Purpose: To study the histopathology of a stage III macular hole that had been treated by vitrectomy with cortical vitreous and epicortical vitreous membrane peeling and gas tamponade.
Methods: The light and electron microscopic features of a treated macular hole were studied.
Results: A 16-microns-wide break was present in the external limiting membrane. This was sealed by Müller cell processes. Photoreceptors adjacent to the healed defect appeared normal. No cystoid macular edema was present.
Conclusion: Cortical vitreous peeling and gas tamponade can allow the macular hole to settle and the edges to re-approximate. The residual defect can be sealed by Müller cells.