Analysis of vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole by optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: To evaluate foveal structure after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole in relation to postoperative visual outcome.

Methods: Optical coherence tomography was performed postoperatively to assess retinal thickness at the foveal center in patients who underwent vitrectomy, posterior hyaloid membrane removal, and perfluoropropane gas tamponade for idiopathic macular hole. Thirty-seven eyes of 36 patients documented to have achieved anatomic hole closure by optical coherence tomography were included in the study.

Results: Increased visual acuity significantly correlated with greater foveal thickness assessed at a median of 5 months postoperatively (Spearman analysis; R = .453, P = .005).

Conclusion: Visual outcome after anatomic closure of macular holes by vitrectomy is closely related to the structure of the center of the fovea postoperatively.