Corneal stromal lenticule transplantation for covering macular hole during vitrectomy

AIM: To describe an innovative surgical technique for pathologic myopia and macular holes accompanied by retinal detachment using allogeneic corneal stromal lenticule transplantation combined with pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: The allogeneic corneal stromal lenticule was harvested through small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and stored at -30°C in advance. After pars plana vitrectomy, an allogeneic corneal stromal lenticule was thawed, trimmed into approximately 60 μm thick and 100 μm larger than the macular hole and transferred to cover the macular hole through the trocar. Autologous whole blood was dripped to seal the corneal stromal lenticule. The vitreous cavity was then filled with perfluoropropane (C3F8) or sterile air. RESULTS: The technique was performed on three eyes of three patients. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 77.3±50.0d. Postoperatively, the macular hole of all eyes was restored. All patients’ visual acuities also improved. No complications occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The innovative corneal stromal lenticule transplantation technique provides convenient operations, less surgical invasion, effective results, and reliable safety for macular hole repair during follow-up time.