Four Cases of Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Treatment of Symptomatic Lamellar Macular Holes

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the results of pars plana vitrectomy for the treatment of symptomatic lamellar macular holes. CASE SUMMARY: Pars plana vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) stripping was performed for the treatment of lamellar holes in four patients who complained of vision loss or metamorphopsia. In three out of four patients, fluid-gas exchange with 14% C3F8 was performed and patients were instructed to maintain aprone position for 7 days after surgery. Postoperatively, the improvement of visual acuity, foveal contour, and disappearance of metamorphopsia were achieved in three patients. However, full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) developed in one patient after vitrectomy. Repeated fluid-gas exchange was performed and the patient was instructed to maintain a prone position, however, the FTMH did not close. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with visual loss or metamorphopsia, vitrectomy with ERM and ILM stripping appears to be a beneficial treatment. FTMH developed after surgery in one patient, therefore further study is needed to elucidate the prognostic factors for the development of FTMH.