Retinal microvascular differences after successful macular hole surgery by using the superior and temporal inverted flap technique

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the retinal microvascular differences after successful macular hole surgery by using the superior and temporal inverted flap technique. Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with idiopathic macular holes with a horizontal diameter of 250–400 μm at the narrowest point, and who have a follow-up of 6 months were included in the study. Group 1 included 14 patients' 14 eyes that have been treated using the superior inverted flap technique. Group 2 included 15 patients' 15 eyes that have been treated using the temporal inverted flap technique. The vessel density (VD) ratios in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP) at the central area and the four parafoveal quadrants were compared between the groups at baseline and postoperative month 6. Results: The mean baseline BCVA improved significantly in both groups at postoperative month 6 (1.21 to 0.50 and 1.32 to 0.52 logMAR, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mean BCVA between the two groups at postoperative month 6 (P < 0.05). The mean VD in SCP in the center area increased significantly in both groups at month 6 postoperatively (P = 0.011 and 0.020, respectively); however, the mean VD in DCP in the center area did not significantly change in both groups (P = 0.079 and 0.078, respectively). The mean VD ratios in SCP and DCP at the four parafoveal quadrants did not change significantly in both groups at month 6 (P < 0.05 for both). Conclusions: Both techniques are safe for retinal microvasculature at postoperative month 6.

Keywords

• ilm with flaps
• macular hole
• optical coherence tomography angiography