Microperimetric evaluation for different methods of epiretinal membrane surgery.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Visual Function Assessment

Background:

• Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) can affect visual acuity.
• Surgical intervention is common for ERM, often involving internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal.
• The role of indocyanine green (ICG) staining in ERM surgery outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anatomic and functional results of different surgical techniques for idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM).
• To compare outcomes of ERM surgery with and without ILM removal and ICG staining using microperimetry.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 41 eyes undergoing combined ERM and cataract surgery.
• Patients categorized into three groups: ERM removal only, ERM/ILM removal without ICG, and ERM/ILM removal with ICG.
• Microperimetry assessed mean retinal sensitivities (MRS) preoperatively and at 6 months and 1 year postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No significant preoperative differences in visual acuity, macular thickness, or retinal sensitivity among groups.
• Postoperative MRS did not differ significantly between ERM removal only and ERM/ILM removal without ICG.
• A significant reduction in MRS was observed in the ERM/ILM removal with ICG group compared to ERM removal only.

Conclusions:

• Epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal with indocyanine green (ICG) staining may be associated with reduced retinal sensitivity.
• Further investigation with larger sample sizes is warranted to validate these findings in ERM surgery.