Free Internal Limiting Membrane Flap Transplantation for Unclosed Idiopathic Macular Holes

  Objective  To observe the effectiveness of free internal limiting membrane flap transplantation for unclosed idiopathic macular holes.

  Methods  Three consecutive cases of idiopathic macular hole were included in the study. All the three eyes had undergone vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling previously but the macular holes were not closed. Free internal limiting membrane flap transplantation was performed for all three cases. Fundus examination and optical coherence tomography were used to observe whether the macular holes were closed after the operation.

  Results  Macular holes were closed in all three cases, and the situation was stable during the follow-up period of 10 months to 1 year. No complication was recorded.

  Conclusions  The described free internal limiting membrane flap transplantation technique is helpful in treating unclosed idiopathic macular holes after initial surgery. Long-term studies in larger sample are needed to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of this technique.