German researchers found closing full-thickness macular holes with heavy silicone oil tamponade in secondary surgery to be safe and efficient. 

Led by Dr Tibor Lohmann, RWTH Aachen University, researchers studied 63 eyes with persistent, full-thickness macular holes following primary pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling. During secondary surgery, heavy silicone oil tamponade was used to close the hole.  

Among the 79.4% of eyes researchers deemed anatomically successful, the minimum linear diameter of macular holes was significantly smaller before the primary surgery and the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before the first vitreoretinal surgery was significantly better compared with unsuccessful eyes.  

BCVA did not improve in patients who remained phakic during all surgeries, despite achieving anatomic success, said researchers.