Long-term outcome of macular microstructure assessed by optical coherence tomography in eyes with spontaneous resolution of macular hole
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Updated: May 25, 2026
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Published on: May 26, 2023
Maiko Inoue1, Akira Arakawa, Shin Yamane
1Department of Ophthalmology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan. maicoo@urahp.yokohama-cu.ac.jp
Purpose:
To evaluate the long-term anatomic features as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with spontaneously closed full-thickness macular hole (MH).
Design:
Retrospective, noncomparative, observational case series.
Methods:
Six eyes of 6 patients who eventually showed spontaneous resolution of idiopathic MH were studied. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT images of the fovea were examined before and until at least 3 years after spontaneous resolution.
Results:
The MH closed spontaneously 1 to 4 months after the initial examination. There were 2 distinct macular abnormalities in the early period after spontaneous closure: 4 eyes showed outer foveal defects and the remaining 2 eyes showed persistent foveal detachment. However, the fovea regained its normal configuration and the photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction recovered completely in all eyes. Although all 6 eyes showed visual improvement after the hole closure, the BCVA in the 4 eyes that showed delayed recovery of the IS/OS junction and foveal detachment was limited to 20/25 or worse.
Conclusion:
Spontaneous closure of MH could acquire complete anatomic reconstruction. However, delayed restoration of the IS/OS junction and persistent foveal detachment after spontaneous closure might influence the functional outcomes.
