Retinal Thickness Change Following Cataract Surgery in Eyes with Epiretinal Membranes

Purpose: To investigate intraretinal changes and central millimeter thickness (CMMT) after successful uncomplicated cataract surgery in patients with asymptomatic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Design: prospective, single-center, interventional case series. Methods: Thirty eyes from 26 patients with cataract and ERM (ERM group) and fifteen consecutive eyes with senile cataract with a healthy macula (control group) were included. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) as well as biomicroscopy were performed at baseline, one week, one month and three months after cataract surgery. OCT raster scans were further analyzed regarding CMMT and structural changes in the retinal morphology. Results: The baseline mean visual acuity improved significantly three months after cataract surgery in both groups (p < 0.05). CMMT in the ERM group was 342 (±53 μm) at baseline and increased significantly to 356 (±57) μm after three months (p < 0.05). One patient in the ERM group developed temporary cystoid macular edema one week after cataract surgery that resolved under topical treatment within three months. CMMT in the control group increased significantly three months after cataract surgery as well but no structural changes in the retinal morphology were observed in this group. Conclusions: This study provides evidence that cataract surgery in eyes with asymptomatic pre-existing ERM can be considered as safe and effective, resulting in good visual acuity outcomes. However, an increase in CMMT and temporary mild changes in retinal morphology may occur.