title: The macular hole: report of an Australian surgical series and meta-analysis of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report an Australian series of macular hole surgery by pars plana vitrectomy and fluid-gas exchange, and to identify factors influencing the outcome of the surgery through meta-analysis of the literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-six consecutive cases of macular hole were treated by pars plana vitrectomy, fluid-gas exchange and face-down positioning for at least 7 days, and prospectively followed for 3-12 months. Thirty-six reports of macular hole surgery were reviewed. A meta-analysis on the pre- and postoperative parameters was performed on 389 cases, in which case-specific data-points were available.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the current series, anatomical closure was achieved in all (100%) of 16 stage 2, and in 35 (87.5%) of 40 stage 3 or 4 macular holes. At least 2 logMAR lines of improvement in visual acuity were seen in 10 (62.5%) stage 2 and 20 (50.0%) stage 3 or 4 holes. Postoperative visual acuity was 6/12 or better in 10 (62.5%) stage 2 and 17 (42.5%) stage 3 or 4 holes. In both the current series and the meta-analysis, favourable surgical outcomes were associated with stage 2 macular holes, better preoperative visual acuity, and shorter preoperative duration. Adjuvant use was associated with a higher rate of anatomical closure but there was no clear benefit in terms of postoperative visual acuity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience and the results of the meta-analysis suggest that macular hole surgery should be offered as early as possible once full-thickness neuroretinal defect occurs.
authors.affiliation: Eye and Vision Research Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. kwonkang@ozemail.com.au
authors.forename: H K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Beaumont
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D016684:Prone Position; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy
chemical_list: D005466:Fluorocarbons; C042852:perflutren