Morphologic and Functional Evaluation before and after Vitrectomy in Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Patients Using Microperimetry

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between photoreceptor inner/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity and macular sensitivity after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography combined with microperimetry. METHODS: 20 eyes of 20 patients with idiopathic ERM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy for ERM removal were prospectively reviewed. The IS/OS defect diameter, BCVA, macular sensitivity, and fixation stability were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography combined with microperimetry. The correlation of these factors was analyzed. RESULTS: The macular sensitivity improved after successful ERM surgery (p < 0.001), but the IS/OS defect diameter has not improved. The preoperative and postoperative macular sensitivity were negatively correlated with preoperative IS/OS defect diameter (p = 0.035, p = 0.006). The fixation stability was not correlated with preoperative IS/OS defect diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Macular sensitivity showed significant correlation with IS/OS defect diameter. Macular sensitivity is vital functional parameter allows subjective quantification of the retinal function and reflects morphologic changes.