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LONG-TERM OUTCOME OF EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE SURGERY IN YOUNG CHILDREN
Sophie Bonnin1, Florence Metge, Alexandra Guez
1Ophthalmo-Pediatric Department, Fondation Ophtalmologique Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France.
Insights
Surgery for epiretinal membranes (ERMs) in young children significantly improves vision long-term. Early diagnosis through screening is crucial for effective treatment and visual recovery in pediatric patients with ERMs.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) can affect vision in children.
- Understanding the characteristics and surgical outcomes of ERMs in very young patients is important for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the clinical features of epiretinal membranes in nonprogressive diseases affecting very young children.
- To evaluate the surgical results for these pediatric ERMs.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series of 13 pediatric patients under 12 years old operated on for ERM over 6 years.
- Preoperative and postoperative assessments included visual acuity, ophthalmic examination, and optical coherence tomography.
Main Results:
- The mean age of patients was 6.5 years, with a mean follow-up of 28.5 months.
- Idiopathic ERM, combined hamartoma, and posttraumatic ERM were observed. Diagnosis was often incidental (77%).
- Significant visual acuity improvement from 20/160 to 20/40 (P=0.001) was noted, with 92% experiencing functional improvement. Amblyopia treatment was standard.
Conclusions:
- Surgical intervention for ERMs in very young children leads to significant and lasting visual improvement.
- Pediatric screening plays a vital role in the diagnosis and management of ERMs in children.
Purpose:
To describe the clinical characteristics of epiretinal membranes (ERMs) secondary to nonprogressive diseases in very young children and to assess their surgical outcome.
Methods:
Retrospective interventional case series study of 13 pediatric patients (aged less than 12 years) operated on for ERM more than a 6-year period. Visual acuity measurement, ophthalmic examination, and optical coherence tomography imaging were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively.
Results:
Mean age was 6.5 years (3-12 years). Mean follow-up duration was of 28.5 months (12-69 months). Among the 13 patients, there were 7 cases of idiopathic ERM, 4 cases of combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium, and 2 cases of posttraumatic ERM. The diagnosis of ERM was fortuitous in 10 cases (77%). Twelve children (92%) experienced a functional improvement. All patients received adjuvant treatment of amblyopia. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly after surgery from 20/160 to 20/40 (P = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Even in very young children, surgery resulted in a significant long-term improvement. Children screening was essential for diagnosis and treatment in most cases.
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