Restored photoreceptor outer segment and visual recovery after macular hole closure.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate restoration of the photoreceptor outer segment and visual outcomes in closed macular holes.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
We retrospectively observed the reparative process of macular holes in 28 eyes one, three, and six months postoperatively using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. We evaluated the reflective line at the junction between the photoreceptor inner and outer segment (IS/OS) and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).


RESULTS
The outer photoreceptor layer showed a foveal detachment, a disrupted IS/OS line, or both one month postoperatively. No eye had a continuous IS/OS line. These abnormalities were gradually restored at various levels. At six months, nine eyes had a normal outer photoreceptor layer, four eyes outer foveal defects with a continuous IS/OS line, 12 eyes a disrupted IS/OS line, and three eyes outer foveal defects with a disrupted IS/OS line. The mean BCVAs were significantly (P = .017) lower in groups with a disrupted IS/OS line compared to groups with a continuous IS/OS line with or without outer foveal defects.


CONCLUSIONS
Macular hole closure is attained by bridge formation (foveal detachment) and the IS/OS line heals in varying degrees. The visual outcomes were significantly better in eyes with a continuous IS/OS line than in those with a disrupted IS/OS line.
Department of Ophthalmology, Gunma University, School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.
Morihiko
M
Sano
Yukitoshi
Y
Shimoda
Hideaki
H
Hashimoto
Shoji
S
Kishi
D000368:Aged; D004396:Coloring Agents; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016684:Prone Position; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D055211:Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Inner Segment / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D055214:Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Outer Segment / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D041623:Tomography, Optical Coherence; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D014821:Vitrectomy; D014945:Wound Healing
D004396:Coloring Agents; D007208:Indocyanine Green; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride