Internal limiting membrane peeling in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is a serious condition requiring surgical intervention.
• Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is a common surgical approach for RRD.
• Internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling is a technique sometimes employed during PPV.

Approach:

• A meta-analysis was performed on 14 studies involving 2259 eyes.
• Compared outcomes of PPV with and without ILM peeling for RRD.
• Analyzed best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation, and RRD recurrence rates.

Key Points:

• ILM peeling did not significantly impact BCVA or RRD recurrence rates.
• ILM peeling was associated with a significantly lower rate of postoperative ERM formation (OR = 0.13).
• Sub-analysis for macula-off RRD showed similar results.

Conclusions:

• ILM peeling in PPV for RRD yields comparable functional and anatomical outcomes to non-peeling.
• ILM peeling significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative ERM.
• Consider ILM peeling in RRD cases with risk factors for ERM development.