DOUBLE ARCUATE RELAXING RETINOTOMY FOR A LARGE MACULAR HOLE

To describe double arcuate relaxing retinotomy as an alternative surgical technique in a case with a secondary large macular hole.

The management of a patient who developed a large macular hole and macular tractional rhegmatogenous retinal detachment after pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy was retrospectively assessed. Despite surgical procedures, such as dissection of a preretinal membrane from the retina and peeling of the retinal internal limiting membrane, the macular hole could not be closed. In the absence of an alternative method, superior and inferior posterior arcuate, 120° relaxing retinotomies were performed.

At the follow-up, the macular hole closure was confirmed by clinical examination and optical coherence tomography imaging, and visual acuity improved. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

In cases of large macular holes, double arcuate relaxing retinotomy can reduce traction, leading to hole closure.