Long-Term Visual Acuity and Optical Coherence Tomography Changes After Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membranes

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the long-term visual acuity and retinal thickness changes after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM).

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 72 patients who underwent PPV for idiopathic ERM in a tertiary hospital over 5 consecutive years. The main outcome measurement was change in visual acuity and macular thickness as recorded with optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Medical records of 239 patients with a diagnosis of ERM who underwent PPV with or without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling were reviewed; of these, 72 patients with idiopathic ERM were included in the final analysis. All patients completed at least one year of follow-up, and 23 patients (30%) had 5 or more years of follow-up. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/65, and mean preoperative central macular thickness (CMT) on OCT was 434 microns (µm). Mean postoperative BCVA and CMT at one year were 20/40 and 303 µm, respectively (p<0.0001). A total of 42 patients (58%) improved by 2 or more lines; BCVA and CMT continued to improve postoperatively for up to 5 years of the follow-up period. There was no significant difference in BCVA or CMT between phakic and pseudophakic patients, and ILM peeling was performed in 67% of patients. Improved BCVA at 1 year was associated with younger age (p<0.0001) and ILM peeling (p=0.020).

Conclusion

PPV is an effective treatment for idiopathic ERM, and ILM peel may be of benefit. BCVA continues to improve up to 2 years and beyond after surgery regardless of the duration of symptoms.

Keywords:

• idiopathic epiretinal membrane
• pars plana vitrectomy
• optical coherence tomography
• central macular thickness

Data Sharing Statement

Data analyzed during this study are included in this published article, and detailed data are available upon request from the corresponding author (MSA).

Ethics Approval

The study protocol insured full patient data confidentiality and complied with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Consent to Participate

No informed consent was required by IRB since this is a retrospective study.

Consent for Publication

No patient identification data included in the study.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding to report.