Foveal sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for Lamellar Macular Hole

Purpose: To studythe effects ofvitrectomy with foveal sparing ofthe lnternallimiting membrane (ILM) peeling as an alternative method of lamellar macular ho le (LMH) treatment. Methods :A Prospective study was performed including 13 patients affected by tractional an d degenerative LMH. They underwent pars plana vitrectomy using transconjuntival25-gauge system. After the removal ofthe posteriore hyaloid and epiretinal membrane, the ILM was peeled in a curvilinear manner centered around the fovea. Air tamponade was performed. Ali the cases underwent microperimetry analysis at base li ne an d at 1, 3, an d 6-month after the surgery. Results : lt was found a significant improvement in mean BCVA (preoperative VA was logMar+0.52 20/63 ±0.27, post operative VA at 6 months was logMar0.13 ±0.09), and in mean centrai 5 degrees retina l sensitivity (preoperative 9,2 ± 2,4dB, postoperative at 6month 11,7 ± 2,3 d B). No patient developed a full thickness macular hole or secondary epiretinal membrane formation. Conclusions: In LMH the foveal sparing ILM peeling technique shows high rates of success. Furthermore this approach could be a less traumatic procedure that allows to better preserve the anatomica! integrity ofthe thinned fovea, reducing the risk of post operative macular hole.