Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
10:14
Author Spotlight: Ex Vivo OCT-Based Multimodal Imaging of Human Donor Eyes for Research into Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Published on: May 26, 2023
4.3K
Increase in average foveal thickness after internal limiting membrane peeling
Kazuyuki Kumagai1, Mariko Furukawa1, Tetsuyuki Suetsugu1
1Department of Ophthalmology, Kami-iida Daiichi General Hospital.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|April 25, 2017
Summary
Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling during epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery increased foveal thickness and retinal areas. This suggests inward movement of retinal layers toward the foveal center after ILM removal.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
- Optical Coherence Tomography
Background:
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) can affect visual acuity.
- Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is a common surgical technique for ERM removal.
- Postoperative changes in foveal morphology require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report increased foveal thickness after ERM removal with ILM peeling.
- To analyze changes in foveal retinal areas post-ILM peeling.
Main Methods:
- Three cases of ERM removal with ILM peeling were analyzed.
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) assessed foveal thickness and areas pre- and post-surgery.
- Changes in inner and outer retinal areas were measured.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in average foveal thickness were observed (26-31%).
- Substantial increases in inner retinal area (71-113%) and outer retinal area (8-18%) occurred post-surgery.
- Foveal contour was normal preoperatively in all cases.
Conclusions:
- ILM peeling is associated with increased foveal thickness and retinal areas.
- A centripetal movement of retinal layers toward the foveal center is suggested post-ILM peeling.
- These findings provide insights into retinal layer dynamics after ILM removal.
