Internal limiting membrane removal for macular detachment in highly myopic eyes.

PURPOSE

To present a treatment option for highly myopic eyes developing retinal detachment over a posterior staphyloma.

DESIGN

Interventional case report.

METHODS

Pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane and gas tamponade; no laser retinopexy.

RESULTS

Retinal reattachment with marked visual improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

It appears that the rigid internal limiting membrane is responsible for the retina's inability to conform to the posterior staphyloma. Intraoperative findings suggest that this rigidity may also play a role in subsequent macular hole development. Internal limiting membrane removal should be considered in eyes with retinal detachment over a posterior staphyloma, whether or not a macular hole is present.