Risk Factors for the Recurrence of Macular Holes After 25-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy

This study aimed to perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of patients with macular holes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPVx) to identify factors associated with macular holes and with recurrence of macular holes after initial closure.

This case-control study included 37 eyes which underwent 25-gauge vitrectomy without combined cataract extraction between January 2010 and January 2023 by a single surgeon (JIL). Various factors about each eye were noted across multiple visits. Linear regression and various statistical testing methods were used to analyze the data.

Larger hole size was associated with women, absence of a posterior vitreous detachment, and absence of cystoid macular edema. Higher likelihood of macular hole recurrence was associated with presence of an epiretinal membrane and in eyes that later underwent cataract extraction with insertion of intraocular lens (CEIOL).

Analysis demonstrates that specific factors are associated with larger macular holes or higher rates of macular hole recurrence, which could provide predictive utility.