Choroidal vascularity index changes with phacovitrectomy for vitreoretinal interface disorders

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases
• Choroidal Imaging

Background:

• Vitreomacular interface disorders, including epiretinal membrane (ERM) and full thickness macular hole (FTMH), are associated with changes in choroidal structure.
• The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) is a quantitative measure of choroidal vascularity, reflecting the vascular status of the choroid.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the changes in choroidal vascularity index (CVI) after internal limiting membrane peeling in patients with ERM and FTMH.
• To compare postoperative CVI with preoperative CVI in affected eyes and with healthy fellow eyes.

Main Methods:

• A study included 59 patients with unilateral ERM and 56 with unilateral FTMH.
• Axial length, intraocular pressure, and CVI were measured pre- and post-vitrectomy and compared with fellow eyes.
• Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Main Results:

• Post-vitrectomy CVI was significantly lower in ERM and FTMH eyes compared to their preoperative measurements (P < 0.001).
• No significant changes in CVI were observed in the fellow eyes before and after surgery.
• Baseline CVI did not significantly differ between ERM and FTMH study eyes.

Conclusions:

• Internal limiting membrane peeling for ERM and FTMH leads to a significant reduction in choroidal vascularity index postoperatively.
• Preoperative CVI is comparable between affected eyes and healthy fellow eyes, suggesting the changes are a consequence of the surgical intervention.