PURPOSE: To demonstrate the advantages and efficacy of internal limiting membrane removal under perfluorocarbon liquid in macular-hole-associated retinal detachment. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHOD: Four patients with macular-hole-associated retinal detachment underwent pars plana vitrectomy, retinal reattachment with endodrainage through the macular hole, perfluoro-n-octane injection to seal the macular hole, indocyanine green injection under the perfluoro-n-octane bubble and removal of the indocyanine green-stained internal limiting membrane. Visual acuity and anatomic results were recorded, with a mean follow-up period of 18 months. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the retina was reattached in all four patients and closure of the macular hole was achieved in three eyes. Visual acuity improved in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In retinal detachment resulting from macular hole, staining of the internal limiting membrane with indocyanine green injected under perfluoro-n-octane can facilitate peeling of the membrane without exertion of excessive retinal traction and may prevent passage of indocyanine green into the subretinal space.
PURPOSE: To demonstrate the advantages and efficacy of internal limiting membrane removal under perfluorocarbon liquid in macular-hole-associated retinal detachment. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHOD: Four patients with macular-hole-associated retinal detachment underwent pars plana vitrectomy, retinal reattachment with endodrainage through the macular hole, perfluoro-n-octane injection to seal the macular hole, indocyanine green injection under the perfluoro-n-octane bubble and removal of the indocyanine green-stained internal limiting membrane. Visual acuity and anatomic results were recorded, with a mean follow-up period of 18 months. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the retina was reattached in all four patients and closure of the macular hole was achieved in three eyes. Visual acuity improved in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: In retinal detachment resulting from macular hole, staining of the internal limiting membrane with indocyanine green injected under perfluoro-n-octane can facilitate peeling of the membrane without exertion of excessive retinal traction and may prevent passage of indocyanine green into the subretinal space.