Autologous Tenon's capsule graft for stubborn macular holes

Visual and Anatomical Outcomes of Autologous Tenon's Capsule Graft for Refractory Macular Holes

NA · Benha University · NCT07318961

This study will try using a patient's own Tenon's capsule tissue to close stubborn full-thickness macular holes and follow vision and retinal imaging for three months.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBenha University (other)
Locations1 site (Banhā, Benha)
Trial IDNCT07318961 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective single-arm interventional study enrolling adults with refractory full-thickness macular holes, including chronic large holes (>400 µm) or holes that persist after prior vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas. All participants will undergo pars plana vitrectomy with placement of a trimmed autologous Tenon's capsule graft into the macular defect followed by silicone oil tamponade. Anatomical closure will be determined using spectral-domain OCT and functional outcome will be measured by best-corrected visual acuity at predefined postoperative visits over a three-month follow-up. The study aims to quantify closure rates and short-term visual changes after this surgical technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with refractory full-thickness macular holes—either chronic large holes >400 µm or persistent holes after prior vitrectomy with ILM peel and gas tamponade—with clear media and adequate fixation who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with active ocular infection or inflammation, advanced glaucoma or optic neuropathy, severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy, a history of intraocular tumors, or systemic diseases likely to limit visual recovery are unlikely to benefit from this procedure.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could increase anatomical closure rates and improve vision in patients with macular holes that have failed conventional surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Other autologous grafting techniques (e.g., ILM flaps, lens capsule, autologous retinal transplant) have shown promising closure rates in small series, while Tenon's capsule grafting is a more recent approach with encouraging early reports.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Refractory full-thickness macular hole defined as:
* Chronic macular hole \>400 µm, or
* Persistent macular hole following prior vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas tamponade
* Clear ocular media and adequate fixation for OCT imaging
* Ability to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active ocular infection or inflammation
* Advanced glaucoma or optic neuropathy
* History of intraocular tumors
* Severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy
* Significant systemic diseases likely to affect visual recovery

Where this trial is running

Banhā, Benha

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Macular Hole Surgery, Autologous Tenon's Capsule Graft, Macular Hole

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.