AIM: To explore the pathogenesis and surgical outcomes of different types of myopic traction maculopathy(MTM)using optical coherence tomography(OCT).

METHODS: A total of 193 patients(210 eyes)with MTM were retrospectively included, of which 74 eyes(35.2%)underwent vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling. The patients were categorized into three groups: foveal detachment(FD), foveoschisis(FS)and lamellar macular hole(LMH). Based on the central foveal thickness(CFT)at baseline(M0), eyes with FD were classified into two subgroups: extensive FD and limited FD. Outcomes included best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), CFT, posterior staphyloma height(PSH), the presence of epiretinal membrane(ERM)and ILM detachment. Risk factors for BCVA at 6mo after vitrectomy(M6)were analyzed using linear regression.

RESULTS: At M0, ERM was highly present in eyes with LMH(r_s=0.28, P<0.001). Eyes with FD and FS were characterized by higher incidence of ILM detachment(r_s=-0.25, P<0.001). After vitrectomy, CFT and BCVA significantly improved in all eyes(P<0.001). Eyes with extensive FD were characterized by a thicker CFT(r_s=0.56, P<0.001), a lower incidence of ILM detachment(r_s=-0.25, P=0.034)and a thicker nasal PSH(r_s=0.27, P=0.024)than eyes with limited FD. Eyes with extensive FD were associated with a worse BCVA at M0(P=0.013)and M6(P=0.030)than eyes with limited FD. Extensive FD(β=-0.295, P=0.042)and BCVA at M0(β=0.669, P<0.001)were risk factors for a worse BCVA at M6.

CONCLUSION: There are several pathogenetic mechanisms in MTM. ILM detachment may exert a dominant role in the development of FD and FS, while ERM may have a role in LMH. Vitrectomy combined with ILM peeling improved functional and anatomical outcomes in MTM patients. Eyes with extensive FD may carry a poor prognosis.