[Long-term functional results after macular hole surgery. Results of a prospective study].
OBJECTIVE
This study reports on the long-term results of macular hole surgery with peeling of the ILM.


METHODS
A total of 88 consecutive patients (71 female, 17 male, mean age 67 years) were prospectively evaluated. All patients underwent a standard pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the ILM and an intraocular gas tamponade. Preoperatively, as well as on each follow-up visit, a clinical examination including measurement of best corrected visual acuity, Goldman perimetry, and OCT was performed.


RESULTS
The mean postoperative follow-up was 49 months; 83 (94%) patients were pseudophakic at the last examination. Anatomic closure was achieved in 84 (95%) patients. No late reopening of the macular hole was observed. Best corrected visual acuity improved in 82 patients (93%), remained unchanged in 2, and deteriorated in 4 patients. Best corrected visual acuity improved from a median of 0.2 preoperatively to a median of 0.6 postoperatively (p<0.001). Duration of symptoms as well as low preoperative visual acuity had no significant impact on anatomic and functional success.


CONCLUSIONS
Macular hole surgery leads to good functional and anatomical results, even in the long term. A long history of visual impairment and low visual acuity before surgery are not contraindications to surgical intervention.
Reiniger
I W
IW
Augenklinik der Universität, Klinikum Innenstadt, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich. christos.haritoglou@med.uni-muenchen.de
Gass
C A
CA
Schaumberger
M
M
Kampik
A
A
Haritoglou
C
C
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014821:Vitrectomy