Natural evolution from macular retinoschisis to full-thickness macular hole in highly myopic eyes.

PURPOSE: to evaluate the morphological changes that occurred during the development of a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) from macular retinoschisis (MRS) in highly myopic eyes by optical coherence tomography (OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: the clinical characteristics and OCT images of five eyes of five patients with myopic MRS who developed FTMH during the follow-up period were evaluated.
RESULTS: the natural evolution from MRS to FTMH was classified into two patterns by OCT findings. In FTMH formation pattern 1, a focal area of the external retinal layer was elevated and followed by the development of a small outer lamellar macular hole (OLMH) and retinal detachment (RD). The OLMH and RD were then enlarged horizontally and elevated vertically until the OLMH was attached to the overlying retinal layer. A FTMH finally developed when the roof of RD opened. In FTMH formation pattern 2, the opening of the roof of MRS or cystoid space caused an inner lamellar macular hole (ILMH). The MRS was then gradually resolved except the residual MRS beneath the ILMH, the ILMH would finally proceed into a FTMH as long as the remained external retinal layer beneath the ILMH continued splitting posteriorly until it reached retinal epithelium pigment.
CONCLUSION: our longitudinal study revealed two patterns of FTMH formation in highly myopic eyes with MRS. This finding might be useful in further understanding the pathogenesis of macular hole formation in high myopia.