Plasma Rich in Growth Factors in Macular Hole Surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of PRGF (plasma rich in growth factors) as an adjuvant to PPV (pars plana vitrectomy) in recurrent, persistent, or poor prognosis MH (macular hole). Patients with MH were treated with PPV plus adjuvant therapy (PRGF membrane (mPRGF) and injectable liquid PRGF (iPRGF)). The anatomical closure of MH and postoperative BCVA (best-corrected visual acuity) were evaluated. Eight eyes (eight patients) were evaluated: myopic MH (MMH, n = 4), idiopathic MH (IMH, n = 2), iatrogenic n = 1, traumatic n = 1. The mean age was 53.1 ± 19.3 years. Hence, 66.7% (n = 4) of patients previously had internal limiting membrane peeling. Five patients (62.5%) received mPRGF and iPRGF, and three patients (37.5%) received iPRGF. Gas tamponade (C3F8) was placed in seven cases and one case of silicone oil. Anatomic closure of MH was achieved in seven eyes (87.5%) and BCVA improved in six cases. In the MMH group, visual acuity improved in two lines of vision. Follow-up time was 27.2 ± 9.0 months. No adverse events or MH recurrences were recorded during follow-up. The use of PRGF as an adjuvant therapy to PPV can be useful to improve anatomical closure and visual acuity in MH surgery.

Efficacy of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane foveoschisis

Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of vitrectomy with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (FSIP) for epiretinal membrane foveoschisis based on new optical coherence tomography definitions. Methods: 27 eyes of 28 patients (67.2 ± 10.5 years old) who underwent vitrectomy with FSIP without gas tamponade for epiretinal membrane foveoschisis were included. All patients underwent follow-up examinations for at least 12 months. In the FSIP technique, the ILM is peeled off in a donut shape, preserving the foveal ILM. The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and surgical complications were examined. Results: The BCVA at 12 months improved significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). Baseline ellipsoid zone defects were found in 3 eyes (10%), and all defective eyes had recovered at 12 months. CMT decreased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). Acute macular edema, full-thickness macular hole, and recurrence of epiretinal membrane were not observed during follow-up. Conclusion: FSIP achieved good visual outcome and retinal morphological change. Moreover, FSIP might avoid acute macular edema in epiretinal membrane foveoschisis surgery.

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