Evaluation of Factors Affecting Epiretinal Membrane Surgery Outcomes

The aim of this study was to evaluate several factors affecting the outcome of epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery.

The data of a total of 41 eyes of 40 patients (20 female, 20 male) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling with/without internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling between November 2001 and October 2005 at Beyoğlu Eye Training and Research Hospital with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in this retrospective study. The patients' best corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Snellen) and the biomicroscopic, funduscopic, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings measured preoperatively and at month 1,3,6, and a final visit were recorded. The surgical technique (partial 25-gauge vs 20-gauge), ILM peeling, intraoperative dyes, and the etiology of the ERM were evaluated as separate factors in the surgical outcome. Intraoperative, peroperative, and postoperative complications were assessed and compared.

The mean age of the study group participants was 63.56±14.96 years. The mean BCVA had increased from 0.28±0.149 to 0.35±0.24 Snellen lines (p=0.028) at the 6-month visit. In all, 18 of 41 eyes (43.9%) had gained ≥2 Snellen lines at the final visit. Cataract progression was detected in 17 cases (54.8%) of phakic eyes. The incidence of ERM recurrence was significantly greater in the ILM Intact group (37% vs 0%) than in the ILM Peeled group (p=0.009). There was no significant difference in anatomical or functional outcome between the partial 25-gauge and 20-gauge PPV techniques.

ILM peeling significantly reduced ERM recurrence. Follow-up observations indicated that cataract progression was the primary factor limiting visual gain.