Functional assessment of macular hole surgery by scanning laser ophthalmoscopy

This study aimed to evaluate more precisely the benefit of macular hole surgery.

The design was a prospective study of 40 eyes in 40 patients examined before and after surgery of full-thickness macular holes with a scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO).

Forty patients with full-thickness macular holes participated. Three of the holes were stage 2, 23 were stage 3, and 14 were stage 4.

The SLO examination consisted of macular imaging and assessment of macular function using tests produced by an acousto-optical modulator.

Preferred retinal locus (PRL) was determined, visual acuity was measured, and scotoma was detected by microscotometry and by the line test (modified Watzke-Allen test).

Anatomic success was achieved in 32 of 40 cases as assessed biomicroscopically. On SLO examination before surgery, macular holes were seen as a central bright round disc outlined by a thin dark edge surrounded by a dark ring and a less dark area with ill-defined limits. In all cases, the PRL was located on the upper edge of the hole, a scotoma was always detected inside the hole, and the line was seen as broken in 26 of 32 cases. After surgery, the hole closed completely in 25 of 32 eyes; it disappeared from 14 of these 25 eyes and was replaced by a dark or clear disc in 11. In the other seven successful cases, its size shrank and its edge flattened but remained faintly visible. The hole remained unchanged in eight cases. Eccentric PRL became central in 28 of 32 cases. The scotoma disappeared in 23 of 32 cases. The line was seen as continuous in 24 of 32 cases. Complete anatomic and functional successes were achieved in 19 of the 32 cases of macular hole closure.

The SLO examination allows accurate assessment of the anatomic and functional results of macular hole surgery. Various degrees of functional success were recorded, depending on the test used.