Types of macular holes encountered during diabetic vitrectomy

To determine the types of macular holes encountered during vitrectomy for complicated cases of diabetic retinopathy.

This is a retrospective study of consecutive cases of macular holes diagnosed either before or during pars plana vitrectomy for complications of proliferative diabetic retinopathy over a 6-year period. The morphology of these holes is described. Possible mechanisms of their development, surgical considerations, and results after a follow-up of at least 3 months are discussed.

Nineteen consecutive cases of macular holes associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy were reviewed over a 6-year period. Five cases were lamellar and 14 were full thickness. The 14 cases of full thickness macular holes occurred in patients with the following conditions: tractional rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (5); tractional retinal detachment (3); premacular hemorrhage (3); and cystic macular edema (3). Closure of the full thickness holes was achieved in 8 of 11 patients who were followed up for at least 3 months. All the patients had visual improvement, but no patient had a visual acuity of better than 20/100.

Macular holes may occur in proliferative diabetic retinopathy in different configurations. Full thickness macular holes can be closed in most cases. Functional improvement can be achieved.