A comparative study of macular thickness and function before and after idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane surgery

Abstract

To compare the thickness and functional changes of the macula after idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IEM) surgery. A retrospective study. Thirty-seven patients (37 eyes) received surgical treatment of IEM. All patients received standard three-port vitrectomy as well as epiretinal membrane peeling. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, LogMAR) were recorded and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were used to evaluate central foveal thickness (CFT). Microperimetry (MP)-1 was used for the mean sensitivity (MS) of central 10° macula area. SPSS13.0 was used for statistical analysis. Rank and testing methods were used to compare the preoperative and postoperative BCVA, paired t testing method was used to compare the preoperative and postoperative CFT and MS values. Correlation analysis was used to study the BCVA, CFT, and MS. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to analyze measurement data and Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to analyze rating data. Postoperatively, the BCVA (0.1 - 0.7, median 0.4) was significantly better (Z = -4.97, P < 0.05) than the preoperative one (0.3 - 1.3, median 0.7). The CFT (246.2 ± 60.4) µm was significantly thinner (t = 15.86, P < 0.05) than the preoperative one (482.2 ± 101.8)µm. The MS of central 10° macula area (18.6 ± 1.8) dB was significantly higher (t = -9.20, P < 0.05) than the preoperative one (14.1 ± 3.4) dB. Thicker preoperative CFT was associated with a lower preoperative BCVA (r(s) = 0.91, P < 0.05), a lower MS of central 10° macula area (r = -0.82, P < 0.05) and a lower postoperative BCVA level (r(s) = 0.63, P < 0.05). But with a significant postoperative CFT reduce (r = 0.81, P < 0.05) and a significant postoperative BCVA increase (r(s) = 0.71, P < 0.05). Vitrectomy combined with macular epiretinal membrane removal can effectively promote the recovery of macular thickness and function in patients with IEM. Examination and analysis of preoperative CFT, BCVA and MS of macula area may help to predict the recovery of CFT and function objectively in patients of IEM.