Irregularity of photoreceptor layer after successful macular hole surgery prevents visual acuity improvement

Norihiko Kitaya; Taiichi Hikichi; Hiroyuki Kagokawa; Akira Takamiya; Atsushi Takahashi; Akitoshi Yoshida

doi:10.1016/j.ajo.2004.03.004

Irregularity of photoreceptor layer after successful macular hole surgery prevents visual acuity improvement

Am J Ophthalmol. 2004 Aug;138(2):308-10. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.03.004.

Authors

Norihiko Kitaya¹, Taiichi Hikichi, Hiroyuki Kagokawa, Akira Takamiya, Atsushi Takahashi, Akitoshi Yoshida

Affiliation

¹ Department of Ophthalmology, Asahikawa Medical College, Asahikawa, Japan.

PMID: 15289151
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.03.004

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the association between a photoreceptor irregularity and visual acuity (VA) after macular hole (MH) surgery.

Design: Prospective observational case series.

Methods: Twenty-four eyes with an idiopathic MH that resolved after vitreous surgery were examined by new optical coherence tomography (OCT 3000). The images were divided into regular photoreceptor, detected as a straight line above the retinal pigment epithelium reflex, and irregular, which cannot be detected by it.

Results: Regular images were observed in 12 eyes (80%) and irregular images in 3 eyes (20%) with good VA (>or=0.7). Regular images were seen in 3 eyes (33%) and irregular images in 6 eyes (67%) with poor VA (<0.7). The percentage of regular images in the group with good VA was significantly higher than that in the group with poor VA (P <.05).

Conclusion: A photoreceptor irregularity after MH surgery may prevent VA improvement.

MeSH terms

Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Photoreceptor Cells, Vertebrate / pathology*
Postoperative Complications / diagnosis*
Postoperative Complications / physiopathology
Prospective Studies
Retinal Diseases / diagnosis*
Retinal Diseases / physiopathology
Retinal Perforations / surgery*
Tomography, Optical Coherence
Visual Acuity / physiology*
Vitrectomy