ILM Flap Repositioning for Persistent Macular Hole

Abstract

We present a case of a persistent macular hole which was initially treated by pars plana vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique. In a second procedure, the internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap was mobilized from its perifoveal adherence to the retina and peeled back to its adherence at the foveal ring. The eye was filled with 25% C2F6 gas. Three weeks after the second procedure, closure of the hole was observed. Best corrected visual acuity increased from 20/400 to 20/50. We assume that contractile elements within the ILM may cause perifoveal adhesion and centrifugal effects preventing macular hole closure. If macular hole closure does not occur after surgery with an inverted ILM flap, it is worth to peel back the existing flap again towards the foveal edge in order to induce hole closure and preserve the benefits of flap surgery. If the flap is only attached to the foveal ring, centripetal contraction could lead to annular closure of the macular hole. If the flap is lost, alternative surgical methods for refractory MHs should be considered.