Epiretinal Membrane Progression Following Cataract Surgery.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Diseases

Background:

• Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a common condition affecting vision.
• Cataract surgery is frequently performed in patients with ERM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the progression of epiretinal membrane (ERM) after cataract surgery.
• To identify optical coherence tomography (OCT)-based biomarkers for ERM progression.
• To assess visual outcomes in eyes with ERM post-cataract surgery.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 67 eyes with preexisting idiopathic ERM undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery.
• Utilized an established ERM grading scale and OCT features for evaluation.
• Followed patients for an average of 47.8 months postoperatively.

Main Results:

• Most eyes (83.6%) had stage 1 ERM initially.
• Nonsignificant ERM progression observed at 59 weeks.
• 16.1% of stage 1 ERM progressed to stage 2; 11.1% of stage 2 to stage 3; 50% of stage 3 to stage 4.
• 10.4% developed macular edema; 6% required vitrectomy.
• Visual acuity improved at 1 month and remained stable for 4 years in eyes not requiring vitrectomy.

Conclusions:

• Mild-stage ERM eyes with improved visual acuity post-cataract surgery tend to maintain gains.
• Significant ERM progression is uncommon in these eyes over a 4-year period.
• Cataract surgery can be beneficial for visual function in ERM patients.