Morphologic, Biomechanical, and Compositional Features of the Internal Limiting Membrane in Pathologic Myopic Foveoschisis

摘要

Purpose : To investigate alterations in the morphologic, compositional, and biomechanical properties of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) in pathologic myopic foveoschisis (MF) eyes. Methods : ILM specimens were peeled from 61 eyes with MF and 56 eyes with stage III/IV idiopathic macular hole (IMH) as a control. Samples were analyzed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and atomic force microscopy. ILM characteristics were compared between the two groups. Results : TEM findings revealed that thickness of the MF ILMs significantly decreased compared with that of IMH ILMs (0.753 ± 0.215 vs. 1.894 ± 0.247 μm; P P P 0.0001). Conclusions : These alterations in the MF ILMs appear to be associated with Müller cell and astrocyte reactive gliosis. The present findings contribute to a more in-depth understanding of the pathogenesis of MF.