Long-Term Continuous Assessment of Internal Limiting Membrane Filling Induced Super-Large Macular Hole Healing.

Purpose: To assess the long-term continuous anatomical and functional healing process of a super-large full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) after internal limiting membrane (ILM) filling and air tamponade.

Design: Prospective, interventional case series.

Methods: Pars plana vitrectomy with ILM filling and air tamponade was performed in eyes with idiopathic super-large FTMH (> 900 µm). Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the macular hole (MH) diameter: group A, < 1000 µm; group B, 1000 to 1100 µm; and group C, > 1100 µm. The MH closure pattern was analyzed using optical coherence tomography. The preoperative and postoperative macular hole sensitivity, parafoveal sensitivity, and fixation status were assessed using a Microperimeter-3. The preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity were measured. A monthly follow-up was conducted for 15 months postoperatively.

Results: Ninety-seven eyes from 96 consecutive patients with super-large FTMH were included in the study. Primary closure was seen in 93 of 97 eyes (95.88%), in which 88 of 97 eyes (90.72%) had a closed MH 1 week after surgery. The MH closure pattern continuously improved and significantly differed in the 3 groups (P < .05). Significant improvements in best corrected visual acuity (P < .01), parafoveal sensitivity (P < .05), and fixation stability (P < .01) were observed in all groups.

Conclusions: Super-large FTMH (> 900 µm) closed promptly within 1 week postoperatively after ILM filling and air tamponade. The morphological and functional improvement lasted over an extended period postoperatively. No central scotoma enlargement was found regardless of the closure patterns, and there was significant retinal sensitivity and fixation status improvement.