Fundus-controlled microperimetry and multifocal electroretinography for idiopathic full-thickness macular holes

Background. Nowadays we have limited information about the relationship of structural and functional changes in retina around idiopathic full-tickness macular hole (FTMH) and about its possible impact on the results of surgical treatment. Aim. To study the relationship between the parameters of microperimetry (MP) and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) in various areas of the macular areas in FTMH. Materials and methods. The study included 24 patients (19 women and 5 men, age 63.5±5.43 years) with FTMH in one eye. In all cases, optical coherence tomography (OCT), MP and mfERG were performed with the analysis of parameters (retinal sensitivity), N1 and P1 implicit time, P1 amplitude) and the relationships at different points and areas of the retina. The control consisted of 10 eyes with an intact retina. Results. In FTMH eyes the fixation point was shifted in 10 out of 24 cases, in comparison with the control, the retinal sensitivity (15.96±11.3 dB, p<0.001) and the amplitude P1 (0.17±0.06 mV, p<0.001) were significantly reduced, the implicit time N1 and P1 were increased (29.9±5.7 and 51.6±5.18 ms, p<0.001). The lowest retinal sensitivity and amplitude P1 were detected in the projection of the hole (11.78±11.27 dB and 0.13±0.07 mV, p<0.001). In the areas of intraretinal cystic changes (CC), the values of retinal sensitivity and mfERG parameters were also significantly reduced in comparison with the intact retina (25.94±6.24 dB and 0.30±0.21 mV, p<0.001). A moderate significant direct correlation was found between the retinal sensitivity and the amplitude of P1 at the fixation point (R = 0.4), in the projection of the hole (R = 0.32) and in the projection of CC (R = 0.22). A significant correlation of retinal sensitivity, N1 and P1 implicit time, P1 amplitude was revealed at points located in the projection of the ring R2 and CC sections. Conclusion. In FTMH eyes a significant change in functional activity is observed in the hole and the retina surrounding the hole and having structural changes (CC). In contrast to the intact retina, in FTMH, there is a significant relationship between the parameters of retinal sensitivity and mfERG at the individual points, more pronounced in the zones of structural changes.