TOPOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF INTRARETINAL CYSTOID SPACE AND ITS PROGNOSTIC VALUES IN IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE

Purpose:To assess the topographical distribution of intraretinal cystoid space (IRC) and its prognostic value in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).Methods:One hundred twenty-two eyes of iERM that had been followed up for 6 months after membrane removal were included. Based on the baseline IRC distribution, the eyes were divided into Groups A, B, and C (absence, IRC within 3 mm, and 6 mm from the fovea, respectively). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), ectopic inner foveal layer, and microvascular leakage (ML) were assessed.Results:Fifty-six eyes (45.9%) had IRC, of which 35 (28.7%) were in Group B and 21 (17.2%) in Group C at baseline. Compared with group B, group C showed worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and a greater association with ML (OR = 5.415; P = 0.005) at baseline; and also presented with worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and wider distribution of IRC postoperatively. A wide distribution of IRC was an unfavorable baseline factor in achieving good visual acuity (OR = 2.989; P = 0.031).Conclusion:Widely distributed IRCs were associated with advanced disease phenotype as poor BCVA, thick macula, and baseline ML in iERM and also showed a poor visual outcome after membrane removal.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the topographical distribution of intraretinal cystoid space (IRC) and its prognostic value in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). The results showed that widely distributed intraretinal cystoid space is associated with poor clinical outcomes and visual recovery after membrane removal in iERM.