Macular hole formation and spontaneous closure after vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction documented in spectral-domain optical coherence tomography

BACKGROUND: We present a case of a macular hole formation and its spontaneous closure after vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction. To our knowledge, it is the first description of spontaneous closure of the macular hole after vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old woman presented decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia in the right eye due to vitreomacular traction. A vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and an air tamponade was performed in the right eye. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was obtained during all visits. Seven days after the vitrectomy, the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed a resolved vitreomacular traction and a full-thickness macular hole. Examination after a further three weeks showed that the full-thickness macular hole had spontaneously closed. 5 months later spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed a normal foveal contour without intraretinal microcystic spaces and a resolution of the photoreceptor and external limiting membrane elevation. CONCLUSIONS: While performing a vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction posterior hyaloid membrane creates anterior-posterior traction on the fovea, and, during detachment, retinal layer damage occurs in the macular area and a full-thickness macular hole may develop. Removal of the anterio-posterior vitreous traction may play the main role and may help the spontaneous closure of the macular hole after vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction.