Repeated PPV effective for macular holes

Repeated pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), with internal limiting membrane peeling and gas tamponade, is a safe and effective treatment technique for persistent macular holes, states an investigation in the journal Retina.

A retrospective study, led by Dr E. Moissesiev, Department of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel, involved 29 eyes that underwent repeated pars plana vitrectomy and limiting membrane peeling. The group obtained demographic information, visual acuity before the first and second operations, MH diameter before and after both surgical procedures and throughout the follow-up. Additional details retrieved included surgical details, time between surgeries, final visual acuity and the occurrence of any complications.

Reoperation caused the closure of persistent MH in 68.9% of the eyes and final visual acuity significantly improved, compared to results from before the second surgery.

In total, 62% of patients gained >2 lines after reoperation, with shorter interoperative time and smaller initial MH diameter significantly correlating with better visual prognosis.

The abstract can be viewed here.