Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique: Is It the Best Option for Macular Holes?

Abstract

Nisa Silva,1 André Ferreira,1,2 Zofia Anna Nawrocka (vel Michalewska),3 Angelina Meireles1,4 1Ophthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Porto, 4099-001, Portugal; 2Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of University of Porto, Porto, 4200-319, Portugal; 3Ophthalmic Clinic Jasne Blonia, Łódź, 91-134, Poland; 4Department of Ophthalmology, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Porto, 4050-313, PortugalCorrespondence: Nisa SilvaOphthalmology Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto, Largo do Prof. Abel Salazar, Porto, 4099-001, PortugalEmail [email protected]: Surgical treatment is generally necessary to repair full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). Although vitrectomy with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling remains the standard surgical technique, the inverted ILM flap procedure has increasingly assumed a role in the primary surgical repair of FTMHs. Some vitreoretinal surgeons reserve this technique to treat large or myopic holes, whereas others use it routinely in all cases. This paper is a comprehensive review of the current scientific evidence on the anatomical and functional outcomes of the inverted ILM flap technique in the repair of macular holes, following the International Vitreomacular Traction Study (IVTS) group classification.Keywords: macular hole, inverted internal-limiting membrane flap technique, IVTS classification

Keywords

• macular hole
• inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique
• ivts classification