Predictors of Success in Macular Hole Surgery With Emphasis on the Internal Limiting Membrane (ILM) and ILM Peeling

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To study the predictors of success in macular hole surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-two eyes of 21 patients underwent macular hole surgery. The hole closure rate and the visual improvement were studied based on the preoperative visual acuity, stage and duration of the macular hole, the type of intravitreal tamponade used, and internal limiting membrane peeling. The internal limiting membrane was peeled only when it was clinically prominent. RESULTS: Macular holes were closed in 19 of the 22 eyes and visual improvement of 2 lines or more was achieved in 17 eyes. Preoperative visual acuity, duration of the macular hole, type of intraocular tamponade used, and internal limiting membrane peeling did not affect the outcome. A final visual acuity of 20/70 or better was more common after surgery for stage 2 holes (P = .019). CONCLUSION: The best predictor of outcome was the stage of the hole, with best results obtained in stage 2 holes.