Hyperreflective external limiting membranes after successful macular hole surgery

In Kyung Oh, Jaeryung Oh, Sun Mo Yang, Soh Eun Ahn, Seong Woo Kim, Kuhl Huh

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    11 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in external limiting membranes (ELMs) in the foveae of patients with surgically closed macular holes. METHODS: In this retrospective observational case series, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scan images were obtained from eyes of patients with macular holes closed after vitrectomy. The integrity of the ELMs was evaluated at the fovea. In eyes with a restored ELM, the reflectivity of the ELM was estimated. RESULTS: At a mean of 19 months (range, 3.0-59.7 months) after surgery, the integrity of the ELM was restored in 21 (77.8%) of 27 eyes with closed macular holes. The ELM was not restored in six eyes with glial sealing, in which glial tissues were present in the entire retinal layer. All 21 eyes with restored ELMs had an area of hyperreflectivity within the ELM observed at the thinnest part of the fovea; this was associated with an underlying photoreceptor defect. CONCLUSION: Abnormally hyperreflective ELMs were frequently observed at the thinnest point of the fovea after macular hole surgery. These hyperreflective ELMs may be newly formed after surgery.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)760-766
    Number of pages7
    JournalRetina
    Volume32
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012 Apr

    Keywords

    • external limiting membrane
    • macular hole
    • optical coherence tomography
    • photoreceptor

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Ophthalmology

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Hyperreflective external limiting membranes after successful macular hole surgery'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this