Non-full-thickness macular holes reassessed with spectral domain optical coherence tomography

The aim of this study was to describe spectral domain optical coherence tomography characteristics and evolution of non-full-thickness macular holes, with a bed of retinal tissue present in the outer retinal layers, which the author will henceforth refer to as non-full-thickness macular holes (NFMHs).

Retrospective observational study of 10,239 consecutive spectral domain optical coherence tomographic examinations was conducted, to select patients with idiopathic NFMH. We measured the following parameters: visual acuity, type of NFMH, coexistence of epiretinal membranes, photoreceptor layer defects, central and maximum retinal thickness, and diameters of the fovea defect. Patients with a history of diabetes; previous vein occlusions, with age-related macular degeneration; high and medium myopia; a previous history of retinal detachment; or macular edema were excluded.

Four subtypes of NFMH were distinguished among 125 eyes (116 patients): macular pseudohole (21 eyes), paralamellar macular holes (34 eyes), pseudoholes with lamellar defects (25 eyes), and lamellar macular holes (45 eyes). We observed different fovea appearances on consecutive B-scans in 54% of eyes. Epiretinal membranes coexisted in 100% of cases. Photoreceptor layer defects, seen in 29% of cases, were the most important factor correlating with visual acuity. Other factors correlating with visual acuity were maximum retinal thickness and outer diameter of the fovea defect. We noted epiretinal membranes in the second eye in 32 cases. Sixty-six patients were followed up for a mean time of 14 months. Non-full-thickness macular hole formation was documented in five cases.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography images presented of four different morphologic types NFMH, which may change during the natural course of the disease. High resolution of spectral domain optical coherence tomography enabled the visualization of photoreceptor defects, a feature not previously described. Moreover, epiretinal membranes and fovea contour localized beneath the outer plexiform layer were noted in all cases.