Efficacy of Vitrectomy With Tamponade Versus No Tamponade for Myopic Traction Maculopathy: A Multicenter Study (SCHISIS Report No.1).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of tamponade on the visual and anatomic outcomes of pars plana vitrectomy for myopic traction maculopathy (MTM).

DESIGN

Multicenter, retrospective clinical cohort study.

METHODS

Consecutive eyes that underwent vitrectomy for advanced MTM with tamponade of air, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), or perfluoropropane (C3F8) or without tamponade with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were included. Main outcome measures included postoperative visual acuity (VA) at 12 months in eyes with vs without tamponade.

RESULTS

We included a total of 193 eyes (193 patients) in this study; 136 eyes (70%) treated with tamponade were compared with 57 eyes (30%) treated without tamponade. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between the groups. Both groups showed significant visual improvement at 12 months (both P < .001). However, postoperative visual acuity and visual improvement at 12 months were significantly better (P = .003 and P = .028, respectively) in eyes without tamponade, although the MTM in these eyes without tamponade took longer to resolve (P = .039). Retinal thickness and the ellipsoid zone were more preserved in eyes without tamponade (P < .001 and P = .001, respectively). Complications such as macular holes did not differ between the groups. A novel imaging finding of "schisis bending (accordioning)" was identified during MTM resolution.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitrectomy either with or without tamponade for MTM was effective in improving vision in this study. However, eyes without tamponade experienced even better visual improvement and preserved retinal anatomy, despite a longer schisis resolution time. Surgery without tamponade may achieve better visual outcomes.