Assessment of macular function by multifocal electroretinogram before and after macular hole surgery

AIM To evaluate macular function before and after successful surgical closure of idiopathic macular holes using multifocal electroretinogram (ERG). METHODS 40 patients (40 eyes) with idiopathic macular holes were examined using multifocal ERG both before and after vitreous surgery. The postoperative period was from 1 to 12 months. RESULTS Preoperatively, the electrical retinal response densities in the foveal and the perifoveal area were apparently decreased. After a mean postoperative period of 3–6 months, the foveal and perifoveal area electrical retinal response densities improved to two to four times the preoperative level and the improvement continued to 1 year after surgery. CONCLUSION In macular holes, the decrease in retinal electrophysiological response was not limited to the fovea but involved an area of the perifovea of 1.6 disc diameters. The electrical retinal response density of these areas gradually improved after macular hole closure.