Foveal cysts: a premacular hole condition associated with vitreous traction.
OBJECTIVE
To define the clinical findings, cause, and outcome of patients with foveal cysts due to vitreous traction.


METHODS
Follow-up of 18 patients with foveal cysts and no posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Changes were documented in visual acuity, the appearance of the fovea, or the development of a macular hole or PVD. We studied 8 eyes using the retinal thickness analyzer.


RESULTS
On follow-up, 9 of 23 eyes did not develop a PVD and still had a foveal cyst; 8 of 23 developed a full-thickness macular hole; 4 of 23 developed a PVD with resolution of the cyst; and 2 eyes underwent vitrectomy for the cyst before a full-thickness hole developed. Analysis with the retinal thickness analyzer showed splitting within the middle retinal layers and in some cases unroofing or absent inner retinal layers in the center of the cyst.


CONCLUSIONS
Foveal cysts are caused by vitreous traction. These eyes may remain stable, develop full-thickness holes, or develop a PVD with resolution of the cystic changes. A foveal cyst seems to be a common finding in patients with foveal traction from a variety of mechanisms.
Folk
J C
JC
Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City 52242-1091, USA. james-folk@uiowa.edu
Boldt
H C
HC
Keenum
D G
DG
D000368:Aged; D003560:Cysts / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005584:Fovea Centralis; D005654:Fundus Oculi; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000473:pathology*