Outcomes of Inverted Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Technique for Large Idiopathic Macular Holes Surgery in Patients at A Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Large macular holes cause significant reduction in central visual acuity. The aim of
the study is to find out short term anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting
membrane flaps technique for large macular holes (base diameter>1000μm) surgery in patients
at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital from
January 2018 to December 2018 after ethical clearance from the institutional review committee.
The study was done in 12 patients with idiopathic macular holes (base diameter>1000μm), they
were repaired with 25 gauge pars plana vitrectomy with brilliant blue assisted large inverted
internal limiting membrane flap technique. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 19.0.

Results: All twelve eyes had complete anatomical closure. Mean best corrected visual
acuity preoperatively was 1.48 logMAR±0.246. The mean macular hole base diameter was
1217.0±196.77μm. The mean age of patients was 68.75±4.97 years. Postoperatively,
mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.978 logMAR±0.12. There were no postoperative
complications. All the patients perceived decreased size of central scotoma.

Conclusions: Inverted internal limiting membrane flaps for large macular holes is suitable method
for closure of the very large hole, restoration of functional vision and decreased size of central
scotoma.