A novel spectral-domain optical coherence tomography model to estimate changes in vitreomacular traction syndrome

To analyze the course of eyes with vitreomacular traction (VMT), and to find by optical coherence tomography (OCT) possible correlations between vitreomacular interface area changes and the chance of spontaneous VMT resolution.

Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients presenting with VMT over a 24-month period. We introduced a novel OCT evaluation model to assess the vitreomacular interface area. Central foveal thickness (CFT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were also analyzed throughout follow-up.

Twenty-six eyes of 18 symptomatic patients were followed for 12.9 ± 4.8 months. Eyes were subdivided into groups according to their clinical course. Six eyes (23%) had a spontaneous resolution of the VMT (group A), and the interface area before its occurrence (39565 ± 26409 μm(2)) was smaller than at study entry (99434 ± 38819 μm(2); p = 0.03). The interface area did not significantly change throughout follow-up in the group that underwent surgery (group B, 11 eyes) and in the group that remained overall stable (group C, 9 eyes). At baseline, the interface area was smaller in group A compared to groups with non-resolved VMT (mean values of group B and C together) (785095 ± 920721 μm(2); p = 0.002). CFT and BCVA did not significantly change in any of the studied groups. Vitreomacular interface area of 101002 μm(2) was identified as the threshold value separating the spontaneous VMT resolution group from the group with non-resolved VMT (p < 0.001).

The more the vitreomacular interface area reduced over time, the higher was the chance of spontaneous VMT resolution. An area below 101002 μm(2) was the threshold value indicating a higher chance of spontaneous release of VMT.