Irregularity of photoreceptor layer after successful macular hole surgery prevents visual acuity improvement

PURPOSE: To investigate the association between a photoreceptor irregularity and visual acuity (VA) after macular hole (MH) surgery. DESIGN: Prospective observational case series. METHODS: Twenty-four eyes with an idiopathic MH that resolved after vitreous surgery were examined by new optical coherence tomography (OCT 3000). The images were divided into regular photoreceptor, detected as a straight line above the retinal pigment epithelium reflex, and irregular, which cannot be detected by it. RESULTS: Regular images were observed in 12 eyes (80%) and irregular images in 3 eyes (20%) with good VA (>or=0.7). Regular images were seen in 3 eyes (33%) and irregular images in 6 eyes (67%) with poor VA (<0.7). The percentage of regular images in the group with good VA was significantly higher than that in the group with poor VA (P <.05). CONCLUSION: A photoreceptor irregularity after MH surgery may prevent VA improvement.