Outcomes of Epiretinal Membrane Removal Utilizing Triamcinolone Acetonide Visualization and Internal Limiting...

To evaluate epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal utilizing internal limiting membrane (ILM) forceps and visualization with triamcinolone acetonide (TA).

Retrospective interventional case series of eyes undergoing ERM removal with TA visualization with follow-up of up to five years. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and incidence of complications were reviewed.

A total of 132 eyes were included with 54 and 16 eyes completing 3- and 5-year follow-up, respectively. Mean BCVA and CMT improved significantly at all postoperative evaluations compared to baseline (p<0.001). Pre-operative presence of PVD did not affect outcome measures. No intraoperative complications were reported. Immediate post-operative complications included one case of sterile endophthalmitis and one case of vitreous and perimacular hemorrhage. At one year, complications included progression of cataract in phakic eyes (65.4%), steroid-induced glaucoma (2.2%), retinal tear (0.8%), recurrent ERM (4.5%), and recurrent macular edema (11.3%). No further complications were reported at three- and five-year follow-up.

Combination ILM forceps and TA visualization offers an affordable and safe option for ERM removal with comparable or better outcomes than traditional methods of ERM surgery.