title: Phaco-vitrectomy for full-thickness macular holes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the role of combined phaco-vitrectomy surgery in the management of full-thickness macular holes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen eyes with full-thickness macular holes had combined phacoemulsification cataract removal and vitrectomy surgery with instillation of 20% C2F6 gas.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean duration of macular holes prior to surgery was 6.5 months. Eleven holes closed, 2 remained opened. All patients except one had an improvement in visual acuity. Laser treatment was performed to treat retinal breaks noted intraoperatively in 4 patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combined cataract and vitrectomy surgery for full-thickness macular holes enables good visibility during surgery. A large gas bubble can be obtained with excellent tamponade of the hole. Combined surgery prevents the patients having to return for cataract surgery.
authors.affiliation: West of England Eye Unit, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital (Wonford), UK.
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Simcock
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Scalia
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005466:Fluorocarbons / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy
chemical_list: D005466:Fluorocarbons; C048381:perfluoroethane