Optical coherence tomographic observations before and after macular hole formation secondary to laser injury.

PURPOSE: To describe the ophthalmoscopic and optical coherence tomographically determined retinovitreous interface before and after the development of a macular hole secondary to an accidental laser injury.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

Ophthalmoscopic and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in a 53-year-old man were evaluated before and after the macular hole formation secondary to a laser injury. Visual function was followed for 9 months after surgery.

RESULTS

A 53-year-old man sustained injury to his right eye by a Ti: Sapphire laser. On the following day, his corrected visual acuity was 0.3, and a small pigment epithelial atrophy was present in the right foveal area. No macular hole was detected by OCT and the retinovitreal interface was normal. Fifty-three days later, a full-thickness macular hole appeared, and no posterior vitreous detachment was detected by OCT. The hole was closed by surgery with final best-corrected visual acuity of 0.7.

CONCLUSIONS

Macular holes can develop without visible traction on the retina and can occur long after retinal injury.