[Observation of single-layered inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for macular hole with retinal...

Objective: To compare the outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with a single-layered inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap versus PPV with ILM peeling for the treatment of macular hole associated retinal detachment (MHRD) in high myopia. Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, PPV with 2 kinds of adjuvant surgical procedures were used in 35 moderately high myopia eyes with MHRD. These eyes were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (17 eyes) receiving PPV and ILM peeling and group 2 (18 eyes) receiving PPV with a single-layered inverted ILM flap. Anatomical reattachment of the retina, macular hole closure, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were measured at 6 months after surgery. Results: The retina was successfully reattached in all cases. The difference of the retinal reattachment rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, P=1.000). The rate of macular hole closure was 47.1% in group 1 (8 eyes) and 88.9% in group 2 (16 eyes). The difference of the macular hole closure rate between the two groups was statistically significant (Fisher's exact test, P= 0.012). Significant improvement in logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) BCVA was achieved in both groups. There was no difference in the initial, final, or improved logMAR BCVA in the 2 groups. Conclusion: Single-layered inverted ILM flap technique effectively helps close the macular hole in moderately high myopia with MHRD. This may prevent the possible redetachment from the macular hole. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2017, 53: 338-343).