ILM removal in vitreomacular interface disorders: for or against?

Purpose. To provide data on efficacy and safety of internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal in various pathologies of the vitreomacular interface. Material and methods. To perform the review, literature sources were searched through the PubMed and Scopus databases up to year 2021 using the keywords "internal limiting membrane peeling", "macular hole", "epiretinal membrane". A total of 38 articles relevant to the topic of the review were selected. Results. Numerous studies have confirmed the efficacy of internal limiting peeling in improving anatomical and functional outcomes of treatment of various pathologies. However, even a flawlessly performed peeling can cause both anatomical and functional effects on the retina. Various studies have demonstrated that the anatomical complications of ILM peeling did not correlate with the functional outcomes of surgery. Conclusion. Available evidence supports ILM peeling as an intervention that improves anatomical and functional results of treatment and reduces rate of reoperation. However, in order to evaluate the safety of this procedure, further studies with an assessment of the visual function with a long follow-up period are required. Key words: internal limiting membrane, peeling, macular hole, epiretinal membrane

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Long-Term Outcome of Vitrectomy with Suitable Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Air Tamponade for Highly Myopic Foveoschisis-Associated Lamellar Macular Hole

Journal of Ophthalmology ◽

10.1155/2020/2074037 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2020 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Jia-lin Wang ◽

Yan-ling Wang

Keyword(s):

Macular Hole ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane ◽

Lamellar Macular Hole ◽

Ilm Peeling ◽

Long Term Outcome ◽

Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling ◽

Membrane Peeling ◽

Myopic Foveoschisis ◽

Air Tamponade

Purpose. To investigate the outcome of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with suitable internal limiting membrane peeling (ILM) and air tamponade for patients with highly myopic foveoschisis-associated lamellar macular hole (MH). Methods. This retrospective interventional case series included 11 patients with highly myopic foveoschisis-associated lamellar MH who underwent PPV and indocyanine green-aided ILM peeling up to the temporal vascular arcades. Following air tamponade after surgery, all patients were instructed to maintain a face-down position. The patients were followed up for over 1 year and evaluated for MH closure and the best-corrected visual acuity before and after surgery. Results. The mean ± standard deviation values of patient age, axial length, and follow-up duration were 67.82 ± 6.54 years, 29.21 ± 1.95 mm, and 24.27 ± 8.11 months, respectively. After surgery, the lamellar MH closed in all eyes, and 10 eyes showed vision improvement at the 1-month, 3-month, and final follow-up evaluations. One patient showed decreased vision at 2 years after surgery, with patchy chorioretinal atrophy in the macular region. Myopic foveoschisis showed resolution in three eyes and alleviation in eight. Ten patients underwent cataract surgery during PPV. Conclusion. Extension of ILM peeling up to the temporal vascular arcades and air tamponade after PPV may improve the visual function and rate of MH closure for patients with highly myopic foveoschisis-associated lamellar MH.

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