Anatomical and functional changes in paravascular abnormalities after epiretinal membrane removal

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Imaging
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Epiretinal membranes (ERM) can cause visual distortion.
• Paravascular abnormalities (PVA) are often associated with ERM.
• The impact of ERM surgery on PVA is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate anatomical and functional changes in PVA following ERM surgery.
• To assess the efficacy of vitrectomy in eyes with concurrent ERM and PVA.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 28 eyes with ERM and PVA.
• Pre- and postoperative measurements of PVA area using en face OCT.
• Assessment of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and retinal sensitivity via microperimetry.

Main Results:

• Significant reduction in PVA areas at superficial and deep capillary levels post-surgery (p < 0.001 and p = 0.010, respectively).
• Improved retinal sensitivity in PVA lesions at 1 and 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.045 and p < 0.001, respectively).
• Significant improvements in BCVA and CMT were observed.

Conclusions:

• ERM surgery leads to anatomical and functional improvements in PVA.
• Vitrectomy positively impacts both central vision and retinal sensitivity in affected areas.
• Surgical intervention offers a dual benefit for vision and retinal health in ERM patients with PVA.