Management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with coexistent macular hole in the era of internal limiting membrane peeling

Abstract

Purpose: To review outcomes of vitrectomy plus or minus scleral buckling for retinal detachment (RD) attributable to peripheral break(s) with noncausal macular hole, plus or minus internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling.

Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: Forty-nine consecutive patients from March 1, 1998 to March 31, 2009 with RD attributable to peripheral break and macular hole were treated by vitrectomy. Five had no scleral buckle placed. Forty-three underwent ILM peeling.

Results: The main outcome measures were retinal reattachment, macular hole status, and vision. Final retinal reattachment rate was 95.9% (47/49) with 1 and 100% with 2 operations. Final macular hole closure rate was 39/43 with ILM peeling (90.7%), and 2/6 without (33.3%, P value = .0041). Mean final acuity was 20/120, and 20/100 if the macular hole was closed.

Conclusion: Vitrectomy, plus or minus scleral buckle, with ILM peeling is effective for repair of RD with macular hole. ILM peeling can increase the rate of macular hole closure.