Optical coherence tomographic evaluation of a surgically treated traumatic macular hole secondary to Nd:YAG laser injury.

Purpose: To report the importance of optical coherence tomographic (OCT) evaluation of a macular hole caused by neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser injury.

Design: Observational case report.

Methods: A 33-year-old man presented with an accidental Nd:YAG laser-induced macular hole in his right eye. After observing the course of the macular hole by OCT, the macular hole was treated by standard pars plana vitrectomy. The appearance of the macular hole was also followed up postoperatively.

Results: Seven days after the injury, OCT showed a full-thickness macular hole without a fluid-cuff or swelling of the surrounding retina. Twenty-one days after the injury, however, OCT disclosed that the retina around the macular hole was swollen. After vitrectomy, OCT showed that the macular hole was closed, and the visual acuity improved from 20/30 to 20/20.

Conclusions: Surgical treatment can improve the visual function of eyes with a Nd:YAG laser-induced macular hole. Optical coherence tomography is valuable in providing precise information about the condition of the macula.