Risk of developing a macular hole

Arch Ophthalmol. 1990 Aug;108(8):1088-90. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1990.01070100044031.

Abstract

We followed up 45 eyes with early-stage idiopathic macular hole (mean period, 32 months; range, 7 to 87 months) to investigate their prognoses, especially in relation to the vitreous condition. At initial examination, 18 eyes (40%) showed vitreous separation from the fovea, and 10 (22%) developed vitreous separation during follow-up. None of these 28 eyes progressed to a fully developed macular hole during follow-up. Moreover, the macular disease was apparently improved in 23 (82%) of these eyes. However, of the remaining 27 eyes without vitreous separation from the fovea, 10 eyes (37%) progressed to a fully developed macular hole. We speculate that early-stage macular hole could be reversed by spontaneous vitreous separation from the fovea, and this chance may be greater than the risk of true macular hole formation.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Eye Diseases / complications
  • Eye Diseases / pathology
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Retinal Perforations / etiology*
  • Retinal Perforations / pathology
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitreous Body / pathology