Epiretinal Membrane Peeling in Patients With Good Preoperative Vision

Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the outcomes of patients undergoing removal of an epiretinal membrane (ERM) with good starting visual acuity.

Design:

Retrospective chart review.

Participants:

Forty eyes of 40 patients seen at a tertiary, referral-based private practice.

Methods:

All patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with removal of an ERM by a single surgeon (G.K.S.) from the years 2012 to 2014 were evaluated. Patients who were phakic, had a baseline visual acuity of 20/50 or worse, and those who had surgery less than 6 months prior to data collection were excluded.

Results:

Of the 40 patients included, only 2 (5%) developed a serious postoperative complication. One had a vitreous hemorrhage that cleared without further surgical intervention, and another developed a macula on retinal detachment that required 1 additional procedure. Nineteen (47.5%) had improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), 10 (25%) maintained their initial BCVA, 7 (17.5%) lost 1 to 2 lines, and 4 (10%) lost 3 lines or greater at their last follow-up visit. When looking only at idiopathic ERMs in the group, the results were similar with 48% with improved vision, 29% maintained the initial BCVA, 16% lost 1 to 2 lines, and 6% lost 3 lines or greater.

Discussion:

Surgery to remove an ERM is a reasonable option for those with significant metamorphopsia and highly symptomatic blurring of central vision, even with good baseline visual acuity.