title: Spontaneous evolution of stage I and II macular holes.
abstract: To ascertain the natural outcome of stage I impending and stage II macular holes, 28 eyes (26 patients) were reviewed and followed up for an average of 23 months. Of the 21 stage I lesions, 10 (47.6%) progressed and the others regressed. In the stage II group (9 eyes), 5 lesions (55.5%) progressed, 2 (22.2%) regressed and 2 (22.2%) remained stable during a follow-up period of 7.75 months. Patients with stage II macular holes seem to be more likely to benefit from surgery than patients with stage I lesions. However, even in stage II macular holes, regression may be observed and the possible benefit from surgery must be weighed against the known complications and risk factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, St.Raphaël's Hospital, Leuven.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stalmans
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Buys
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leys
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dralands
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000473:pathology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies