INVERTED INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE FLAP TECHNIQUE FOR MACULAR HOLE SURGERY WITHOUT EXTRA MANIPULATION OF THE FLAP

Purpose: To determine whether surgical manipulation steps of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap, such as ILM trimmed, ILM tuck inside the hole, ILM massage, are mandatory to obtain satisfactory outcomes for the repair of large stage IV idiopathic macular hole using the inverted ILM flap technique. Methods: In this interventional comparative prospective single-masked study, 81 eyes were randomized into 2 treatments groups. In Group 1 (41 eyes), the classic inverted ILM flap technique was performed. In Group 2 (40 eyes), a modified procedure was used: after ILM peeling, no extra flap manipulation was performed. The macular hole was covered by the inverted ILM flap because of the air pressure at the time of the fluid-air exchange. Results: At 12 months, macular hole closure was observed in 40 eyes (97.6%) in Group 1 and in 39 eyes in Group 2 (97.5%). U-shape closure rate, ellipsoid zone defects, and external limiting membrane defects were similar in both groups. The results indicate no statistical difference in anatomical and functional success between both groups. Conclusion: The macular hole closure rate, improved visual acuity, and no extra complications indicate noninferiority of the modified inverted ILM technique. Internal limiting membrane finishing, tucking, and massage may not be required to obtain surgical success.