Predictive value of pattern VEP, pattern ERG and hole size in macular hole surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To describe pattern-reversal visual evoked response (PRVEP) and pattern electroretinogram (PERG) parameters in eyes with macular hole and their value for predicting postoperative visual outcome.


METHODS
Prospectively we studied 27 eyes (27 patients) with a full-thickness macular hole. Preoperatively the hole and rim were measured and the PRVEP and PERG were recorded. The preoperative parameters were correlated with postoperative visual outcome.


RESULTS
The macular hole was closed in 26 of 27 eyes. Sixteen eyes (59%) had an increase in visual acuity (VA) of two lines or more, 10 eyes (37%) remained within one line of preoperative VA and 1 eye (4%) had a decrease in VA of two lines. Duration of symptoms was negatively correlated with preoperative VA (R=-0.547, P=0.0038) and postoperative VA (R=-0.519, P=0.0065) and positively correlated with hole area (R=0.533, P=0.0061) and rim area R=0.633, P=0.0009). Only the PRVEP P100 latency of the 10' check size and the PERG N35 latency were significantly associated with visual outcome (P=0.022 and P=0.042 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
There was no association of either hole or rim size with postoperative visual outcome. Preoperative electrophysiology, however, is useful as a prognostic tool. Utilization is limited to the use of latency parameters of the response and is dependent on the check size of the stimulus.
Tilanus
M A
MA
Institute of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. m.tilanus@chk-azn.nl
Cuypers
M H
MH
Bemelmans
N A
NA
Pinckers
A J
AJ
Deutman
A F
AF
D000368:Aged; D004596:Electroretinography; D005074:Evoked Potentials, Visual / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity