Inverted ILM Flap Technique in Idiopathic Full-Thickness Macular Hole Surgery: Functional Outcomes and Their Correlation with Morphologic Findings

Objectives. The inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique has been shown to increase the success rate in large full-thickness macular holes (FTMHs) and in FTMHs associated with high myopia. The aim of our study was to confirm the efficacy and safety of inverted ILM flap technique in idiopathic FTMHs independent of their dimensions and to assess functional outcomes and their correlation to morphologic findings. Methods. Sixteen consecutive patients affected by idiopathic FTMH were enrolled in this prospective study. The preoperative mean (±SD) diameter of the FTMH was 422 (±106) µm. All patients underwent vitrectomy and ILM peeling with inverted ILM flap. At 1-, 3-, and 6-month postoperative visits, visual acuity measurement, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and microperimetry were performed, and the foveal contour and the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) were investigated using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Results. At six months postoperatively, 15 out of 16 (93.75%) patients obtained FTMH closure. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from 1.1 LogMAR to 0.3 LogMAR, and the mean retinal sensitivity (MS) improved from 7.2 to 23.4 dB. ELM defects were evident in 1 out of 16 (6.25%) eyes, and EZ defects were detected in 2 out of 16 (12,50%) eyes. A statistically significant relationship was observed between BCVA, MS, and EZ reconstitution at each follow-up visit. Conclusions. Results confirm that the inverted ILM flap technique is a safe and effective option for FTMH treatment and show a strong correlation between higher BCVAs and MSs and EZ reconstitution after surgery.

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Vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique in eyes with full-thickness macular hole and dry age-related macular degeneration

European Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1177/1120672120921376 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112067212092137

Author(s):

Zofia Michalewska ◽

Jerzy Nawrocki

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Macular Degeneration ◽

Macular Hole ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Age Related ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Full Thickness Macular Hole

Purpose To present effects of the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique in full-thickness macular holes coexisting with dry age-related macular degeneration. Methods Our database was retrospectively reviewed in order to spot patients with the simultaneous diagnosis of dry age-related macular degeneration and full-thickness macular hole. Vitrectomy with the inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique was performed. Inclusion criteria were full-thickness macular hole, drusen, vitrectomy performed, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Copernicus HR, Optopol, Poland) or swept source optical coherence tomography (Triton, Topcon, Japan) before surgery, then 1 week (±3 days), 1 month (±1 week), 3 months (±1 month), 6 months (±1 month), 12 months (±2 months), and 18 months to 12 years after surgery. Main outcome measures Closure of macular hole and visual acuity at the final control. Results A total of 18 eyes of 12 patients (mean age: 68 years) were included. Mean minimum macular hole diameter was 493 μm. Mean maximum macular hole diameter was 1072 μm. Macular hole was closed in 16 eyes after first surgery and in all eyes after second surgery. Improvement of visual acuity was statistically significant ( P = 0.05), but there was no statistical significant correlation observed between initial macular hole diameters and final visual acuity ( P > 0.1). Conclusion The inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique improves anatomical and functional results in eyes with coexisting dry age-related macular degeneration and full-thickness macular holes. Final development of choroidal neovascularization or geographic atrophy is possible in rare cases.

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Natural progression of lamellar macular holes in high myopia: a long-term follow-up study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-380036/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Mary Ho ◽

Eugenie Mok ◽

Felix Lai ◽

Helena PY Sin ◽

Shaheeda Mohamed ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Optical Coherence Tomography ◽

Visual Acuity ◽

Macular Hole ◽

High Myopia ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Full Thickness Macular Hole ◽

The Mean

Abstract Background To determine the long-term prognosis of lamellar macular holes (LMH) in highly myopic eyes. Methods This was a retrospective observational study. Patients with LMH associated with high myopia (>-6 dioptres) were examined at regular 6-month intervals for a minimum of 36 months to detect for any structural and functional deterioration. Assessment included visual acuity checking, fundal examination, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) scanning. The risk factors for visual deterioration and progression to full-thickness macular hole (MH) were analysed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The main outcome measures included the changes in mean best-corrected visual acuities, evidence of lamellar hole progression on OCT scans and complication rates of full-thickness macular hole (FTMH), and foveal detachment (FD) development. Results A total of 37 highly myopic eyes with optical coherence tomography confirmed LMH were recruited from 36 patients. The mean age was 63.4 ± 9.8 years and the mean spherical equivalent refractive error was − 9.01 ± 3.6 D with axial length of 27.74 ± 1.45 mm. The mean follow-up duration was 57.6 ± 10.9 months. The mean baseline visual acuity was 0.272 logMAR ± 0.22. A gradual decline in visual acuity was noted, and the change reached statistical significance from 36 months onwards. Visual acuity was 0.648 ± 0.41 logMAR at 36 months (p = 0.034) and 0.604 ± 0.455 at 48 months (p = 0.046). Twelve eyes (32.4%) had foveoschisis at baseline. Coexistence of a lamellar macular hole with foveoschisis was shown to be a risk factor for the development of a FTMH or FD (p = 0.002). Conclusion LMH in highly myopic eyes was generally stable, while a small proportion of patients progressed to full-thickness MH. Patients with coexisting LMH, foveoschisis, and vitreomacular traction had a higher risk of visual decline and progression to full-thickness MH.

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Outcomes of Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Large Idiopathic Macular Holes Surgery in Patients at A Tertiary Care Hospital

Journal of Nepal Medical Association ◽

10.31729/jnma.4393 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 57 (217) ◽

Author(s):

Kiran Shakya ◽

Ram Prasad Pokhrel ◽

Om Krishna Malla

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Tertiary Care Hospital ◽

Tertiary Care ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Care Hospital ◽

Base Diameter ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Idiopathic Macular Holes ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Large macular holes cause significant reduction in central visual acuity. The aim ofthe study is to find out short term anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limitingmembrane flaps technique for large macular holes (base diameter>1000μm) surgery in patientsat a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital fromJanuary 2018 to December 2018 after ethical clearance from the institutional review committee.The study was done in 12 patients with idiopathic macular holes (base diameter>1000μm), theywere repaired with 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy with brilliant blue assisted large invertedinternal limiting membrane flap technique. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0. Results: All twelve eyes had complete anatomical closure. Mean best corrected visualacuity preoperatively was 1.48 logMAR±0.246. The mean macular hole base diameter was1217.0±196.77μm. The mean age of patients was 68.75±4.97 years. Postoperatively,mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.978 logMAR±0.12. There were no postoperativecomplications. All the patients perceived decreased size of central scotoma. Conclusions: Inverted internal limiting membrane flaps for large macular holes is suitable methodfor closure of the very large hole, restoration of functional vision and decreased size of centralscotoma.

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The Management of Lamellar Macular Holes: A Review

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2020/3526316 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-10

Author(s):

Ciprian Danielescu ◽

Horia Tudor Stanca ◽

Florian Balta

Keyword(s):

Surgical Intervention ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

First Year ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Full Thickness Macular Hole ◽

Phakic Eyes ◽

Over Time

This literature review aims to provide the retina specialist with answers to patient’s questions related to the management of lamellar macular holes (LMHs). Most LMHs are stable over time, but 13–21% present an anatomic decline after 18–24 months of follow-up. Nineteen point five percent of the eyes may experience a visual acuity (VA) loss of more than 5 letters after 3 years. Many surgeons choose to perform surgery when there is significant metamorphopsia or documented decline in VA over time. The typical surgery is phacovitrectomy with the epiretinal membrane and the internal limiting membrane peeling in previously phakic eyes (41.9 to 85.3% of the eyes). In the eyes that remained phakic, cataract surgery was often necessary within the first year of follow-up (19.2 to 40% of eyes). After surgery, a VA gain was recorded in 63–94% of eyes, but some eyes (between 0 and 20%) suffered some VA loss. Progression to full-thickness macular hole may occur after surgery, and thus a second surgical intervention may be needed.

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A short term anatomical and visual outcomes of large idiopathic macular holes surgery following inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique

Nepalese Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.3126/nepjoph.v11i1.25414 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

pp. 29-32 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kiran Shakya ◽

Ram Prasad Pokharel ◽

Om Krishna Malla

Keyword(s):

Macular Hole ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Hole Filling ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Snellen Chart ◽

Pars Plana ◽

Idiopathic Macular Holes ◽

The Mean

Introduction: Large macular holes are not uncommon among Nepalese women population causing severe visual problem. Objective: To evaluate the technique of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flaps for the repairment of large macular holes. Methods: All 10 macular holes (diameter > 400 μm) were treated with pars planavitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique. The procedure for macular hole surgerywas pars plana vitrectomy, posterior vitreous removal, internal limiting membrane(ILM) peeling with brilliant blue assisted, inverting ILM flap into macular hole, filling of the vitreous cavity with a gas bubble(C3 F8) and post-operative face-down positioning for 1 week. SD OCT images were taken preoperative and postoperative 1 month and 3 months follow up to assess the anatomical outcome of surgery and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was used to evaluate the functional outcome during each visit. The BCVA was recorded using the Snellen chart and was converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) equivalents. Results: All 10 eyes had complete anatomical closure. The mean age of patients was 64.3 ± 7.53 years. The mean macular hole base diameter was 1039.4 μm (663-1526μm). Mean BVCA pre-operatively was 1.29 log MAR ±SD 0.25. Post-operatively, mean BCVA was 0.925 log MAR ±SD 0.143 (p= 0.002). There were no intra operative or post-operative complications. All the patients were followed up for a period of 3months. Conclusions: Inverted ILM flaps is effective for closure of the large macular hole and restoration of functional vision.

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Inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique for large macular hole: a microperimetric study

International Journal of Retina and Vitreous ◽

10.1186/s40942-019-0195-6 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Giancarlo Sborgia ◽

Alfredo Niro ◽

Alessandra Sborgia ◽

Valeria Albano ◽

Tiziana Tritto ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Macular Hole ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Closure Rate ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Fixation Points ◽

Hole Closure ◽

Large Macular Hole

Abstract Background Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM)-flap technique would seem to lead to higher closure rate and better visual acuity than traditional procedure with ILM peeling for the treatment of large macular hole (LMH). Visual acuity recovery does not reveal many other functional changes related to surgical approach. Our purpose was to evaluate macular function and morphology over a 1-year follow-up after inverted ILM-flap technique for LMH by using microperimetry in order to predict visual prognosis. Methods This study was a prospective unrandomized single-center study. 23 eyes of 22 patients with idiopathic LMH, with a minimum diameter ranging from 400 to 1000 μm, were included. All patients underwent vitrectomy with inverted ILM-flap technique and gas tamponade. We analyzed macular hole closure rate and functional outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macular sensitivity (MS) at central 12° and central macular sensitivity (CMS) at central 4°, and fixation behavior as bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA, degrees2) at 68%, 95%, and 99% of fixation points measured by microperimeter, over a follow-up of 12 months. Results The macular hole closure rate was 98%. The BCVA improved from 20/230 (Logmar, 1.06 ± 0.34) to 20/59 (logMar, 0.47 ± 0.45) at last follow-up (p < 0.001). Retinal sensitivity and BCEA significantly improved (MS, p = 0.001; CMS, p < 0.0001; BCEA: 68%, p < 0.01; 95%, p < 0.01; 99%, p = 0.001). Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed the final BCVA was significantly associated with macular hole size (β = 0.002, p = 0.03), preoperative MS (β = − 0.06, p = 0.001) and BCEA at 95% and 99% of fixation points (β = − 0.12, p = 0.01; β = 0.06, p = 0.01). Conclusions Inverted ILM-flap technique for LMH results in good morphologic and functional outcomes. Macular hole size and microperimetric parameters as preoperative MS and BCEA have a predictive role on post-surgical visual acuity.

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Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap vs Complete Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Large Macular Holes in Nonposturing Surgery

Journal of VitreoRetinal Diseases ◽

10.1177/24741264211022212 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 247412642110222

Author(s):

Rubina Rahman ◽

Mohammad Waseem Sarfraz ◽

Mohamad El-Wardani

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Ilm Peeling ◽

Minimum Diameter ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling ◽

Surgical Success ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Hole Closure

Purpose: This study compared anatomical and functional outcomes of the inverted internal limiting membrane flap (ILMF) technique with complete ILM peeling (ILMP) in nonposturing surgery for large, full-thickness macular holes (MHs). Methods: This was a retrospective, comparative, single-surgeon study. Eyes with idiopathic large full-thickness MHs (minimum diameter > 400 μm) were included. A total of 46 patients including 22 ILMF cases and 24 ILMP cases were analyzed. No positioning instructions were advised postoperatively. Results: Primary hole closure was achieved in all patients (100%) in both groups. Mean logMAR visual acuity (VA) improved significantly in both groups compared with the preoperative values (ILMF: 0.60 [SD, 0.26] postoperatively, vs 0.93 [SD, 0.3] preoperatively, P = .032; ILMP: 0.43 [SD, 0.22] postoperatively vs 0.83 [SD, 0.16] preoperatively, P < .01). However, ILMP showed a statistically significant improvement in VA compared with ILMF ( P = .02). Conclusions: All MHs in both groups closed after surgery (100%). There was a statistically significant improvement of VA in the ILMP group compared with the ILMF group ( P = .02). Not posturing after surgery did not compromise surgical success in both groups.

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Inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique in eyes with large idiopathic full-thickness macular hole: long-term functional and morphological outcomes

Graefe s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology ◽

10.1007/s00417-021-05082-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nathalie Bleidißel ◽

Julia Friedrich ◽

Julian Klaas ◽

Nikolaus Feucht ◽

Chris Patrick Lohmann ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Macular Hole ◽

Functional Outcomes ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Special Focus ◽

Full Thickness ◽

Closure Rate ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Hole Index

Abstract Purpose To investigate morphological and functional outcomes of the inverted internal limiting membrane (I-ILM) flap technique in large (≥ 400 μm) idiopathic full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) over a follow-up period of 12 months. Methods In this retrospective study, 55 eyes of 54 consecutive patients were enrolled. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT, Heidelberg, Spectralis) were performed preoperatively as well as 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. Special focus was put on the reintegration of outer retinal layers and the different ILM flap appearances. Results FTMH closure rate was 100% (55/55). BCVA significantly improved over the follow-up period of 12 months from 0.98 ± 0.38 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.42 ± 0.33 LogMAR at 12 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between the three different ILM flap appearances and BCVA. Better preoperative BCVA, complete restoration of the external limiting membrane (ELM), higher macular hole index (MHI), and smaller MH base diameter were associated with higher improvement of BCVA. Conclusion Our study highlights the favorable morphological and functional outcomes of the I-ILM flap technique in the short as well as in the long term. While complete ELM restoration revealed to be an important factor for improvement in BCVA, the different postoperative ILM flap appearances seem not to be related to BCVA.

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Inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique versus internal limiting membrane peeling for large macular holes: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Ophthalmic Research ◽

10.1159/000515283 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ji-Guo Yu ◽

Jing Wang ◽

Yi Xiang

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trials ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Controlled Trials ◽

Ilm Peeling ◽

Closure Rate ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Macular Holes

Background: Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is an effective surgical procedure for the treatment of macular holes (MHs). However, there is a possibility of poor postoperative anatomical closure with conventional ILM peeling for MHs larger than 400 μm. Therefore, a novel inverted ILM flap technique was developed for such cases. Objectives: This meta-analysis study was performed to evaluate and compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of the inverted ILM flap technique and ILM peeling in large MHs. Methods: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The trial eligibility and risk of bias were assessed according to Cochrane review methods. The primary outcome measures included MH closure rate and postoperative visual acuity (VA). Subgroup analysis of postoperative VA based on follow-up time was also conducted. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), weighted mean difference (WMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: Five RCTs with a total of 155 eyes in the inverted ILM flap group and 161 eyes in the ILM peeling group were included in this meta-analysis. Statistical meta-analysis revealed that the overall MH closure rate in the inverted ILM flap group was significantly higher than that in the ILM peeling group (OR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.25 to 7.66; P = 0.01). The postoperative VA was significantly better in the inverted ILM flap group than ILM peeling group (WMD, -0.14; 95% CI, -0.21 to -0.07; P = 0.0002). The subgroup meta-analysis indicated that the postoperative VA was significantly better in the inverted ILM flap group than ILM peeling group (WMD, -0.17; 95% CI, -0.26 to -0.08; P = 0.0004) at the 3-month follow-up. However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups at the 6-month follow-up (WMD, -0.09; 95% CI, -0.20 to 0.02; P = 0.10). Conclusions: Vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique showed a higher anatomical closure rate as well as visual gain—although only in the short-term as no difference in visual recovery was found at the 6-month follow-up—than did ILM peeling in large MHs. The inverted ILM flap technique should be considered as a preferred and routine procedure for the treatment of patients with MHs larger than 400 µm.

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Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Extra Large Macular Holes

Current Trends in Ophthalmology ◽

10.18314/ctoy.v1i1.371 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 07-13

Author(s):

Ogugua Ndubuisi Okonkwo ◽

Adekunle Olubola Hassan ◽

Olufemi Oderinlo

Keyword(s):

Visual Acuity ◽

Case Series ◽

Functional Results ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Vital Role ◽

Symptom Duration ◽

Flap Technique ◽

Macular Holes ◽

Snellen Visual Acuity ◽

Sd Oct

Aim: To investigate the outcome of the inverted Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) flap technique for extra large idiopathic macular holes (MHs).Methods: A retrospective non-comparative surgical case series of seven eyes of 7 patients with MHs (base diameter of at least 1000 ?m) was conducted. All the MHs were treated using pars plana vitrectomy and brilliant blue G (BBG)-assisted inverted ILM flap technique. Spectral Domain- Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) images were used to assess the anatomical outcomes of surgery including the macular microstructure, while Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) was used to evaluate the functional outcomes.Results: The average MH size was 1241microns and average symptom duration was nineteen months. All eyes achieved successful anatomical closure and there was no occurrence of a flat open type closure. SD-OCT microstructural study revealed a reconstruction of the Ellispod Zone (EZ) and External Limiting Membrane (ELM), in only 3 eyes. There was an improvement in visual acuity in 5 eyes, while 2 eyes maintained the same as pre operative vision. The largest increase in post operative visual acuity gain was a 4-line improvement in Best Corrected Snellen Visual Acuity (BCSVA) noted in one of the 3 eyes with reconstructed EZ and ELM. The 3 months symptom duration in this patient was the shortest in this series.Conclusion: Inverted ILM flap technique is a safe and effective approach for the management of extra large chronic idiopathic MHs with demonstrably good anatomical and limited functional results in a majority of cases. Postoperative reconstruction of the microstructure is however seen only in a minority of eyes. Despite an absence of the outer retina (EZ and ELM), some eyes still experience an improvement in vision. The symptom duration may play a vital role in functional outcome in this subset of extra large chronic MHs.

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