EVOLUTION OF A FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE

PURPOSE: To illustrate succinctly the various stages of macular hole f ormation. METHOD: We photodocumented the evolution of a full-thickness macular hole in a patient who refused surgery. RESULTS: A 60-year old woman, who had had difficulty reading for 3 months, was initially exa mined with a stage 1B macular hole in her right eye that progressed to stage 2 over a 6-month period and then to stage 3, 2 years after init ial examination. CONCLUSIONS: This case demonstrates vividly and succi nctly the development of a full-thickness macular hole from stage 1B t o stage 3 and provides a unique opportunity to study carefully in a si ngle eye the sequential progression of this important retinal disorder .