Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: To elucidate the pathogenesis of macular hole formation and closure. Methods: Two patients with early stage macular holes and one patient following repair were followed with serial optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. Images centered at the fovea and at the same orientation were digitally exported and morphed into an Audiovisual Interleaving (avi) movie format. Results: Serial OCT morphing video demonstrated vitreofoveal traction creating a defect in the internal limiting membrane. This resulted in destabilization of the underlying neurosensory retina with progressive thickening and cystic formation within the outer plexiform layer. During cystic formation the edges of the macula hole elevate from the RPE with enlargement of the hole and an increase in subretinal fluid. Closure of macular hole revealed reabsorption of the sub retinal fluid and restoration of the foveal contour. Conclusions: Serial OCT morphing videos appears to support the hydration theory of macular hole progression of Dr. Tornambe.
Keywords: macular holes • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound) • macula/fovea