Paracentral scotomata: a new finding after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole

Aims-To report the occurrence of paracentral scotomata after pars plana vit rectomy for idiopathic macular holes. Methods-In 15 patients static microperimetry using a Rodenstock scanning la ser ophthalmoscope (SLO-105) was performed preoperatively and 6 or 12 weeks postoperatively (stimulus size 0.2 degrees (Goldmann II), employed intensi ty 0 and 12 dB, 20 degrees fields in all tests). Surgery consisted of stand ard three port vitrectomy including removal of epiretinal membranes and the inner Limiting membrane. Results-Postoperative paracentral scotomata were detected in areas that wer e tested normally before surgery. They were mostly located temporally and/o r inferiorly and often appeared like nerve fibre bundle defects. The greate st dimension varied from 1.2 degrees to 4.0 degrees (360-1200 pm), smallest dimension from 0.25 degrees to 2.0 degrees (75-600 mum). In three patients more than one scotoma was observed. Conclusion-Small, mostly asymptomatic, paracentral scotomata as a complicat ion after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole have not been reported in the literature so far. Whether they are caused by trauma to the nerve fibre s during surgery or other factors remains unknown.