Surgical removal and visual outcomes and complications of ERM (Tina Xirou)

Abstract

AbstractPurposeTo present the newest developments in ERM surgery and assess the visual outcomes and complications.Setting/venueHellenic Red Cross Hospital ‘Korgialenio‐Benakio’.MethodsLiterature review.ResultsThe outcomes after macular surgery for ERM vary widely with regard to function and morphology. Considering functional parameters, better pre‐operative vision is associated with better postoperative vision, but less change in visual acuity (VA). Parameters associated with outer retinal damage are consistently associated with poor visual outcomes after ERM removal, including disruption of the ellipsoid zone or cone outer segment tip length. Inner retinal layer thickness is also correlated with poor outcome, whereas retinal contraction might be associated with good visual outcome. Results from our department show a similar association indicating that inner and outer retina regularity are reproducible prognostic factors for postoperative VA. ERM surgery is generally a safe operation and complications are few. Intra‐operative complications include vitreous hemorrhage, retinal surface damage, and peripheral iatrogenic retinal breaks. Post‐operative complications include the recurrence of ERM, accelerated cataract development, retinal detachment, and visual field depression.ConclusionsIdentifying patients with good postoperative visual prognosis is important. Surgery has been a safe procedure with only few complications.ThemeVitreoretinal Surgery.