23- and 20-gauge vitrectomy with air tamponade with combined phacoemulsification for idiopathic macular hole: a single-surgeon study.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of 23- and 20-gauge vitrectomies combined with phacoemulsification and aspiration and intraocular lens implantation (phacoemulsification surgery) 1 year after repair of idiopathic macular holes.

DESIGN

Retrospective, consecutive, comparative case series.

METHODS

The medical charts of 100 consecutive eyes were reviewed that had undergone either 23- or 20-gauge vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification surgery to treat an idiopathic macular hole performed by 1 surgeon. The rate of improvement of the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution visual acuity (VA) was calculated using the formula: (postoperative value - preoperative value) × 100/(1-year postoperative value - preoperative value).

RESULTS

The macular holes closed successfully after the primary vitrectomy in all eyes in both groups. Although the VAs did not differ significantly before surgery or 1 year after surgery between the 2 groups, the VA improvement was significantly greater 1 and 3 months after surgery (P = .02, for both) in the 23-gauge group compared with the 20-gauge group. The induced corneal astigmatism levels 1 week and 1 and 3 months after surgery were significantly lower (P = .01, P = .01, and P = .03, respectively) and the surgical time was significantly shorter (P = .01) in the 23-gauge group than in the 20-gauge group. No apparent complications developed in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Since 23-gauge vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification surgery is advantageous because the VA improved rapidly after treating the macular holes with an acceptable safety profile, idiopathic macular holes are a good indication for 23-gauge vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification surgery.