postoperative full-thickness MHs in eyes with myopic foveoschisis.