Microperimetric evaluation for different methods of epiretinal membrane surgery

PurposeTo investigate the anatomic and functional outcomes using microperimetry for the surgical methods for idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM).MethodsThis retrospective study included 41 eyes from 41 patients. All patients underwent combined epiretinal membrane and cataract surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography, and microperimetry were performed before and 6 months and 1 year after surgery. The patients were divided into 3 groups; ERM removal only without indocyanine green (ICG) staining, ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal without ICG staining, and ERM and ILM removal with ICG staining.ResultsPreoperatively, the ages, BCVAs, central macular thickness (CMT), and mean retinal sensitivities of central 6 & DEG; (MRSs) of the groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Postoperatively, the MRSs of the ERM removal only without ICG staining and ERM and ILM removal without ICG staining groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The MRSs of the ERM and ILM removal without ICG staining and ERM and ILM removal with ICG staining groups were not significantly different (p > 0.05). However, the MRSs of the ERM and ILM removal with ICG staining group significantly reduced than ERM removal only without ICG staining group (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis retrospective study found reduced retinal sensitivity in ERM and ILM removal with ICG staining group compared to ERM removal only without ICG staining. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required.

Automated summary

This study aims to investigate the anatomic and functional outcomes of surgical methods for idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERM) using microperimetry. The results showed a significant reduction in retinal sensitivity in the ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal with indocyanine green (ICG) staining group. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed.