Posterior chamber compartments demonstrated by optical coherence tomography, in silicone-filled eyes, following macular hole surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To report visualization with optical coherence tomography of a prefoveal space in silicone oil-filled eyes following surgery for idiopathic macular hole.


METHODS
Seven eyes of seven consecutive patients undergoing macular hole surgery with silicone oil tamponade were prospectively evaluated with optical coherence tomography preoperatively, on the first postoperative day, after 6 weeks and before removal of silicone oil.


RESULTS
In all seven eyes the posterior face of the silicone oil bubble was visualized with optical coherence tomography. In all of these patients, who had a silicone oil fill of over 90%, the silicone oil bubble in the upright position did not conform to the foveal depression. Closure of the macular hole was achieved in all seven eyes after one operation.


CONCLUSIONS
Macular hole closure can occur without complete tamponade of the central fovea. A prefoveal space can be visualized in silicone oil-filled eyes. Concentration of growth factors, adjuvants and indocyanine green in this compartment may influence postoperative visual outcome, as may changes in retinal homeostasis induced by removal of silicone oil.
Satchi
Khami
K
Oxford Eye Hospital, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK. ckpatel@btinternet.com
Patel
Chetan Kantibhai
CK
D000368:Aged; D003941:Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000601:surgery*; D012827:Silicone Oils; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence / Q000379:methods*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000033:anatomy & histology*
D012827:Silicone Oils