ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of postoperative systemic steroid treatment on retinal sensitivity in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) after successful surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 28 patients with ERM, macular edema and visual loss were included in this study. All patients were treated with combined 23 gauge vitrectomy and peeling of the ERM and inner limiting membrane (ILM). After randomization the first group (n = 14) was treated with postoperative systemic steroids (100 mg prednisolone per day for 5 days) and the second group (n = 14) served as a control group. Follow-up examinations were performed up to 12 months. RESULTS: After 12 months a statistically significant increase in visual acuity with a gain of 17/10 letters in the steroid/control group as well as significant decrease of the central retinal thickness of 107/128 µm could be observed (p < 0.05). In the steroid/control group mean retinal sensitivity increased from 14.0/14.3 dB after 12 months in comparison to 11.7/11.9 dB at baseline examination (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative oral steroid treatment does not seem to be beneficial in patients with macular pucker surgery.
