Macular translocation: Unifying concepts, terminology, and classification

PURPOSE: To describe some unifying concepts, terminology, and classificatio n of macular translocation so as to facilitate communication within the sci entific community. METHODS: A panel of ophthalmologists with expertise in macular translocatio n reviewed available data and developed some unifying concepts, terminology , and classification of macular translocation. RESULTS: Macular translocation may be defined as any surgery that has a pri mary goal of relocating the central neurosensory retina or fovea intraopera tively or postoperatively specifically for the management of macular diseas e. It may be classified according to the size of the retinotomy and, where applicable, the technique of chorioscleral shortening used. The direction o f macular translocation is denoted by the movement of the neurosensory macu la relative to the underlying tissues. Effective macular translocation may be defined as successful intraoperative or postoperative relocation of the fovea overlying a subfoveal lesion to an area outside the border of the les ion. The concepts of minimum desired translocation and median postoperative foveal displacement can give some useful idea of the likelihood of effecti ve macular translocation before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a common standardized terminology for macular transloca tion will facilitate communication within the scientific community and enha nce further research in this area. However, the definitions, terms, classif ication, and concepts concerning macular translocation are likely to contin ue to evolve as macular translocation undergoes further modifications and r efinements. (Am J Ophthalmol 2001; 131:244-253. (C) 2001 by Elsevier Scienc e Inc. All rights reserved).