Combined phacovitrectomy for macular hole: long-term results

To present the long-term results of patients undergoing combined phacovitrectomy surgery for idiopathic macular hole at a single center.

A retrospective review of the records for 57 eyes of 53 consecutive patients who underwent combined phacovitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole during an 18-month period was completed at the Southampton Eye Unit.

In 45 of 57 eyes (78.9%), the macular hole closed after one surgical procedure. Forty-seven patients had a follow-up period of more than 12 months (mean = 22.1 months). In this group, the mean visual acuity (standard deviation) improved by 0.37 (+/- 0.46) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units. Thirty-two (68%) cases had improved visual acuity of 2 or more Snellen lines. Hole closure rate at the final follow-up examination was 87.2%.

Combining phacoemulsification and vitrectomy for an idiopathic macular hole has many benefits. It is a safe procedure and produces long-term results that are comparable to previously published series.