FOVEAL CYSTS - A PREMACULAR HOLE CONDITION ASSOCIATED WITH VITREOUS TRACTION

Objective: To define the clinical findings, cause, and outcome of pati ents with foveal cysts due to vitreous traction. Methods: Follow-up of 18 patients with foveal cysts and no posterior vitreous detachment (P VD). Changes were documented in visual acuity, the appearance of the f ovea, or the development of a macular hole or PVD. We studied 8 eyes u sing the retinal thickness analyzer. Results: On follow-up, 9 of 23 ey es did not develop a PVD and still had a foveal cyst; 8 of 23 develope d a full-thickness macular hole; 4 of 23 developed a PVD with resoluti on of the cyst; and 23 eyes underwent vitrectomy for the cyst before a full-thickness hole developed. Analysis with the retinal thickness an alyzer showed splitting within the middle retinal layers and in some c ases unroofing or absent inner retinal layers in the center of the cys t. Conclusions: Foveal cysts are caused by vitreous traction. These ey es may remain stable, develop full-thickness holes, or develop a PVD w ith resolution of the cystic changes. A foveal cyst seems to be a comm on finding in patients with foveal traction from a variety of mechanis ms.