Anatomical and Functional Factors Influencing Recovery in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane After Surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Idiopathic epiretinal membranes (iERMs) are a common cause of visual impairment.
• Pars plana vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane peeling is the standard surgical treatment.
• Simultaneous internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling may reduce iERM recurrence rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate anatomical and functional factors influencing recovery after iERM surgery.
• To evaluate the impact of simultaneous ILM peeling on iERM recurrence.
• To identify predictors of visual outcome in iERM patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 85 eyes undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling.
• Assessment of ERM staging, preoperative/postoperative visual acuity, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings.
• Analysis of retinal microstructure and thickness changes, including inner and outer retinal layers.

Main Results:

• No iERM recurrence was observed within one year post-surgery.
• Significant visual improvement was noted (p < 0.001).
• Preoperative vision and final lens status (pseudophakia) were significant predictors of final visual acuity (R² = 0.309).
• Pseudophakic eyes showed continuous reduction in foveal and retinal layer thickness up to 12 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

• Poor initial vision and phakia (presence of the natural lens) are associated with worse final visual outcomes.
• Pseudophakic eyes demonstrate sustained anatomical recovery and visual improvement over six months.
• Simultaneous ILM peeling appears effective in preventing iERM recurrence and improving visual function.