Long-Term Outcomes After Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery

Title - Long term outcomes of vitrectomy and ERM peel: Can pre-operative metamorphopsia measured using the D-Chart help improve surgical candidate selection?

PURPOSE

To assess the predictive value of pre-operative metamorphopsia, measured using the D-Chart, in patients undergoing epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery and how this relates to improvement in quality of life after surgery.

METHODS

17 patients from vitreo-retinal surgery clinics at a tertiary ophthalmology centre were recruited when listed for pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ERM peel between September 2019 - February 2020. Pre-operatively patients underwent visual acuity (VA), Visual-Function Index 14 (VF-14) and metamorphopsia (D-Chart-Thomson Software Solutions) assessment and answered a questionnaire regarding cardinal ERM symptoms. Post-operatively patients were re-assessed in the same domains.

RESULTS

13 patients completed the protocol (inclusion rate 76%) with a mean follow-up of 32.1 (± 3.1) months. Mean pre-operative VA of the affected eye was 0.42 logMAR (± 0.25). Mean pre-operative VF-14 score was 81.51 (± 12.8) and mean M-Score of the affected eye was 14.6 (± 12.7). Post-operatively, mean VA of the operated eye was 0.11 logMAR (± 0.11), mean VF-14 score was 97.4 (± 3.8) and mean M-Score was 1.31 (± 2.8). Mean improvement in VA was 0.31 logMAR (p < 0.001), in VF-14 15.9 (p = 0.002), and M-Score -13.3 (p = 0.003). There was a significant association between pre-operative D-Chart score and improvement in VA (r = -0.570, p = 0.042), visual functioning (r = 0.606 p = 0.028) and metamorphopsia (r = 0.916 p < 0.001), with those demonstrating poorer D-Chart scores showing greater improvements.

CONCLUSION

Pre- and post-operative visual distortion measured using the D-Chart, correlates with vision related quality of life in patients undergoing epiretinal membrane surgery. Patients with worse pre-operative distortion scores noticed the greatest improvements in distortion and vision related quality of life following surgery. With a mean follow-up time of 32.1 months, this long-term follow-up data further reinforces the efficacy of vitrectomy and ERM peel by demonstrating significant and sustained improvement in visual acuity, metamorphopsia and visual functioning. The authors suggest there is a role for D-Chart assessment pre-operatively to improve selection of patients in ERM surgery.

Comparison of complications and visual outcomes of combined phacovitrectomy vs stand-alone phacoemulsification: multicenter database study

PURPOSE

To compare the rates of intraoperative complications, cystoid macular edema (CME), and visual outcomes in eyes that underwent combined phacovitrectomy (Phaco-PPV) with those with stand-alone phacoemulsification.

SETTING

A multicenter database study across 8 ophthalmology departments in the United Kingdom.

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized, multicenter comparative study.

METHODS

We extracted data for patients who underwent Phaco-PPV and stand-alone phacoemulsification from January 2000 through May 2015. The primary study outcomes were the rates of intraoperative complications and CME postoperatively.

RESULTS

The study included 2222 eyes in the combined Phaco-PPV group and 112 689 in the stand-alone phacoemulsification group. The combined Phaco-PPV group had a higher incidence of posterior capsule rupture (2.7% vs 1.7%), dropped lens fragments (0.5% vs 0.2%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (0.4% vs 0.1%), and CME (3.6 vs 1.1%) ( P < .001). The mean preoperative visual acuity (VA) was lower in the combined Phaco-PPV group, with a mean VA of 0.98 vs 0.68 logMAR (Snellen ∼20/200 vs 20/100) in the stand-alone phacoemulsification group ( P < .001). VA at 24 weeks was lower in the combined Phaco-PPV group (mean VA 0.67 vs 0.22 logMAR (Snellen ∼20/100 vs 20/32), P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Combined Phaco-PPV had higher rates of intraoperative complications and CME, along with a lower postoperative VA, when compared with stand-alone phacoemulsification surgery.

Association of Microvasculature Changes with Visual Outcomes in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery: A Clinical Trial

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate macular microvascular changes and their correlation with visual outcomes after idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) surgery. Methods: Forty-seven eyes operated for iERM were included in this retrospective case series. The foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, and the vessel density (VD) in the superficial and the deep capillary plexus (SCP and DCP) were evaluated using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). The association between the OCTA parameters and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was examined preoperatively and postoperatively. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the potential predictive factors for visual recovery. Results: At baseline, the FAZ area in iERM eyes was significantly smaller than that in the control eyes (p < 0.001). iERM eyes also had a lower macular VD in both the SCP and the DCP (p < 0.001). Preoperative BCVA was negatively correlated with the FAZ area (r = -0.499, p < 0.001) and macular VD in the DCP (r = -0.422, p = 0.003). A negative correlation was also found between postoperative BCVA and macular VD in both the SCP (r = -0.394, p = 0.006) and the DCP (r = -0.569, p < 0.001). In the bivariate analyses, age, preoperative BCVA, iERM stage, and baseline macular VD in the SCP were significantly associated with BCVA at 6 months post-surgery. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the preoperative BCVA was the only predictor of visual outcomes in iERM eyes (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) causes microvascular changes, including foveal avascular zone (FAZ) contraction and decreased macular vessel density (VD) in both the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and the deep capillary plexus (DCP). These changes were significantly correlated with pre- and/or postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). However, none of these alterations appeared to have prognostic value for visual outcomes in patients with iERM.

Visual outcomes and complications of combined versus sequential pars plana vitrectomy and phacoemulsification for epiretinal membrane

BACKGROUND

Symptomatic epiretinal membrane (ERM) often requires surgical intervention via pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), for which cataract development is a common complication. There is insufficient data on the visual outcomes and complications of combined phacovitrectomy (COMB) in comparison to sequential PPV with deferred cataract surgery (SEQ) for ERM.

METHODS

A retrospective dataset analysis of 8 National Health Service ophthalmology departments. The main outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity (VA), operative complications, postoperative cystoid macular oedema (CMO) and recurrent ERM.

RESULTS

We included 898 and 299 eyes in the COMB and SEQ groups, respectively. Both procedures resulted in significantly better VA across all follow-up intervals (24 weeks). The proportion of eyes with Snellen VA of at least 20/40 at 12-24 weeks was comparable in both groups (47.8% [COMB] vs. 54.7% [SEQ], p = 0.4456). More eyes in the COMB group experienced posterior capsular rupture (2.9% vs. 0%, p = 0.0009) and iatrogenic retinal trauma (2.4% vs. 0%, p = 0.0023). However, regression analysis revealed that combined surgery did not predict either complication. There were no significant differences in the rates of CMO (6.5% [COMB] vs. 9% [SEQ], p = 0.1522) and recurrent ERM (2.1% [COMB] vs. 3.3% [SEQ], p = 0.2758) between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Both combined and sequential procedures are comparably effective and safe means for managing eyes with ERM.

Long-Term Visual Outcomes in Patients With Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to assess long-term outcomes following surgical repair of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and membrane peel (MP).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study evaluated patients with idiopathic ERM who underwent surgical repair at a single academic tertiary center with five to nine years of postoperative follow-up, assessing preoperative characteristics, surgical techniques, best visual acuity (BVA), and optical coherence tomography biomarkers at various time points.

RESULTS

The study involved 67 patients (72 eyes) with an average postoperative follow-up of 82.8 ± 18.8 months. Patients with cone outer segment tips integrity at initial presentation and 1-year follow-up and patients with external limiting membrane and ellipsoid zone integrity at 1-year follow-up were noted to have significantly better long-term visual acuity than those without. More than 85% of patients achieved a BVA > 70 seven years after surgical repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Vitreoretinal surgery for idiopathic ERM resulted in improved anatomical recovery and sustained visual acuity gain over long-term follow-up. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:70-77.].

Idiopathic epiretinal membranes: postoperative changes in morphology

OBJECTIVE

To describe retinal morphology in idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERMs) and to evaluate factors influencing function at different postoperative times up to 24 months.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 121 eyes of 117 patients followed with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography for 24 months.

METHODS

The following details were analyzed: type of ERM, central retinal thickness, and status of all retina layers in the fovea, especially the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and photoreceptor layer. We evaluated the presence of disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), ectopic inner foveal layer (EIFL), elevation (stretching) of the ONL, cotton ball sign, and type connection between the retina and ERMs (complete adherence or multiple junction spots).

RESULTS

The percentage of DRIL, EIFL, and stretched ONL decreased. Several factors negatively influenced visual acuity during the early postoperative controls: age, interdigitation zone defects; presence of cotton ball sign, DRIL, EIFL, and stretched ONL; and strong adhesion of the ERMs to the retina. Twenty-four months after surgery, only DRIL and strong adhesion between ERMs and the retina remained statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger patients (p < 0.001) and patients without DRIL (p < 0.001) experienced a faster recovery of function. The length of follow-up was associated with a decrease of factors influencing the final outcome. After 24 months, only the presence of DRIL and strong adhesion between the ERMs and the retina were significant. Assuming that DRIL appears in more advanced stages when compared with EIFL, this allows us to suggest that earlier surgery might be of more benefit in idiopathic ERMs.

Pars plana vitrectomy for vitreoretinal interface disorders coincident with intermediate stage age-related macular degeneration

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Currently around 67 million people in Europe are affected by some form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As most known types of vitreoretinal (VR) interface disorders can coexist with AMD and as we can favourably affect the former with vitreoretinal surgery, our goal was to evaluate the results of vitreoretinal interface disorder surgery with macular peeling in relation to coincident intermediate stage AMD.

METHODOLOGY

This was a retrospective evaluation of eyes operated with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). The monitored parameters were anatomical and functional findings and, safety of the procedure. The surface of the macula was stained with trypan blue and treated (peeling) with a disposable microforceps. 10% perfluoropropane, or the air tamponade was used. Distance visual acuity was examined on the ETDRS chart, the macular finding was monitored by OCT and photodocumented. The post-operative face-down position was 3-5 days. The follow-up period was 6 months.

RESULTS

17 eyes (14 patients, woman 86%) mean age 74 years. The primary indications for the procedure were: idiopathic macular hole (IMD) 59%, epiretinal membrane 29% and vitreomacular traction syndrome 12%. Ophthalmoscopic and OCT findings of intermediate dry form of AMD (100%), in 24% was drusoid ablation of the pigment leaf. In all cases of IMD, primary closure occurred. Input visual acuity 0.1-0.6 improved to 0.2-0.9 at the end of the follow-up period (P<0.05). No complications during surgery or progression of AMD in the follow-up period were observed.

CONCLUSION

PPV for vitreoretinal interface disorders have similar anatomical results, whether the outer part of the retina is disrupted by intermediate AMD or not. Functional results are affected by possible disruption of the RPE or the outer layers of the neuroretina by AMD. The PPV procedure has a standard security profile. It is safe and does not affect the progression of AMD in the short term.

Epiretinal membrane fragments: the origin of recurrent membranes after epiretinal membrane peeling

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the participation of residual fragments of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) in recurrent ERMs after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for ERMs.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparison study.

PARTICIPANTS

Consecutive 195 eyes of 195 patients with ERMs who underwent PPV.

METHODS

Internal limiting membrane (ILM) was removed without use of Brilliant Blue G (BBG) dye in any eyes until May 2017 (group 1) and thereafter using BBG dye in all eyes (group 2). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were obtained 3 days and 3 years after PPV.

RESULTS

Group 1 was made up of 87 eyes, and group 2 was made up of 108 eyes. OCT images obtained 3 days after PPV showed ERM fragments with retinal surface wrinkling in 53 eyes (27.2%) and retinal surface wrinkling alone in 9 eyes (4.6%). OCT images obtained 3 years postoperatively showed ERMs in 63 eyes (32.3%), all of which except 1 eye had ERM fragments and (or) retinal surface wrinkling on OCT image 3 days after PPV. Residual ERM 3 days postoperatively grew in 20 (64.5%) of the 31 eyes with residual ERM 3 days postoperatively in group 1 and 5 (22.7%) of the 22 eyes with residual ERM 3 days postoperatively in group 2, which rates were significantly different (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

ERM fragments may be the source of recurrent ERMs after PPV, and ILM peeling assisted with BBG dye may prevent growth of residual ERM. Eliminating ERM and ILM fragments intraoperatively may effectively reduce another surgery for ERM peeling.

Long-Term Changes in Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness after Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane Using Optical Coherence Tomography Images

This study investigated the long-term effects of epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery on peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. We included 30 patients with idiopathic ERM who underwent a vitrectomy for ERM removal with internal limiting membrane peeling. The patients were followed up for 5 years after surgery, and their medical records were reviewed for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT parameters. The study population comprised 24 females (80.0%), and the mean age was 65.4 ± 7.2 years. The baseline BCVA significantly improved from 0.28 ± 0.24 to 0.12 ± 0.09 logMAR (p < 0.001) 1 year after surgery and continued to improve for 5 years after surgery. The peripapillary RNFL thickness initially increased after surgery and then gradually decreased. The peripapillary RNFL thicknesses of the global and temporal sectors showed significant reductions 2 years after surgery, whereas those of the nasal sectors did not significantly change. The peripapillary RNFL thickness was thinner in the global and temporal areas of the operated eyes than in those of the fellow eyes 4 and 5 years after surgery. In conclusion, peripapillary RNFL thicknesses decreased in the global and temporal areas after ERM surgery, whereas peripapillary RNFL thicknesses in the nasal sectors did not change significantly during the long-term follow-up.

[Functional results and complications in the long-term follow-up after 25-gauge vitrectomy of epiretinal membrane]

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic epiretinal membranes can lead, among other things, to visual impairment and metamorphopsia. The treatment of choice is a pars plana vitrectomy with removal of the membrane. The improvement of visual acuity and postoperative complications have already been described in several studies.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the long-term outcome of at least 3 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In the period from 2011 to 2016, a total of 667 eyes underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy, membranectomy and peeling of the ILM (Internal limiting membrane) because of epiretinal membrane by the same surgeon. This study included 51 eyes from 51 patients who had returned to our clinic after at least 3 years. For the follow-up, data were collected after 3 months and then annually, if available. The mean follow-up time was 57 months (37-104 months). In the postoperative follow-up visual acuity, intraocular pressure and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 51 eyes included 34 had a 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with phacoemulsification and artificial lens implantation, 8 eyes without phako and 9 eyes were already pseudophakic. The most common complication in the follow-up period was a persistent macular edema with 5.9% (3 eyes) and a recurrence of epiretinal membrane in 5.9% of cases. The best corrected logMar visual acuity was 0.4 (0.1-1.3; n = 51) preoperatively, at the last examination 0.23 (0-1.0; n = 51, p < 0.001). Three months postoperatively, the logMar visual acuity was 0.29 (n = 41), after 1 year 0.25 (n = 35), 2 years 0.23 (n = 29), after 3 years 0.26 (n = 29), after 4 years 0.27 (n = 27), after 5 years 0.24 (n = 17) and after 6 years 0.24 (n = 13).

CONCLUSION

The 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy is a low complication procedure for the removal of epiretinal membranes. The clearest increase in visual acuity can be seen within the first 3 months postoperatively, but then stabilizes. In the long-term follow up a change in visual acuity can also be found after more than 3 years.

Peripapillary microvasculature changes after vitrectomy in epiretinal membrane via swept-source OCT angiography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the peripapillary microvasculature changes in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA).

METHOD

Medical records and multimodal imaging data of 33 eyes after PPV for ERM were retrospectively reviewed. Peripapillary SS-OCTA images of 6×6 mm² were recorded at at pre- and post-operatively every 6 months for 1 year. A semi-automated method was used to analyzed SS-OCTA images, excluding the optic disc area, using the MATLAB software. The peripapillary vessel density (pVD) of superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) was quantified in four quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal).

RESULT

The mean pVD in SCP and DCP decreased at 6- and 12-months follow-up. In sectoral analysis, superior, inferior, and temporal quadrants pVD in SCP and DCP were significantly reduced at 1 year after vitrectomy (all p < 0.05). Meanwhile, inferior quadrants pVD in SCP and DCP showed the earliest significant reduction at 6-months (p = 0.022 and 0.048, respectively). A reduction of post-operative mean pVD in DCP was significantly greater in patients with diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.043).

CONCLUSION

Peripapillary capillary density significantly decreased after surgical removal of ERM. Vitrectomy with ILM peeling can cause peripapillary microvascular damage starting in inferior sector.

Visual outcomes and complications of combined vs sequential cataract surgery and pars plana vitrectomy: multicenter database study

PURPOSE

To compare the visual outcomes and rates of intraoperative complications in eyes that underwent combined cataract extraction (CE) and pars plana vitrectomy (combined group) with those that underwent sequential surgery (sequential group).

SETTING

Multicenter study.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

METHODS

CE data set pooled from 8 UK sites between 2000 and 2015. The main outcome measures were the mean postoperative visual acuity (VA) and the rate of intraoperative complications in both groups.

RESULTS

2236 eyes in the combined group and 2270 eyes in the sequential group were included in this study. Mean preoperative VA was 1.0 logMAR in both groups. The mean logMAR postoperative VA was worse in the combined group than in the sequential group ( P < .0001) at all timepoints, however, the differences in visual improvement between both groups decreased with longer follow-up time: 1.0 ± 0.7 vs 0.6 ± 0.6, 0.7 ± 0.6 vs 0.4 ± 0.5, and 0.7 ± 0.6 vs 0.5 ± 0.5 at 0 to 4 weeks, 4 to 12 weeks, and 12 to 24 weeks, respectively. Proportions of eyes that gained >3 logMAR units were 49% in the combined group and 66.2% in the sequential group ( P < .0001). Logistic regression analysis showed that sequential surgery (odds ratio, 2.1) was a predictor for reaching 20/40 vision by 6 months. In the combined group, there was a statistically significantly higher rate of posterior capsular rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative visual gain was less in the combined group with a higher rate of posterior capsular rupture as compared with sequential phacovitrectomy. However, small differences in visual improvements between both groups by 6 months were observed.

Myopic Foveoschisis Completely Resolves within 12 Months after Vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To assess the sequence of anatomical resolution of myopic foveoschisis (MFS) after vitrectomy.

DESIGN

Monocentric retrospective observational case series.

SUBJECTS

The files of consecutive patients with MFS who underwent vitreoretinal surgery and were followed postoperatively for at least 6 months were reviewed.

METHODS

Patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy for MFS. The central foveal thickness (CFT) was measured. The presence of a foveal involvement, and/or outer retinoschisis (ORS), with or without inner retinoschisis (IRS), and foveal detachment (FD) were analyzed. Anatomical success was defined as the resolution of foveal ORS and FD.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The main outcome was the time to resolution of the different morphologic features of MFS after surgery.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eyes of 36 patients were included in the analysis. The mean follow-up was 14.8 ± 12.9 months (range, 6-84 months). Anatomical success was achieved in 82% of cases at the end of the follow-up and in > 80% of cases during the first year. The CFT was significantly decreased in 79% of cases at 3 months. Inner retinoschisis, present in 18 eyes (46%), resolved in all cases after a median time of 1 month. Foveal ORS, present in all cases, resolved in 82% of cases after a median time of 3 months. The FD, present in 23 eyes (59%), resolved in 91% of cases after a median time of 6 months. Extrafoveal ORS resolved in 59% of cases after a median time of 12 months. The mean best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.80 ± 0.64 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen Eq 20/148) to 0.48 ± 0.52 logMAR (Snellen Eq 20/70).

CONCLUSIONS

Most MFS (80%) are completely resolved during the first year. The decrease in CFT and early resolution of IRS could be used as early biomarkers of surgical success.

Longitudinal Change of Choroidal Thickness after Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

This study aimed to investigate changes in choroidal thickness after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with and without air tamponade in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). We retrospectively reviewed 61 patients with ERM who underwent a 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless PPV. The patients were divided into two groups: the air tamponade group (30 eyes) and the nontamponade group (31 eyes). Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was analyzed over 12 months. No significant differences were seen between the two groups at baseline. For all patients, the SFCT was significantly thicker at 1 month after surgery and significantly thinner at 6 and 12 months after surgery than preoperative values. In the subgroup analysis, there was no significant difference in SFCT 3 months after surgery compared with the preoperative values in both groups, but SFCT was significantly lower 6 months after surgery in both groups. In conclusion, our results showed that choroidal thickness temporarily increased after surgery and then gradually decreased until 12 months after the PPV for ERM.

Vitreomacular disorders: a review of the classification, pathogenesis and treatment paradigms including new surgical techniques

This review explores how optical coherence tomography has guided our assessment of vitreomacular disorders. Vitreomacular disorders (VMD), such as macular holes and epiretinal membranes are common and potentially sight threatening. The introduction and widespread use of optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging technology has transformed our ability to visualise the vitreoretinal interface. This review discusses the pathogenesis and updated classification scheme for VMD in the OCT era. Imaging biomarkers and the treatment algorithm, including the role of novel therapeutics, for managing patients with VMD are presented.

Epiretinal membrane: A review

The prevalence of epiretinal membrane (ERM) is 7% to 11.8%, with increasing age being the most important risk factor. Although most ERM is idiopathic, common secondary causes include cataract surgery, retinal vascular disease, uveitis and retinal tears. The myofibroblastic pre-retinal cells are thought to transdifferentiate from glial and retinal pigment epithelial cells that reach the retinal surface via defects in the internal limiting membrane (ILM) or from the vitreous cavity. Grading schemes have evolved from clinical signs to ocular coherence tomography (OCT) based classification with associated features such as the cotton ball sign. Features predictive of better prognosis include absence of ectopic inner foveal layers, cystoid macular oedema, acquired vitelliform lesions and ellipsoid and cone outer segment termination defects. OCT-angiography shows reduced size of the foveal avascular zone. Vitrectomy with membrane peeling remains the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic ERMs. Additional ILM peeling reduces recurrence but is associated with anatomical changes including inner retinal dimpling.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography in Prematurity

Purpose: During normal foveal development there is a close interaction between the neurosensory and vascular elements of the fovea making it vulnerable to prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). We aim to assess this potential effect on foveal development in preterms evaluated simultaneously with both optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA).Method: Unrestricted literature search in the PubMed and Cochrane library databases yielded 20 distinct citations. Fifteen were relevant and reviewed.Results: In preterms, OCTA demonstrated a significant decrease in the foveal avascular zone area and an increase in foveal vessel density. OCT showed a decrease in foveal pit depth and an increase in the thickness of the subfoveal retinal layers. Some studies correlated these changes with reduced vision.Conclusion: Changes in the vascular and neurosensory retina were found in premature children. It remains unclear whether this is related to prematurity alone or ROP and its treatment.

Preoperative Vision, Gender, and Operation Time Predict Visual Improvement After Epiretinal Membrane Vitrectomy: A Retrospective Study

Background

To evaluate the efficacy of micro-incision vitrectomy surgery using a non-contact wide-angle viewing system for fovea-attached type epiretinal membrane, and to report the factors influencing the outcome.

Methods

A retrospective, comparative case series that included 50 patients with fovea-attached type epiretinal membrane who received micro-incision vitrectomy surgery using a non-contact wide-angle viewing system.

Results

All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 12 months. Seven cases were classified as group 1A (mainly outer retinal thickening), 17 were group 1B (more tenting of outer retina and distorted inner retina), and 26 were group 1C (prominent inner retina thickening and inward tenting of outer retina). Outcome measures included operation time, recurrent rate, postoperative BCVA, and CRT. The mean operative time was 26.2 minutes. The mean change of BCVA (LogMAR) was −0.43 (p< 0.001). The mean change of CRT was 135.3 μm (p< 0.001). The mean change of CRT was significantly higher in group 1C. Worse preoperative BCVA, male gender, and longer operative time can predict better postoperative BCVA found by multivariate logistic regression and multiple regression models.

Conclusion

Significant improvement in BCVA and CRT is noted after micro-incision vitrectomy surgery to operate fovea-attached type epiretinal membranes. Worse preoperative BCVA, male, and longer operation time could predict better improvement. These findings may assist surgeons in better evaluating the potential of this method to help their patients with epiretinal membranes.

Intraocular pressure might play a role in the surgical management of patients with epiretinal membrane

PURPOSE

To investigate the prognostic factors and visual outcomes for patients with epiretinal membrane after pars plana vitrectomy and possible interactions between multiple factors.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of adult patients with epiretinal membrane treated with pars plana vitrectomy performed by a single surgeon between February 1, 2015, and January 31, 2017 was conducted. The surgical procedures included standard 25-gauge vitrectomy with peeling of the epiretinal membrane and internal limiting membrane (ILM). Factors including age, sex, vision, intraocular pressure (IOP), lens status, and baseline optical coherence tomography angiography were analyzed to determine any association with visual outcomes. IOP and lens status were evaluated at every visit point and were used for analysis.

RESULTS

Visual changes after pars plana vitrectomy in patients with epiretinal membrane were significantly associated with time, lens status, baseline ellipsoid zone integrity, baseline vision, baseline parafoveal vessel density of superficial capillary plexus (SPVD), and IOP. Further investigation using Johnson-Neyman analysis revealed that vision improved over time, especially in pseudophakic eyes. High IOP at baseline or during follow-up was identified as a significant factor associated with limited visual improvement.

CONCLUSION

Our study showed that vision improved over time after vitrectomy for patients with epiretinal membrane. The surgical outcomes are more stable in pseudophakic eyes, and vision improved after cataract extraction in phakic eyes. IOP should be managed and monitored closely to optimize surgical and visual outcomes in patients.