Observational Study in Drusen Patients with Epiretinal Membrane after Vitrectomy and Membrane Peeling

ABSTRACT

Purpose@#To observe results in drusen patients with epiretinal membrane after a vitrectomy and membrane peeling. @*Methods@#This retrospective, observational study included drusen patients diagnosed with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with membrane peeling. Twenty eyes had epiretinal membrane with drusen (group 1) and 112 eyes had epiretinal membrane without drusen (group 2). At the 6 month follow-up, central foveal thickness and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. In Group I, the results with drusen size 65 μm were compared. The largest drusen size change was measured and compared according to the existence of preoperative intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption. @*Results@#Preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, the average size of the largest drusen was 198.23 ± 27.34 and 192.23 ± 26.12 μm, respectively, and there was no significant change during the follow-up period. Group I patients with intraretinal cysts and ellipsoid zone disruption experienced low BCVA during the preoperative period; the BCVA had improved postoperatively at 6 months, but with limitations. @*Conclusions@#Postoperatively at 6 months, no significant change was observed in the largest drusen size after vitrectomy and membrane peeling. Thus, drusen patients with epiretinal membrane, as well as intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption can expect an extended recovery period and slow BCVA improvement.