Best surgical technique and outcomes for large macular holes: retrospective multicentre study in Japan

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of vitrectomy with conventional internal limiting membrane (C-ILM) peeling to that with the inverted ILM (I-ILM) flap technique for large macular holes (MHs). This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive cases with a large MH at nine hospitals in Japan. Among the 1342 eyes, 165 eyes of 165 cases met the inclusion criteria. The results for medium-large MHs with a diameter 400–550 μm were compared to that of eyes with an extra-large MH with a diameter >550 μm. In addition, the results of C-ILM peeling were compared to that of the I-ILM technique. In medium-large MHs, the closure rate was 95.2% (59/62) by C-ILM peeling and 100% (19/19) by the I-ILM technique. In extra-large MHs, the closure rate was 88.4% (38/43) by C-ILM peeling and 100% (41/41) by I-ILM. Although the difference between the two methods was not significant, the I-ILM technique was successful in 100% of the cases. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months was significantly associated with the preoperative BCVA, MH size, age and sex of the patient. Analyses of the eyes with extra-large MHs show that the surgical success is high, and the I-ILM technique is more effective for closure in eyes with extra-large MHs.