Observational and Surgical Course of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome

Abstract

 

Purpose

 

This study analyzed the course of surgical and conservative management of vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT). There is a paucity of literature evaluating observed VMT cases.

 

Methods

 

This case-control study is a retrospective chart review of 75 symptomatic cases VMT, followed over the available course of the disease. Patients were divided primarily into those requiring surgical intervention and those that were observed. Data collected included patient demographics, visual acuity, and OCT results.

 

Results

 

Average age of VMT patients was 69.4 yrs., and 72.0% were female. Overall, 37.3% (28/75) of patients required surgical intervention. Excluding all surgical cases, spontaneous resolution was seen in 40.4% (19/47) of observed cases. Averaging all cases of VMT showed a statistically significant increase in vision (20/49 to 20/36, p = 0.015), and the observed cases of VMT did not get worse (20/37 vs. 20/31, p = 0.1307). When comparing cystic changes on OCT, the surgical group showed statistical significance (96.2% vs. 23.1%, p = 0.0109). 10.8% (8/75) of VMT patients progressed to a macular hole.

 

Conclusions

 

VMT is primarily a disease of females in the sixth decade. Symptomatic observed cases of VMT not meeting surgical criteria did not get worse, and these cases can be safely observed.

 

 

Mean visual acuity compared among different groups, from presentation to end of the observed period. Statistical significance, p<0.05. Comparisons were only made within the same group. Results expressed as ± standard error of the mean (SEM).

 

 

Percent of patients with cystic changes on OCT is compared within groups, from presentation to end of observed period. Statistical significance, p<0.05. Comparisons were only made within the same group. Results expressed as ±SEM.

 

Keywords: 688 retina • 762 vitreoretinal surgery • 763 vitreous