Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 11, 2025
Retinal Pigment Epithelium Transplantation in a Non-human Primate Model for Degenerative Retinal Diseases
Published on: June 14, 2021
En-Face OCT and Microperimetric Analysis of Intraretinal Microcysts in Eyes After Pars Plana Vitrectomy for
Jakub J Kaluzny1,2, Przemyslaw Zabel1,3, Karolina Anna Suwala1,2
1Department of Sensory Organ Studies, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Purpose:
To compare the location of microcystic macular edema (MME) with areas of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) damage in the macula detected on en-face SDOCT in eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) due to the epiretinal membrane (ERM).
Patients And Methods:
Thirty-five eyes were enrolled at least 6 months after PPV with removal of ERM and inner limiting membrane (ILM). In each eye, en-face SDOCT and microperimetry were performed. The area of RNFL damage was measured and compared with the position of MME and correlated with the volume of retinal layers and retinal sensitivity (AT).
Results:
MME was observed in 17 eyes (48.6%) in the area devoid of ILM, often in places with arcuate damage to the RNFL bundle. The mean area of RNFL damage in eyes with MME was 9.03 ± 5.3 mm2 and was significantly larger than in eyes where microcysts were not present, where it measured 3.92 ± 3.3 mm2. A significant negative correlation was observed between the area of RNFL damage and GCL volume and AT.
Conclusion:
The topographic analysis of the MME position in eyes after PPV due to ERM confirmed the association of this pathology with ganglion cells and RNFL damage related to the removal of the ILM and ERM. There are probably two pathways leading to the development of MME: one starting from Muller cell damage during ILM peeling and the other due to retrograde death of ganglion cells in the areas of arcuate RNFL defects.
Insights
Microcystic macular edema (MME) after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery is linked to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) damage. This damage is more extensive in eyes with MME, suggesting Muller cell or ganglion cell involvement.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Imaging
- Macular Edema
Background:
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal via pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) can lead to complications.
- Microcystic macular edema (MME) is a potential post-surgical finding.
- Understanding the relationship between MME and retinal damage is crucial for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the location of microcystic macular edema (MME) with retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) damage in the macula.
- To analyze MME in relation to inner limiting membrane (ILM) removal after ERM surgery.
- To correlate MME findings with retinal layer volume and sensitivity.
Main Methods:
- En-face spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT) and microperimetry were used.
- Thirty-five eyes were analyzed at least 6 months post-PPV for ERM and ILM removal.
- Areas of RNFL damage were measured and compared with MME location.
Main Results:
- MME was present in 48.6% of eyes, often associated with arcuate RNFL damage.
- Eyes with MME showed significantly larger areas of RNFL damage (9.03 mm² vs. 3.92 mm²).
- A negative correlation was found between RNFL damage area and ganglion cell layer (GCL) volume and retinal sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- MME after PPV for ERM is associated with ganglion cell and RNFL damage, linked to ILM and ERM removal.
- Two potential pathways for MME development include Muller cell damage during ILM peeling or retrograde ganglion cell death.
- Topographic analysis confirms MME's association with specific retinal damage patterns post-surgery.
More Related Videos
10:00Techniques for Processing Eyes Implanted with a Retinal Prosthesis for Localized Histopathological Analysis: Part 2 Epiretinal Implants with Retinal Tacks
Published on: February 14, 2015
11:06Subretinal Implantation of RPE on a Carrier in Minipigs: Guidelines for Preoperative Preparations, Surgical Techniques, and Postoperative Care
Published on: November 11, 2022