Enhancing Intermediate Vision in Patients Affected by Epiretinal Membrane Treated by Phaco-Vitrectomy

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Intraocular Lens Technology

Background:

• Cataract and epiretinal membrane (ERM) often require combined phaco-vitrectomy surgery.
• Assessing visual outcomes, particularly intermediate vision, is crucial after such procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a refractive enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) for intermediate vision.
• To compare the enhanced monofocal IOL with standard monofocal IOLs in patients undergoing phaco-vitrectomy for cataract and ERM.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study included patients undergoing phaco-vitrectomy for cataract and ERM.
• Visual acuity (distance and intermediate, corrected and uncorrected) was measured over 6 months.
• The CATQUEST 9-SF questionnaire assessed quality of life pre- and post-operatively.

Main Results:

• The enhanced monofocal IOL group showed significantly higher uncorrected and corrected intermediate visual acuity at 6 months (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively).
• Distance visual acuity did not differ significantly between groups.
• Patient-reported outcomes via the CATQUEST-9SF questionnaire showed significant improvement (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• The refractive enhanced monofocal IOL provides superior intermediate vision in patients with cataract and ERM undergoing phaco-vitrectomy.
• This lens may be a beneficial option for improving visual function in this patient population.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings.