Tomographic features of a lamellar macular hole formation and a lamellar hole that progressed to a full-thickness macular hole

PURPOSE: To report optical coherence tomography of a lamellar macular hole and a lamellar macular hole that progressed to a full-thickness macular hole. METHODS: Case Reports. RESULTS: Case 1. In the right eye of a 66-year old man, a lenticular-shaped split was present in the inner neurosensory retina corresponding to the fovea. Three months later, an operculum formed anterior to the fovea where the retina was attenuated. Case 2. In the left eye of a 58-year old woman, a foveal cyst was seen in the inner neurosensory retina and the inner wall of the cyst was elevated, where a slightly detached posterior vitreous cortex was attached. One month later, the inner wall was operculated, leaving a thin foveal bottom. Four months later, the hole progressed to a full-thickness macular hole. CONCLUSION: Lamellar macular hole appears to form when the inner wall of a split or cyst in the neurosensory retina at the fovea is avulsed by vitreous traction.