Visual Function in Patients With Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery: Evaluated by Microperimetry

The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in visual function following surgery and identify predictors of postoperative visual function in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).

This retrospective study included 37 eyes with iERM. Macular structure was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), whereas visual function was evaluated using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry. All parameters were measured preoperatively (baseline) and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Associations between macular structural parameters and visual function outcomes were analyzed.

Central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased significantly at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Parafoveal vessel density (PFVD) of the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and BCVA improved significantly at 3 months, with no significant changes observed between 3 and 6 months. Retinal sensitivity (RS) and fixation stability (FS) demonstrated significant improvement at 6 months, whereas macular integrity (MI) showed no significant postoperative changes. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline PFVD of the DCP was a significant predictor of postoperative BCVA. Logistic regression analysis identified baseline PFVD of the DCP as an independent predictor of postoperative FS improvement.

BCVA, RS, and FS improve significantly following iERM surgery, with BCVA improving earlier than microperimetry parameters. A higher baseline PFVD of the DCP is a significant prognostic factor for better BCVA and FS improvement.

Microperimetry offers an objective and quantitative evaluation of macular functional changes after iERM surgery. PFVD of the DCP, as measured by OCTA, can serve as a valuable predictor of BCVA and FS outcomes postoperatively.