Surgical Results in Ocriplasmin Candidates With Symptomatic Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome

To report surgical outcomes in a series of cases with symptomatic vitreomacular traction that met MIVI-TRUST (Microplasmin for intravitreous injection-traction release without surgical treatment) criteria for ocriplasmin use who underwent primary 25-gauge vitrectomy.

A single-center retrospective chart review study was performed in patients who underwent primary 25-gauge vitrectomy for symptomatic vitreomacular traction (VTM) from January 2013 through January 2016. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity (measured by the early treatment diabetic retinopathy acuity test), and posterior hyaloid focal attachment to the macula (demonstrated by high-definition optical coherence tomography) were analyzed. In addition, intra- and postoperative complications were obtained from medical records.

Fifteen consecutive cases of symptomatic VMT traction that underwent primary 25-gauge vitrectomy were included. All met the MIVI-TRUST criteria for ocriplasmin use. In all cases, VMT resolution, macular hole closure, and improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed. Mean visual acuity improved from 56.53 ± 16.04 letters at baseline to 73.13 ± 7.46 letters at 24 weeks of follow-up. The mean BCVA improvement from baseline was 16.60 letters (range 6-44), which was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Ten of fifteen patients (66.6%) showed significant improvement of their BCVA to 20/40 or better (70 or more in ETDRS visual acuity test). No significant intra- or postoperative complications were documented.

Primary 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy in eyes with symptomatic vitreomacular traction is able to efficiently resolve VMT and macular holes, improving vision in candidates for intravitreal injection of ocriplasmin. This well-tolerated surgical procedure may be a reliable and predictable alternative for resolving VMT pathology.