Outcomes of the Viscostretch Surgical Technique for Macular Hole Repair

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of macular holes (MH) repaired using the viscostretch technique. Methods: This multicenter, multi-surgeon retrospective consecutive case series analyzed MH repaired with the viscostretch technique. Charts were retrospectively reviewed to assess baseline characteristics and outcomes. Results: Twenty eyes underwent complex MH repair with viscostretch. Baseline MH features included mean MH duration of 7 months (range, 0.75-18), baseline vision of 20/250 (20/50 to counting fingers), minimal linear MH diameter of 621 µm (range, 219-890), and maximal linear MH diameter of 1031 µm (range, 584-1498). MH were characterized by the presence of the following nonmutually exclusive complex MH features: recurrent/refractory MH (12/20 eyes [60%]); large MH (>400 µm minimal linear diameter, 17/20 eyes [85%]); and chronic MH (≥6 months duration, 10/20 eyes [50%]). Five of 20 eyes (25%) had large, chronic MH; 7 eyes (35%) had large, refractory/recurrent MH; 2 eyes (10%) had chronic, refractory/recurrent MH; and 4 eyes (20%) had large, chronic, refractory/recurrent MH. MH closure was achieved in 13 of 20 (65%) cases. There were no differences in baseline characteristics in eyes that achieved MH closure and those that did not. In eyes that achieved MH closure, there was a significant improvement in mean visual acuity from 20/200 to 20/100 ( P  = .04). No surgical or postoperative complications were identified. Conclusions: The viscostretch surgical technique achieved MH closure in 65% of eyes in a cohort of various complex MH. Further studies are necessary to determine the use of this technique for complex MH.