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Full Thickness Macular Hole and Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Study

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Stage 2 or 3 Full Thickness Macular Hole
Interventions
Procedure: Vitrectomy, post hyaloid detachment and gas injection with or without ILM peel.
Registration Number
NCT00286507
Lead Sponsor
University of Aberdeen
Brief Summary

A macular hole is a fairly common problem in the retina and is an important cause of loss of central vision. The aim of this study is to determine whether, in patients with a stage 2 or 3 full thickness macular hole (FTMH), peeling a very fine, transparent tissue that covers the surface of the retina, called the internal limiting membrane (ILM) during surgery is superior to non-ILM peeling macular hole surgery. The main outcomes are improvement in vision, achievement of macular hole closure, need for re-operation, health related quality of life (HRQOL) and cost effectiveness.

Detailed Description

Idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) is an important cause of loss of central vision, usually leading to severe visual impairment. Up to 20% of affected people will develop a FTMH in both eyes. There is uncertainty in the literature and among vitreo-retinal surgeons about the balance of potential benefits and adverse effects of ILM peeling in FTMH surgery for stage 2-3 holes.

FILMS is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) in patients with stage 2-3 FTMH less less than 18 months duration investigating whether ILM peeling improves the anatomical and visual outcome of macular hole surgery and the quality of life of patients with this retinal disease. Cost-effectiveness is also being addressed.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
141
Inclusion Criteria

Idiopathic FTMH of stage 2-3, Duration of hole ≤18 months, Visual acuity equal to or worse than 20/40 in the study eye.

Exclusion Criteria

Stage 1 or 4 FTMH, Stage 2-3 FTMH of > 18 months duration, Visual acuity >20/40 in study eye, FTMH related to high myopia (>6 dioptres), FTMH related to trauma, any other causes of decreased vision (ie corneal scarring, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma if central and/or paracentral absolute visual field defects present), patient unable to understand English, patient unable to give informed consent.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ILM peelingVitrectomy, post hyaloid detachment and gas injection with or without ILM peel.Combined cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) and pars plana vitrectomy with postoperative intraocular tamponade with gas, with ILM peeling
No ILM peelingVitrectomy, post hyaloid detachment and gas injection with or without ILM peel.combined cataract surgery (phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation) and pars plana vitrectomy with postoperative intraocular tamponade with gas without ILM peeling
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
The primary outcome of the study is the mean difference between treatment groups in the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) distance visual acuity score.6 months post surgery
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Secondary outcomes include anatomical closure, adverse events, re-operation, distance visual acuity (VA), near VA, contrast sensitivity, reading speed, costs to the health service and the participant and HRQOL.3, 6 and 24 months post surgery

Trial Locations

Locations (9)

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary

🇬🇧

Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital

🇮🇪

Dublin, Ireland

Waterford Regional Hospital

🇮🇪

Waterford, Ireland

Bristol Eye Hospital

🇬🇧

Bristol, United Kingdom

Gartnavel General Hospital

🇬🇧

Glasgow, United Kingdom

Ninewells Hospital

🇬🇧

Dundee, United Kingdom

Oxford Eye Hospital

🇬🇧

Oxford, United Kingdom

Sunderland Eye Infirmary

🇬🇧

Sunderland, United Kingdom

Royal Liverpool Hospital

🇬🇧

Liverpool, United Kingdom

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