Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 23, 2026
10:10
Full-Circle Cauterization of Limbal Vascular Plexus for Surgically Induced Glaucoma in Rodents
Published on: February 15, 2022
1.7K
Longitudinal changes in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane
Sung-Bok Lee1, Yong-Il Shin2, Young-Joon Jo1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea Research Institute for Medical Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|September 18, 2014
Summary
Vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery can lead to decreased retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, particularly in the temporal quadrant. The removal procedure itself impacts RNFL thickness post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Surgical Outcomes
Background:
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common condition affecting vision.
- Vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is a standard surgical treatment for ERM.
- Understanding the impact of ERM surgery on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate longitudinal changes in RNFL thickness after vitrectomy for ERM.
- To assess the effect of the surgical procedure and ERM on RNFL thickness over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 31 patients undergoing vitrectomy for ERM.
- Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) used to measure RNFL thickness at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-surgery.
- RNFL analysis divided into pathologic and nonpathologic areas based on macular lesions.
Main Results:
- Overall RNFL thickness increased at 1 month then decreased compared to baseline.
- Temporal quadrant RNFL was thicker at baseline and 1 month, but thinner at 12 months post-surgery compared to fellow eyes.
- RNFL thickness in pathologic areas decreased significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively compared to baseline.
Conclusions:
- Vitrectomy for ERM is associated with a postoperative decrease in RNFL thickness.
- Significant reductions in RNFL thickness were observed in temporal pathologic areas.
- Both the presence of ERM and the surgical removal contribute to RNFL thinning.
