[Outcomes of macular hole surgery using three different surgical techniques]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Macular holes are a significant cause of vision loss.
• Surgical interventions aim to restore retinal anatomy and function.
• Comparing different surgical approaches is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness, efficiency, and complications of three surgical techniques for macular hole treatment.
• Evaluate outcomes of standard vitrectomy, vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling, and ICG-assisted peeling.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective comparative study of 131 eyes with stage III and IV macular holes.
• Group 1: Vitrectomy (25 eyes).
• Group 2: Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling (19 eyes).
• Group 3: Vitrectomy with ICG-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling (87 eyes).

Main Results:

• Overall anatomic success rate was 88.4%, with 90.6% in the ICG-assisted group.
• Visual acuity improved in 63.6% of eyes, with no significant inter-group differences.
• Complications included cataracts (51.9%), elevated intra-ocular pressure (37.2%), retinal detachment (7.8%), and retinal pigment epithelial changes (7%) associated with ICG use.

Conclusions:

• ICG-assisted internal limiting membrane peeling enhances anatomic success in macular hole surgery.
• Retinal pigment epithelial changes are a potential complication linked to ICG use.
• Further research may explore strategies to mitigate ICG-related complications.