Outcomes after Epiretinal Membrane Surgery with or Without Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Macular Edema

Background:

• Persistent postoperative cystoid macular edema (pCME) is a potential complication after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.
• The role of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in pCME incidence is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the incidence of pCME in patients undergoing ERM peel alone versus ERM peel with ILM peel.
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including central macular thickness (CMT) and visual acuity.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 98 patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy.
• Patients were divided into two groups: ERM peel only (36 patients) and ERM with ILM peel (62 patients).
• Ophthalmological examinations, including BCVA and OCT, were performed pre-operatively and at 3 weeks and 3 months post-operatively.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in pCME incidence between the ERM only group (22.2%) and the ERM/ILM peel group (12.9%).
• Significant decrease in CMT and significant increase in BCVA observed in both groups post-surgery.
• No significant differences in CMT or BCVA changes between the two treatment groups.

Conclusions:

• ERM peel with or without ILM peel yields similar outcomes regarding pCME incidence.
• Both surgical techniques effectively reduce CMT and improve BCVA postoperatively.