Müller cells are glial cells of the retina, whose major processes cross the internal and external limiting membranes of the retina, maintaining the function and metabolism of retinal photoreceptors and neurons. Their structure and function are closely related to the development of macular hole (MH). Müller cells are involved in the formation and recovery of MH from the aspect of traction and protein, and their morphology and biological function also influence the regression of MH. The current treatment modality for MH is vitrectomy combined with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, in which Müller cells play a dual role after ILM peeling in different stages of MH. And its potential to re-acquire a progenitor-like state following retinal injury with the ability to proliferate and generate new neurons making it a current research hot topic, which can be a reference and inspiration for clinical treatment.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of internal limiting membrane (ILM) flip coverage with ILM multilayer tamponade in the treatment of highly myopic macular hole-associated retinal detachment (MHRD).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From November 2019 to June 2022, 53 cases and 53 eyes of MHRD patients who were examined and diagnosed at the Eye Centre of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were included in the study. Among them, 21 cases and 21 eyes were male and 32 cases and 32 eyes were female. The age was (55.28±11.40) years. The patients were categorized into two groups: the ILM coverage group (from November 2019 to September 2020) and the ILM multilayer tamponade group (from October 2020 to June 2022) based on their surgical procedures. The ILM coverage group comprised of 11 cases involving 11 eyes, while the ILM multilayer tamponade group comprised of 42 cases involving 42 eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography were conducted. BCVA was measured using standardized international visual acuity charts and transformed to logarithmic minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity for statistical analysis. The affected eyes were all treated with standard transciliary flattening three-channel 23-gauge vitrectomy. The inverted ILM flap technique was combined with flap coverage in the inverted group, while the ILM multilayer tamponade group used circular ILM stripping to preserve the ILM in the macular area and ILM flap around the macular hole with multilayer ILM tamponade. Postoperative follow-up was carried out for a minimum of 6 months. Relevant examinations were conducted during the follow-up using the same equipment and methods as those used before surgery. The BCVA, as well as the closure of macular hole, resurfacing of the retina, and development of macular hyperplasia, were observed.Results:In the ILM-covered group, the macular hole was closed in 7 out of 11 eyes after 1 week of surgery. At 1 month after surgery, the macular hole was closed in all treated eyes. At 6 months after surgery, the macular hole was closed in 9 eyes, while 2 eyes were reopened. In 42 eyes from the ILM-multilayer tamponade group, the macular hole closed after surgery in 41 eyes. At 6 months postoperatively, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of eyes in ILM-covered and ILM-multilayer tamponade groups was 0.91±0.29 and 1.05±0.39, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( t=1.140, P=0.260). The BCVA of the eyes in both groups showed a significant improvement compared to the preoperative period with a statistically significant difference ( t=8.490, 13.840; P<0.000 1); 6 months after surgery, 10 out of 11 eyes in the ILM coverage group had a restored retina with no detectable macular hyperplasia; 42 eyes in the ILM multilayer tamponade group had a restored retina, but 19 of these eyes had detectable macular hyperplasia. Conclusions:Either ILM flap coverage or ILM multilayer tamponade contributes to high myopic MHRD closure and improved visual acuity. Compared to ILM flap coverage, ILM multilayer tamponade results in higher and earlier rates of macular hole closure and lower rates of macular hole reopening. However, ILM multilayer tamponade may lead to a higher proportion of macular hyperplasia formation without affecting visual acuity recovery at 6 months after surgery.