AIM: To evaluate the clinical effects of residual triamcinolone acetonide(TA)on the treatment of idiopathic macular hole(IMH)and lessening of tissue edema.

METHODS: A total of 32 patients(32 eyes)underwent closed vitrectomy. During the operation, TA was applied to 16 eyes of experimental group to assist internal limiting membrane peeling. A small amount of TA was left at the bottom of the macular hole. The others eyes of control group didn't use TA to assist internal limiting membrane peeling. Anatomical reduction, postoperative BCVA and macular hole index(MHI)were recorded and the statistical analysis was made.

RESULTS:All the macular holes reached the anatomical reduction after operation, the closing rate was 100%. Postoperative BCVA of the two groups were improved(P=0.000). The visual improvement between the two groups had no statistical significance(P>0.05). There is a positive correlation between postoperative BCVA and MHI, and there is no correlation between postoperative BCVA and the hole degree. The operation time in experimental group was shorter than in control group. No serious complications occurred in both groups.

CONCLUSION:Intraoperative application of TA was helpful for peeling off internal limiting membrane. Residual TA has no influence on the treatment of idiopathic macular hole or lessening of tissue edema. The MHI can be easily calculated to be used as a clinical index for visual acuity. It is an effective technique with no serious side effects.