Modified technique of internal limiting membrane staining in idiopathic macular hole surgery.

PURPOSE: To describe a new method of ILM staining with TB under perfluorocarbon in cases of full thickness idiopathic macular hole using the inverted ILM flap technique.

METHODS: This study was a prospective interventional case series that included 42 eyes of 42 patients who had full thickness idiopathic macular hole with a minimum diameter more than 400 µm. Patients consecutively underwent vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique using the modified ILM staining method.

RESULTS: Anatomic success was achieved in 40 patients (95.2%). The other two patients had flat-open macular holes with bare RPE (foveal defect of neurosensory retina). Among the 40 eyes with closed holes, 25 eyes were of the U-type closure (normal foveal contour) and 15 eyes were of the V-type closure (steep foveal contour). These 40 eyes remained closed during the 6 months follow-up period.

CONCLUSION: The modified technique of ILM staining using TB under PFCL is safe and effective in cases of idiopathic macular hole combined with the inverted ILM flap technique.