The clinical outcome of macula hole surgery done at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: To describe and analyse demographics, clinical features, visual and anatomical outcomes of patients with macula hole (MH) treated at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Methods: A retrospective review of pre- and post- operative findings of 39 patients who underwent MH surgery from January 2008 to 30 October 2012. Results: 39 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 63 years. 49% were males and 51% were females. Majority were black, 59% of the participants. The average duration of symptoms was 12 months. The median preoperative Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was logMar1.0. At 1month following surgery, only 23 patients had records. The median BCVA was logMar1.3. About 60% had the same BCVA, 13% had an increase in BCVA and 17% had decreased BCVA. 65% had closed MH and 35% patients had open MH. At 3 months, 7 patients met the criteria and the rest were excluded due to lack of relevant data. 58% had no change in BCVA, 28% had improvement in BCVA and 14% had decreased BCVA. The median gain in BCVA between pre-op and 1 month to 3 month visit was logMar1.0, 1line improvement. The median pre-operative Inner hole diameter (IHD) was 377um and the Basal hole diameter (BHD) was 766um. 86% of patients had closed MH and 14% had open MH.

Conclusion: Best corrected visual acuity and MH improved at 3 months following MH surgery in our African population. Patients demographics, clinical features and characteristics are similar to patients in other studies in different countries. A larger and longer duration study would be beneficial.