RISK FACTORS AND PREDICTIVE CUTOFF VALUES FOR NEW-ONSET MICROSCOTOMA AFTER VITRECTOMY WITH INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE

Takumi Ando1, Hiroko Terashima1, Kotaro Tsuboi2

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Division of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan ; and.

Abstract

Insights

This study identified risk factors like glaucoma and male sex for new-onset microscotoma after internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling during epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. Predictive cutoff values can help optimize surgical strategies and patient counseling.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Retinal Surgery
  • Visual Electrophysiology

Background:

  • Epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery often involves internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling.
  • Postoperative microscotoma can affect visual function after ILM peeling.
  • Identifying risk factors is crucial for improving surgical outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine risk factors for new-onset microscotoma following vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling.
  • To establish predictive cutoff values for identifying eyes at risk of microscotoma.
  • To guide strategies for preventing postoperative visual field defects.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 174 patients undergoing vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling.
  • Evaluation of visual acuity, metamorphopsia, and visual field (Humphrey Field Analyzer 10-2) preoperatively and postoperatively.
  • Definition of new-onset microscotoma based on changes in visual field sensitivity (dB).

Main Results:

  • New-onset microscotoma occurred in 17.8% of eyes.
  • Significant risk factors included glaucoma, secondary ERM, indocyanine green use, and male sex.
  • Predictive cutoff values were identified, with high negative predictive values (>99%) for low-risk areas.

Conclusions:

  • Glaucoma, secondary ERM, ICG use, and male sex are key risk factors for postoperative microscotoma.
  • Established cutoff values and identified vulnerable macular regions (temporal, inferior) aid in risk stratification.
  • Findings support optimizing ILM peeling techniques and preoperative patient counseling to minimize microscotoma risk.