Reduction of thickness of ganglion cell complex after internal limiting membrane peeling during vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole

Background/aim The aim of this study is to report a reduction in the thickness of the ganglion cell complex (GCC) after vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in eyes with idiopathic macular hole (MH). Methods Twenty-eight consecutive eyes with an idiopathic MH treated by vitrectomy with ILM peeling were studied. All eyes had an intravitreal injection of indocyanine green to make the ILM more visible. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), GCC thickness measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and retinal sensitivity measured by microperimetry were determined before and at 3 and 6 months after the vitrectomy. Results The MH in all eyes was closed after the initial surgery. The BCVA was significantly improved at 3 and 6 months (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The thickness of the GCC was significantly reduced at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The GCC thickness was significantly correlated with the retinal sensitivity in the central 10 degrees at 6 months (r=0.55, P=0.004). Conclusion A reduction of the GCC thickness was observed after vitrectomy with ILM peeling for idiopathic MH. Eye (2012) 26, 1173-1180; doi: 10.1038/eye.2012.170; published online 17 August 2012