Late reopening and spontaneous closure of previously repaired macular holes

The features of late reopening with spontaneous closure in previously repaired macular holes are illustrated with optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Observational case reports.

Case study of two patients with reopened macular holes that developed 7 years after successful macular hole surgery and then spontaneously closed while patients were awaiting surgery.

OCT imaging demonstrated reduction in the cystic spaces within the leaves of the macular hole followed by bridging of the hole in one patient. The second patient had abrupt closure of the hole with resolution of the cystic spaces. Subsequent normalization of the foveal contour was observed in both patients.

OCT imaging accurately demonstrated the features of spontaneous closure of late reopened macular holes. Possible mechanisms for this rare event are discussed and compared with the characteristics of spontaneously closed primary and traumatic macular holes.