PURPOSE

To evaluate the morphologic features of the photoreceptor layer (by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography) and functional parameters in patients with a lamellar macular hole.

DESIGN

Prospective, multicenter, observational case series.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients with lamellar macular hole were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, MP1 microperimetry, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. For each patient, 2 experienced masked observers evaluated the integrity of photoreceptor inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction and external limiting membrane (ELM) line.

RESULTS

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography analysis showed complete integrity of the IS/OS junction and ELM line in 40 eyes (group A), partial or complete disruption of the IS/OS junction with an intact ELM line in 8 eyes (group B), and an alteration of both IS/OS junction and ELM line in 6 eyes (group C). Mean BCVA, total retinal sensitivity, and fixation stability were significantly better in groups A and B than in group C (both P < .05, Tukey-Kramer test), whereas there was no significant difference between groups A and B. Mean central retinal sensitivity was significantly different among all 3 groups (all P < .05, Tukey-Kramer test). The grade of integrity of the foveal photoreceptor layer was correlated significantly with mean BCVA (r = -0.57; P < .001), mean central retinal sensitivity (r = 0.52; P < .001), and total retinal sensitivity (r = 0.44; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In lamellar macular hole, the morphologic features of the foveal photoreceptor layer consistently are correlated with BCVA and central retinal sensitivity. Preservation of the ELM is related to the maintenance of visual acuity.