VMT was assumed to be an uncommon entity and not associated with other macular disorders. Hence, the term vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome was coined. This condition was confirmed, not by imaging studies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) which was not available at that time, but through the use of histological studies. In 1970, Reese et al 1 described an unusual macular condition in which an incomplete posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) exerted traction on the macula and was accompanied by decreased visual acuity (VA). Surgical procedures are effective to relieve VMT and improve VA in most eyes outcomes vary with VMT morphology and the duration of symptoms. Despite similar postoperative visual acuity (VA) in focal and broad VMT subgroups, visual improvement is greater with focal VMT because preoperative VA is frequently lower. Focal VMT usually leads to macular hole formation, tractional cystoid macular edema and foveal retinal detachment, while broad VMT is associated with epiretinal membranes, diffuse retinal thickening and impaired foveal depression recovery. The size and severity of the remaining vitreomacular attachment may define the specific maculopathy. These macular changes are closely related to the VMT configuration and have led to proposing classification of this syndrome based on OCT findings. VMT syndrome is implicated in the pathophysiology of a number of macular disorders, translating into a variety of anatomical and functional consequences underscoring the complexity of the condition. While technological advances drive us into the future by clarifying the pathophysiology of many diseases and enabling novel therapeutic options, it is at the same time necessary to review basic disease concepts in addition to definitions and classifications. The advent of new technologies such as high definition optical coherence tomography (OCT) has not only provided unprecedented imaging capabilities, but also raised the need to define concepts not yet settled and often confusing such as the vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome.
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