Long-term outcome of macular microstructure assessed by optical coherence tomography in eyes with spontaneous resolution of macular hole.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term anatomic features as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with spontaneously closed full-thickness macular hole (MH).

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative, observational case series.

METHODS

Six eyes of 6 patients who eventually showed spontaneous resolution of idiopathic MH were studied. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT images of the fovea were examined before and until at least 3 years after spontaneous resolution.

RESULTS

The MH closed spontaneously 1 to 4 months after the initial examination. There were 2 distinct macular abnormalities in the early period after spontaneous closure: 4 eyes showed outer foveal defects and the remaining 2 eyes showed persistent foveal detachment. However, the fovea regained its normal configuration and the photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction recovered completely in all eyes. Although all 6 eyes showed visual improvement after the hole closure, the BCVA in the 4 eyes that showed delayed recovery of the IS/OS junction and foveal detachment was limited to 20/25 or worse.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous closure of MH could acquire complete anatomic reconstruction. However, delayed restoration of the IS/OS junction and persistent foveal detachment after spontaneous closure might influence the functional outcomes.