Adverse effect of Henle fiber layer hemorrhage due to retinal arterial macroaneurysm rupture on retinal sensitivity

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Henle fiber layer hemorrhage (HFLh) on retinal sensitivity (RS) before and after displacement of the submacular hemorrhage (SMH) caused by retinal arterial macroaneurysm rupture. Methods: This retrospective study included 31 eyes undergoing vitrectomy for SMH. Eyes were grouped based on the presence or absence of HFLh (HFLh [+/−] group). Retinal sensitivity was assessed in the fovea and in the area of the HFLh present preoperatively. Results: The HFLh (+) and HFLh (−) groups had 21 and 10 eyes, respectively. Both groups showed improved postoperative foveal RS (both P < 0.05), which was significantly higher in the HFLh (−) group ( P = 0.02). In the HFLh (+) group, RS was significantly lower in the affected eye when compared with the fellow eye ( P < 0.01), whereas in the HFLh (−) group, no significant difference was noted between both eyes ( P = 0.58). Despite the significant improvement in the postoperative RS in areas with preoperative HFLh ( P < 0.001), it remained lower than the RS of the fellow eye ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: SMH displacement improved RS regardless of HFLh presence, although the degree of improvement was limited in the presence of HFLh.