Visual acuity as a prognostic indicator in stage I macular holes. The Vitrectomy for Prevention of Macular Hole Study Group.

PURPOSE/METHODS: To evaluate the role of initial visual acuity as a factor for progressive loss of vision or progression to a full-thickness macular hole in eyes with stage I macular holes (tractional foveal detachment without dehiscence). The study population included 35 patients with stage I macular holes with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 to 20/80 in one eye, and a full-thickness macular hole in the fellow eye.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with stage I macular holes with best corrected visual acuity between 20/50 and 20/80 had a 66% (ten of 15 eyes) rate of progression to full-thickness macular hole, whereas eyes with best-corrected visual acuity of between 20/25 and 20/40 had a 30% (six of 20 eyes) risk of progression to full-thickness macular hole. The risk of progression to macular hole is significantly higher in eyes with stage I macular holes with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50 or worse (P = .03).