Evaluation of postoperative visual function based on the preoperative inner layer structure in the epiretinal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Visual Function Analysis

Background:

• Epiretinal membrane (ERM) can affect visual acuity and retinal structure.
• Assessing preoperative ERM morphology is crucial for predicting surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate postoperative visual function based on preoperative epiretinal membrane (ERM) classification.
• To correlate inner retinal layer status with visual outcomes after vitrectomy.

Main Methods:

• 62 eyes undergoing vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for ERM were analyzed.
• Patients were classified into two groups based on preoperative inner retinal layer integrity (Group A: no disruption, Group B: disruption).
• Visual acuity, central visual-field sensitivity (CVFS), and micro-scotoma detection were compared preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Group A showed significantly greater improvement in visual acuity compared to Group B at 12 months.
• Group B exhibited significantly lower nasal CVFS and a higher detection rate of micro-scotoma postoperatively.
• Preoperative inner layer disruption was associated with poorer visual outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Preoperative inner layer disruption in ERM increases the risk of reduced CVFS and micro-scotoma formation after vitrectomy.
• Evaluating the integrity of the inner retinal layer is a key prognostic factor for retinal function in ERM patients.
• This classification aids in predicting visual function after ERM surgery.