XXXX . Observations, stages of formation, and implications for surgical intervention.

@entity1 @entity15811 @entity308 @entity937
The authors have reviewed 158 eyes with evolving or completed @entity937 . Observations of these @entity1 suggest that prefoveal vitreous cortex contraction is probably the cause of @entity937 . The earliest sign of an impending macular hole (stage 1) appears to be the development of a yellow spot or halo associated with @entity308 . No @entity15811 is present. This may resolve or progress to a small, early macular hole (stage 2). This hole gradually enlarged to a diameter of approximately 485 micron. The vitreous usually remained attached or a vitreofoveal separation developed (stage 3). Some eyes had complete posterior @entity15811 (stage 4). The implications for surgical intervention are discussed. A prospective study should be undertaken to confirm these findings and to investigate the feasibility of vitrectomy intervention to peel the prefoveal vitreous cortex in eyes with a stage 1 lesion.
