AIM: To observe the clinical effects of 23-gauge(23G)transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole.

METHODS: In this retrospective study, 28 eyes of 28 consecutive patients who underwent 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole between January 2013 and October 2013 in our hospital were evaluated. The follow-up time was 3-12mo. The operation effects were analyzed.

RESULTS: The macular hole was closed in 27 eyes of 28 eyes which underwent 23G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and not closed in 1 eye after surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity at postoperative 1, 3mo was significantly improved compared to pre-operation(χ²=8.65, P=0.003; χ²=10.33, P=0.001). The macular hole was closed as shown by OCT. Intraoperative incision was sutured in 5 cases(18%). There was no statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure between pre-operation and post-operation. No post-operative complications such as endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage came up.

CONCLUSION: 23G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy is observed to be safe and effective technique in the treatment of macular hole. It is therefore our preferred system for straightforward macular surgery.