Long-Term Follow-Up of Refractory Large Macular Hole with Autologous Neurosensory Retinal Free Flap Transplantation.

Abstract

Purpose:

To evaluate the long-term anatomic and functional outcomes of autologous neurosensory retinal free flap transplantation (ART) for patients with refractory large macular hole (MH).

Design:

Retrospective interventional case series.

Methods:

We reviewed 9 patients who underwent ART for their refractory large MH. In this extended follow-up study, postoperative assessment including spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded at 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24 months after surgery.

Results:

The macular hole of all patients appeared successfully closed during the whole follow-up period. The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 1.61 ± 0.44 (preoperative) to 0.72 ± 0.30 (12 months after surgery) (p < 0.001). Thereafter, the mean BCVA remained stable at each follow-up. At the mean 16.0 ± 0.8 months postoperatively, inner retinal cystic changes were observed in 4 eyes (44.4%), but these did not significantly affect vision.

Conclusion:

ART is a good alternative technique for closing large refractory macular holes. Although inner retinal cystic changes were observed in 4 eyes (44.4%), this phenomenon did not significantly affect visual acuity. It provides long-term good anatomical and functional results, especially in cases where insufficient ILM or lens capsule are left.

• Authors: Po-Yen Lee, Yo-Chen Chang, Pei-Kang Liu, Tzu-En Kao, Horng-Jiun Wu, Kuo-Jen Chen, Kwou-Yeung Wu, Kai-Chun Cheng, Wen-Chuan Wu
• Journal: Journal of ophthalmology (J Ophthalmol) Vol. 2022 Pg. 1717366 ( 2022) ISSN: 2090-004X [Print] United States
• PMID: 35586596 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Po-Yen Lee et al.