Ten-Year Follow-Up after Vitrectomy with the Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Full-Thickness...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Techniques
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) are a significant cause of vision loss.
• The inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique is a surgical approach to address FTMH.
• Long-term outcomes and complication rates of this technique require thorough evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the 10-year anatomical and functional results of the inverted ILM flap technique for FTMH.
• To evaluate the incidence of long-term postoperative complications associated with this procedure.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of consecutive cases undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap for idiopathic FTMH (2007-2014).
• 99 eyes from 89 patients completed a 10-year follow-up.
• Analysis included preoperative/postoperative parameters, visual acuity, macular morphology via OCT, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Initial FTMH closure rate was 93.5%, reaching 100% after reoperation.
• Best Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) improved significantly by year 10 (70.7% achieved 20/40 vision).
• Eyes with >20/25 vision increased from 12% to 42.4% over 10 years; sustained anatomical integrity (IZ and EZ lines) correlated with better BCVA.

Conclusions:

• The inverted ILM flap technique demonstrates sustained anatomical and functional success for FTMH over a decade.
• Continued BCVA improvement beyond the first year and a low complication profile support its efficacy.
• This technique represents an effective and durable surgical option for FTMH.