[Pars plana vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole--visual improvement or merely surgical stress?].

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the functional results of surgical treatment of idiopathic macular holes in controlled clinical studies with those of the "real world" in the clinical routine.

Methods: The operated eyes of patients of a rural district (Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, Germany) during 2000-2009 were analysed based on the documentation of the postoperative care of all ophthalmologists in this region.

Results: 37 eyes of 37 patients (age 71 years, 45; 80) (median, [min; max]) operated in 7 clinical institutes were analysed.