“Two studies that investigated pneumatic vitreolysis for VMT (vitreomacular traction) and macular holes have shown encouraging results, but unfortunately they were terminated before they could be completed due to safety concerns,” said Ray Man, the PA to Mahi Muqit, a leading London based Ophthalmologist.

Pneumatic vitreolysis (PVL) is a procedure carried out in-office for VMT and macular holes. It involves injecting an expansile gas. If the safety concerns could be addressed this could be an effective and safe solution that is less invasive and more cost-effective for VMT ophthalmology in 2023.

The two studies investigated the efficiency and safety of pneumatic vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreomacular traction and macular holes. The studies used randomized clinical trials comparing pneumatic vitreolysis with injections to the eyes of patients with VMT less than 3,000 um in adhesion length and those with no full-thickness macular holes. The single-arm study assessed PVL for the closure of the full-thickness macular holes of no more than 250um wide at the narrowest point.

Forty-six eyes, which was only thirty-seven percent of the recruitment goal, were included. Central VMT release without rescue took place in seventy-eight percent of the pneumatic vitreolysis group and only nine percent in the other group. In thirty-five eyes, seventy percent of the recruitment goal were evaluated for macular hole closure without rescue vitrectomy and twenty-nine percent of the eyes were successful with thirty-four percent requiring a vitrectomy.

The studies were placed on hold when seven eyes developed retinal tears and detachment. It was resumed after a review but two further cases also developed retinal tears and detachments, which was a twelve percent rate. Therefore the safety committee recommended the termination of the studies.

Ray Man, PA to Mahi Muqit, said “The studies were too small with short follow-ups to make a definite conclusion. Despite higher than expected retinal detachments and tears, some patients and VMT ophthalmologists may still consider pneumatic vitreolysis for treating VMT and macular holes moving forward.”

The common treatment for VMT is a vitrectomy, a procedure that is safe and requires the VMT ophthalmologist to remove the vitreous gel from the eye to reduce pressure. The success rate is between sixty and eighty-three percent.

About Us: Mahi Muqit is a leading consultant ophthalmologist, cataract, and vitreoretinal surgeon at two private clinics in London, United Kingdom. He provides patients with superior service and support with a range of surgical procedures to meet their eyesight requirements. He has built up a solid reputation for his eye services in the London area as an expert eye doctor and surgeon offering surgical retina, medical retina, and complex cataract surgery. He also offers surgery to patients suffering from diabetic retinopathy. Mahi Muqit is a member of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists, a member of the British and Eire Association of Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and the UK and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. To find out more, visit http://www.retinasurgeon.uk.com