Idiopathic Macular Epiretinal Membrane Research Articles

Role of Hsa_circ_0000880 in the Regulation of High Glucose-Induced Apoptosis of Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been verified to participate in multiple biological processes and disease progression. Yet, the role of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) is still poorly understood and deserves further study. This study aimed to investigate the role of circRNAs in the regulation of high glucose (HG)-induced apoptosis of retinal microvascular endothelial cells (RMECs). Epiretinal membranes from patients with DR and nondiabetic patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane were collected for this study. The circRNA microarrays were performed using high-throughput sequencing. Hierarchical clustering, functional enrichment, and network regulation analyses were used to analyze the data generated by high-throughput sequencing. Next, RMECs were subjected to HG (25mM) conditions to induce RMECs apoptosis in vitro. A series of experiments, such as Transwell, the Scratch wound, and tube formation, were conducted to explore the regulatory effect of circRNA on RMECs. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot were used to study the mechanism underlying circRNA-mediated regulation. A total of 53 differentially expressed circRNAs were found in patients with DR. Among these, hsa_circ_0000880 was significantly upregulated in both the diabetic epiretinal membranes and in an in vitro DR model of HG-treated RMECs. Hsa_circ_0000880 knockout facilitated RMECs vitality and decreased the paracellular permeability of RMECs under hyperglycemia. More importantly, silencing of hsa_circ_0000880 significantly inhibited HG-induced ROS production and RMECs apoptosis. Hsa_circ_0000880 acted as an endogenous sponge for eukaryotic initiation factor 4A-III (EIF4A3). Knockout of hsa_circ_0000880 reversed HG-induced decrease in EIF4A3 protein level. Our findings suggest that hsa_circ_0000880 is a novel circRNA can induce RMECs apoptosis in response to HG conditions by sponging EIF4A3, offering an innovative treatment approach against DR. The circRNAs participate in the dysregulation of microvascular endothelial function induced by HG conditions, indicating a promising therapeutic target for DR.

A classification of idiopathic epiretinal membrane based on foveal avascular zone area using optical coherence tomography angiography

Objective To evaluate the characteristics and prognoses of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) using a classification based on the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area. Method IERMs were classified into four stages based on the FAZ area. Baseline FAZ-related parameters, pre-and postoperative central macular thickness (CMT), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed and compared between different stages. The correlations of structural parameters with pre-and postoperative logMAR BCVA were analyzed. Results 162 iERM eyes were enrolled, including 105 eyes followed up for 12 months after surgery. The preoperative BCVA was better at the early stage. Postoperative BCVA at Stages 2 and 3 were better compared to Stage 4. The early stage was associated with thinner CMT pre-and postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in CMT between postoperative Stages 1 and 2 or Stages 3 and 4. Preoperative logMAR BCVA was negatively correlated with FAZ area, perimeter, and FD-300 and was positively correlated with CMT and acircularity index (AI). CMT correlated positively with BCVA for each stage, except Stage 4; FAZ area, perimeter, and FD-300 had a negative correlation at Stage 1. Baseline BCVA and CMT positively correlated with BCVA at the last follow-up, while FAZ area and FD-300 were negatively correlated. Baseline BCVA had a positive correlation for each stage, except Stage 1; FD-300 had a negative correlation at Stages 2 and 3; CMT had a positive correlation at Stage 3. Conclusion A classification based on the FAZ area was established innovatively. This classification can reflect the progression of iERM and is helpful to the postoperative prognosis.

Comparison of the morphological characteristics of the choroidal sublayer between idiopathic macular holes and epiretinal membranes with automatic analysis

PurposeTo compare the choroidal sublayer morphologic features between idiopathic macular hole (IMH) and idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) on spectral-domain optical coherent tomography (SD-OCT) using an automatic segmentation model.MethodsThirty-three patients with idiopathic IMHs and 44 with iERMs who underwent vitrectomies were involved. The enhanced depth imaging mode of SD-OCT was used to obtain the B-scan image after single line scanning of the macular fovea. The choroidal sublayer automatic analysis model divides the choroidal into the choroidal large vessel layer, the middle vessel layer and the small vessel layer (LVCL, MVCL and SVCL, respectively) and calculates the choroidal thickness (overall, LVCL, MVCL and SVCL) and vascular index (overall, LVCL, MVCL and SVCL). The morphological characteristics of the choroidal sublayer in the ERM eyes and the IMH eyes were compared.ResultsThe mean choroidal thickness in the macular centre of the IMH eyes was significantly thinner than that of the ERM eyes (206.35 ± 81.72 vs. 273.33 ± 82.31 μm; P < 0.001). The analysis of the choroidal sublayer showed that the MVCL and SVCL macular centres and 0.5–1.5 mm of the nasal and temporal macula were significantly thinner in the IMH eyes than in the ERM eyes (P < 0.05), and there was a difference in the macular centre of the LVCL between the two groups (P < 0.05). In contrast, the choroidal vascular index of the macular centre in the IMH eyes was significantly higher than that in iERM eyes (0.2480 ± 0.0536 vs. 0.2120 ± 0.0616; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the CVI of other parts of the macula, the LVCL or MVCL between the two groups.ConclusionThe choroidal thickness of the IMH eyes was significantly thinner than that of the iERM eyes, which was mainly observed in 3 mm of the macular centre and the MVCL and SVCL layers of the choroid. The choroidal vascular index of the IMH eyes was higher than that of the iERM eyes. These findings suggest that the choroid may be involved in the pathogenesis of IMH and iERM.

Expression levels of ROS and Atg proteins in the vitreous in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

To detect the concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS), transient receptor potential mucin-1 (TRPML1), and autophagy-related (Atg) proteins (LC3-I, LC3-II, and Beclin1) in vitreous humor of patients with simple rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). RRD patients enrolled as the RRD group, and patients with idiopathic macular hole (IMH) and idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) were enrolled as control group. The levels of ROS, TRPML1, LC3-I, LC3-II, and Beclin1 in vitreous humor of patients in the RRD and control groups were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The RRD group included 28 eyes 28 patients and had a higher concentration of ROS in vitreous humor (631.86±18.05 vs 436.34±108.22 IU/mL, P<0.05). The ROS level in patients with a wide retinal detachment (RD) extent (RD range ≥1/2) was higher than that with a narrow RD extent (RD range<1/2, P<0.05). ROS concentration was negatively correlated with RD time (r=-0.46, P=0.01). The expression levels of LC3-I and Beclin1 significantly decreased in RRD (P<0.05), but there were no correlations with the RD time, RD extent, or macular involvement. In eyes with RRD, the concentration of ROS in vitreous humor increases and the expression levels of Atg proteins decrease, reflecting possibly that autophagy is inhibited.

Association between Systemic Factors and Vitreous Fluid Cytokines in Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) is a vision-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus (DM). Systemic and intraocular factors are intricately related to PDR, and vitreous fluid (VF) cytokines are representative intraocular biomarkers. However, the associations between systemic factors and VF cytokines and their influence on PDR pathology are unclear. This study aimed to examine the correlation between systemic factors and VF cytokines and analyze their contributions to the pathology of PDR using multivariate analyses. We conducted a retrospective observational study on 26 PDR eyes of 25 patients with type 2 DM, and 30 eyes of 30 patients with idiopathic macular hole or epiretinal membrane as controls. Fifteen systemic and laboratory tests including blood pressure (BP) and body mass index (BMI), and 27 cytokines in VF were analyzed. BP and BMI correlated positively with VF levels of IL-6 and IP-10 in PDR patients, while no significant correlation was found between systemic factors and VF cytokines in controls. MCP-1 and VEGF-A in VF separately clustered with different systemic factors in controls, but these cytokines lost the property similarity with systemic factors and acquired property similarity with each other in PDR. Systemic factors contributed to only 10.4%, whereas VF cytokines contributed to 42.3% out of 52.7% variance of the whole PDR dataset. Our results suggest that intraocular factors play a major role in the pathology of PDR, whereas systemic factors may have limited effects, and that BP and BMI control in PDR could be useful interventions to improve intraocular immune condition.

Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography in Idiopathic Macular Epiretinal Membrane Surgery.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility and practicability of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (IOCT) in the surgery of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMM) without internal limiting membrane staining in all patients.MethodsPatients were selected from July 2018 to June 2020, and 32 patients (32 eyes) with IMM were operated with the use of IOCT. All patients underwent standard 23g vitrectomy. The internal limiting membrane was peeled off if there were obvious retinal folds. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, macular microstructural changes, and integrity of the detached membranes were recorded. The preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity were compared.ResultsThe macular epiretinal membrane was completely removed in 75% (24 eyes) patients without internal limiting membrane staining, and in 15.6% (5 eyes) patients with combined internal limiting membrane stripping. The “starting point” of macular epiretinal membrane stripping was found in 75% (24 eyes), and the time required to find the best starting point ranged from 28s to 140s (mean 66 ± 15s). At 3 months after operation, 96.8% of the patients had stable or improved BCVA (p < 0.05). The central macular thickness of the affected eyes decreased significantly at 1 and 3 months after operation (p < 0.05).ConclusionIOCT can significantly reduce the use of internal limiting membrane staining in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane surgery, and it is safe, feasible and practical in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane surgery without internal limiting membrane staining in all patients.

Effects of vitrectomy and macular epiretinal membrane dissection combined with or without internal limiting membrane peeling on choroid thickness, vision and metamorphopsia in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Effects of vitrectomy and macular epiretinal membrane dissection combined with or without internal limiting membrane peeling on choroid thickness, vision and metamorphopsia in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Association of Microvasculature and Macular Sensitivity in Idiopathic Macular Epiretinal Membrane: Using OCT Angiography and Microperimetry.

Purpose: To investigate the correlation between retinal capillary structure and macular function in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and microperimetry.Methods: This retrospective and observational study included 30 idiopathic ERM eyes of 30 consecutive patients. OCTA was performed to evaluate macular microvasculature including the superficial capillary plexus, deep capillary plexus, and foveal avascular zone. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry were measured at baseline and 3 months after surgery. Associations between macular microvasculature and visual function were assessed.Results: Visual function including BCVA and macular sensitivity improved significantly at 3 months post-operatively (p < 0.001). At baseline, BCVA was positively correlated with foveal or parafoveal sensitivities and negatively correlated with central foveal thickness (p < 0.05). Pre-operative foveal sensitivity was significantly correlated with the vessel density of foveal or parafoveal superficial capillary plexus (p < 0.05). A multiple regression model revealed that pre-operative vessel density of foveal deep capillary plexus was an independent positive prognostic factor for post-operative BCVA (B = −0.020 ± 0.006, p = 0.006) and macular sensitivity (B = 0.200 ± 0.081, p = 0.027).Conclusion: Integrated evaluation of iERM by using OCTA and microperimetry shows an association between microvasculature and macular sensitivity. Pre-operative vessel density of foveal deep capillary plexus assessed by OCTA may be a potentially valuable prognostic factor for iERM surgery.

Comparison of macular microcirculation in eyes with idiopathic and diabetic macular epiretinal membrane before and after surgery

Comparison of macular microcirculation in eyes with idiopathic and diabetic macular epiretinal membrane before and after surgery

Macular Retinal Sensitivity and Microvasculature Changes before and after Vitrectomy in Idiopathic Macular Epiretinal Membrane with Classification

Purpose: To observe retinal sensitivity (RS) and microvasculature changes in preoperative and postoperative idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) with optical coherence tomography (OCT) classification by microperimetry (MP) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: In this retrospective study, 53 eyes of 53 patients affected with iERM were enrolled and 35 iERM eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy associated with internal limiting membrane peeling. All iERM eyes were evaluated and graded by OCT. According to the thickness of the fovea relative to the surrounding macula from OCT radial line scans, we classified iERM into 3 grades. MP was used to measure RS of macular within 20° centered on the fovea and fixation stability (FS). OCTA was used to measure the superficial and deep capillary plexus (DCP) layers using 6 mm × 6 mm scans. Measurements were taken at the baseline visit and 3-month postoperation. Evaluated factors included: best corrected visual acuity, RS, FS, vessel density. Results: Eyes with iERM had worse RS than control eyes (p < 0.0001), especially in higher grade iERM eyes. And higher grade iERM eyes had a marked increase foveal vessel density (FVD) (p < 0.0001) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and DCP, and a significant decrease parafoveal vessel density (Para VD) in DCP. After surgery, there was no difference in RS and FS than preoperation (p > 0.05), whether in grade 1 or 2 iERM eyes. However, in OCTA analyses, grade 1 iERM eyes had less whole vessel density (WVD) and perifoveal vessel density (Peri VD) in SCP, than preoperation (p < 0.05). And grade 1 iERM eyes had higher Para VD and Peri VD in DCP (p < 0.05), than preoperative OCTA results. Grade 2 iERM eyes had less WVD, FVD, and Peri VD in SCP, than preoperation (p < 0.05). After surgery, in grade 2 iERM eyes, there was a positive correlation between whole retinal sensitivity and WVD (p < 0.05) in SCP. And there were positive correlations between Para RS and Para VD (p < 0.05), Peri RS and Peri VD (p < 0.05) in SCP. Conclusions: Classification helps to reveal different changes in iERM eyes. Higher grade iERM eyes had worse RS and microvasculature changes. MP and OCTA play an important role in assessing iERM and help surgical decisions for patients with iERM.

Prediction of postoperative visual acuity in cataract patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane by hand-held retinal optometer and optical coherence tomography

To investigate the value of hand-held retinal optometer and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in predicting postoperative visual acuity in patients with age-related cataract and idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients undergoing phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation for age-related cataract in our hospital from January, 2019 to April, 2020.Preoperative examination detected idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane in 45 of the patients (52 eyes) with lens opacity grade C2N2P1 according to LOCSⅡ lens opacity classification criteria.Based on the thickness of the macular fovea, the eyes were divided into group A (9 eyes) with macular thickness < 300 μm by OCT examination, group B (25 eyes) with macular thickness of 300 to 400 μm, and group C (18 eyes) with macular thickness >400 μm.The best corrected visual acuity and retinal visual acuity before operation and the best corrected visual acuity on the first day and at 3 months after the surgery were compared among the 3 groups.The consistency between the preoperative retinal vision and the best corrected vision at 3 months after the surgery was analyzed. The best corrected visual acuity at one day and 3 months after the surgery differed significantly from that before the surgery in all the 3 groups (P < 0.05).The best corrected visual acuity recovered to 0.3-0.5 in most of the patients in the 3 groups. Thirty-one (91.18%) of the patients with a macular thickness less than 400 μm had a visual acuity≥0.3 after cataract surgery, as compared with only 14 patients (77.78%) among those with a macular thickness >400 μm.There was a positive linear correlation between preoperative retinal visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity at 3 months after the surgery (r=0.830, P < 0.05). For patients with cataract and idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane, phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation can improve postoperative vision.Hand-held retinal optometer can accurately assess postoperative vision in patients with stage C2N2P1 cataract.Patients with a macular thickness >400 μm caused by idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane are likely to have poor postoperative visual outcomes.

Assessment of macular microvasculature features before and after vitrectomy in the idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane using a grading system: An optical coherence tomography angiography study.

To evaluate pre- and postoperative microvasculature features in eyes with different idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) classifications using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). In this retrospective study, 100 eyes with iERM were enrolled; 62 eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). All iERM eyes were evaluated and graded using optical coherence tomography (OCT). According to the thickness of the fovea relative to the surrounding macula from OCT radial line scans, we classified iERM into three grades. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to measure the foveal avascular zone (FAZ)-related parameters and the superficial and deep capillary plexus layers using 3×3mm scans. Measurements were taken at baseline and 3months postoperatively. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), vessel density (VD), FAZ area, FAZ perimeter (PERIM), acircularity index (AI), and foveal vessel density (FD) were evaluated. Idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) eyes with a higher grade had a lower FAZ area and perimeter (p<0.0001), higher foveal vessel density (FVD) both in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) (p<0.0001) and in the deep capillary plexus (DCP) (p<0.05), and a lower parafoveal vessel density (PRVD) in the DCP (p<0.0001). The macular vessel density ratio (MVR=FVD/PRVD) increased with an increase in grade both in the SCP and in the DCP (p<0.0001). For grade 1 iERM eyes, only PRVD in the DCP significantly changed before versus after the operation (p<0.05). For grade 2 iERM eyes, the FAZ area and perimeter became larger after the operation (p<0.05). The MVR of grade 2 iERM eyes decreased postoperatively both in the SCP (p<0.05) and in the DCP (p<0.001). For grade 1 and grade 2 iERM eyes, preoperative LogMAR BCVA was negatively correlated with the FAZ area (p<0.01) and perimeter (p<0.01), and was positively correlated with the MVR in the SCP (p<0.05). Postoperative LogMAR BCVA was positively correlated with the FVD in the DCP (p<0.05). Idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (iERM) eyes of different grades have significant differences in microvasculature features. According to OCTA, eyes with higher grades have more serious microvascular changes. Grading plays a part in predicting postoperative microvascular characteristics, and grade 1 iERM eyes have a better visual outcome compared with grade 2 iERM eyes.

Evaluating the refraction results of patients who had combined phacoemulsifi cation-pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole or idiopathic epiretinal membrane

Evaluating the refraction results of patients who had combined phacoemulsifi cation-pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole or idiopathic epiretinal membrane

A study analyzing macular microvasculature features after vitrectomy using OCT angiography in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

BackgroundTo evaluate postoperative changes in retinal capillary plexus and to assess contributing factors in postoperative visual improvement using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) post membrane removal.MethodsPatients scheduled for vitrectomy and membrane peel for iERM were enrolled. 35 subjects were included for this study. OCT-A was used to measure the FAZ related parameters and the superficial and deep capillary plexus layers using 3 mm × 3 mm scans. Measurements were taken before surgery and at every post-surgical follow-up. The unaffected fellow eyes were used as controls. Evaluated factors included: BCVA, vessel density (VD) and retinal thickness (RT) in five regions, FAZ area, FAZ perimeter (PERIM), acircularity index (AI) and foveal vessel density (FD).ResultsCompared with the control group, the foveal vessel density (FVD) in superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was greater in the epi-retinal membrane group (P < 0.0001), whereas both groups had comparable parafoveal vessel density (PRVD) in SCP (p > 0.05). After surgery there was a reduction in the PRVD in SCP. The FVD in DCP increased and the PRVD in DCP decreased at baseline (p < 0.001). After surgery there was an increase in PRVD in DCP. By 6 months post-op, the PRVD had no statistically significant difference compared with the control group (p > 0.05). D-value of LogMAR BCVA was positively correlated with pre-op LogMAR BCVA (p < 0.0001), FVD in SCP (p < 0.001). It was negatively correlated with FAZ area (P < 0.001) and PERIM (P < 0.05).ConclusionsVitrectomy and membrane removal led to the decrease of VD in SCP and the increase of PRVD in DCP. Patients with a more severe iERM may receive greater visual improvement with surgery.Trial registrationTrial registration number (TRN) and date of registration.ChiCTR2000031289, retrospectively registered, 2020.03.26.

Anatomic and functional results of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane surgery.

To assess the impact of macular surgery on the functional and anatomic outcomes in patients with grade 2 epiretinal membrane (ERM), and the effect of internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on visual acuity and to analyze the long-term effect of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) on intraocular pressure (IOP). Pseudophakic eyes (62 eyes) diagnosed as idiopathic grade 2 ERM with at least 6mo postoperative follow-up were included in this retrospective study. The fellow eye was nonvitrectomized. Patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (29 eyes) treated with ERM and ILM peeling and group 2 (33 eyes) with only ERM peeling. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp, and a dilated fundus examination was performed. IOP was measured with Goldman applanation tonometer before, day 1 and first week and each visit after surgery. The incidence of significant IOP elevation was compared between vitrectomized eyes and nonvitrectomized fellow eyes. Visual improvement was statistically significant and similar in both groups (P=0.008 in group 1, P=0.002 in group 2, P=0.09 inter-group). The amount of decrease in central macular thickness was statistically significant and similar in both groups (P=0.005 group 1, P=0.008 group 2, P=0.37 intergroup). At the final follow-up (14.1±9.6mo) the incidence of significant IOP elevation was 4% in vitrectomized eyes (three eyes) and 3% (two eyes) in the nonvitrectomized fellow eyes (P=0.12). Four eyes (12.1%) had recurrent ERM after a mean follow-up of 8.6±1.1mo in group 2, there was no recurrence in group 1 (P=0.01). Recurrence of ERM may be decreased by ILM peeling during ERM surgery. However, it seems that ILM peeling do not affect the functional outcome and 23-gauge PPV alone do not have a significant effect on IOP.

Changes of foveal avascular zone size and correlation between foveal avascular zone size and metamorphopsia before and after idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane surgery

Objective To observe the changes of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) size before and after surgery in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) eyes and analyze the correlation of FAZ with metamorphopsia. Methods A retrospective case series study. From August 2016 to October 2017, 42 eyes of 38 patients affected with IMEM diagnosed in Central Theater Command General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army were enrolled in this study. All the patients underwent a 25G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with IMEM removal and ininternal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The BCVA was measured using the international standard visual acuity chart, and the results were converted to the logMAR visual acuity. The severity of metamorphopsia was measured using M-charts. The FAZ areas were evaluated with OCT angiography in both the superficial and deep capillary plexus layers. The central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed with spectral-domain OCT before and after surgery. The logMAR BCVA was 0.61±0.21. The M-score was 0.66±0.38. The CMT of fovea was 337.71±57.63 μm. The FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus were 0.113±0.037 mm2 and 0.202±0.03 mm2, respectively. The differences in BCVA, M-score and FAZ area before and 1, 3, 6, 12 months after surgery were analyzed by ANOVA. The Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between FAZ areas, visual acuity and metamorphopsia. Results At 12 month after surgery, the FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus were 0.146±0.021 mm2 and 0.240±0.019 mm2, respectively. Compared with baseline, the the FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus after surgery significantly increased (F=8.484, 14.346; P<0.001,<0.001). The postoperative logMAR BCVA 0.47±0.19, M-score 0.12±0.22 and CMT 270.60±33.27 μm were significantly improved compared with baseline (F=5.044, 17.763, 13.545; P=0.001, <0.001, <0.001). The preoperative FAZ area in superficial capillary plexus correlated negatively with preoperative M-score (r=-0.816, P<0.001); the preoperative FAZ area in deep capillary plexus correlated negatively with preoperative BCVA and M-score (r=-0.422, -0.882; P=0.005,<0.001). The postoperative FAZ area in superficial capillary plexus correlated negatively with preoperative and postoperative M-score (r=-0.791,-0.716; P<0.001,<0.001). The postoperative FAZ area in deep capillary plexus correlated negatively with BCVA and preoperative and postoperative M-score (r=-0.343, -0.330, -0.732, -0.694; P=0.026, 0.033,<0.001,<0.001). Conclusions PPV with ILM peeling can effectively restore the FAZ areas in superficial and deep capillary plexus, improve the visual acuity and metamorphopsia in patients with IMEM. Both superficial and deep plexus FAZ areas correlated negatively with metamorphopsia, and deep plexus FAZ area also correlated negatively with BCVA. Key words: Macula lutea; Membranes; Vitrectomy; Tomographyoptical coherence; Foveal avascular zone; Metamorphopsia

Analysis of OCT angiography of macular epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy

Objective To analyze the changes of macular capillaries in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) after vitrectomy. Methods A retrospective study. The clinical data of 33 eyes of 33 cases with IMEM after vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane peeling from May 2015 to Jul. 2017 in Tianjin Eye Hospital were collected. All patients were diagnosed with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and followed-up for 12 months. Results The BCVA (logMAR) after surgery was improved from 0.700±0.309 to 0.252±0.182 (t=7.212, P=0.000), while central macular thickness (CMT) was decreased from (447.44±96.96)μm to (373.56±82.36) μm after surgery (t=8.247, P=0.000), and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) was increased from (0.120±0.059)mm2 to (0.145±0.063)mm2 (t=6.660, P=0.000). The macular vascular density (MVD) in the superficial and deep macular area examined with OCTA were increased significantly (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between BCVA and CMT (r=-0.507, P=0.014), while a positive correlation between BCVA and deep MVD (r=0.578, P=0.024). Conclusion Microvascular changes in macular area are quantitatively detected with OCTA, and FAZ and MVD increase in patients after IMEM vitrectomy. Key words: Membrane, epiretinal, macular; Vitrectomy; Injuries, microvessls; Tomography, vascular, optical coherence

Correlation of capillary plexus with visual acuity in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography

Objective: To observe changes in foveal avascular zone(FAZ) and capillary plexus in idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM) in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and analyze their correlation with the visual acuity. Methods: Cross-sectional study. 42 patients (15 Males and 27 females, age 64.8) from the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University were included with 51 eyes diagnosed as IMEM (IMEM group), and 23 normal eyes (9 Males and 14 females, control group). All patients received the examination of fissure lamp combined with fundus pre-set lens, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), OCT angiography (OCTA) and fundus photo. OCTA was performed on 3 mm× 3 mm sections centred on the fovea. The software automatically measured the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density(VD) and retinal thickness(RT) and FAZ area. The IMEM eyes were compared with the normal eyes and correlation between the parameters of OCTA and BCVA was analyzed in IMEM. Independent-sample t test and MannWhitney test were used for comparison between groups, and Spearman test was used for correlation analysis. Results: LogMAR BCVA in the IMEM group was 0.40(0.15, 0.70), in the control group was 0.10(0.05, 0.22). FAZ area of IMEM group was (0.09±0.05) mm(2), while that of control group was (0.34±0.13)mm(2).Compared with the control group, in IMEM group, the BCVA was worse (Z=-4.443, P<0.001), FAZ area was smaller (t=-9.198, P<0.001), RT was increased (P<0.001), The foveal DCP and SCP vessel density was increased (t=4.280, 9.079, P<0.01), The parafoveal DCP vessel density was decreased (P<0.05), The parafoveal SCP vessel density was decreased in superior, inferior and nasal side (t=-2.759, Z=-3.998, Z=-2.108; P<0.05). The BCVA was negatively correlated with FAZ area (r=-0.337, P=0.017), positively correlated with center macular thickness (r=0.324, P=0.020). The BCVA was no correlated with foveal VD and parafoveal DCP vessel density (P>0.05), but correlated with SCP vessel density(P<0.05). Conclusions: In the IMEM eyes the BCVA was worse, FAZ area was smaller, foveal vessel density was increased and the parafoveal vessel density was decreased compared with the normal eyes. The smaller the FAZ area, the smaller foveal SCP vessel density, the poorer BCVA. There was no correlation between BCVA and DCP vessel density. Changes in VD in IMEM eyes may lead to changes in vision. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55:757-762).

Correlation of visual acuity and macular microstructural change after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Objective To analyze the influence of macular structure change on visual acuity after vitrectomy for idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane(IMEM). Methods This is a retrospective case study.Total 49 eyes of 49 IMEM patients who underwent vitrectomy combined with macular epiretinal membrane peeling from Jan. 2016 and Dec. 2017 were collected.During 6 months follow-up, the preoperative and postoperative BCVA, central macular thickness(CMT), central photoreceptor thickness(CPRT), ellipsoid zone(EZ) integrity changes were observed.The correlations of postoperative BCVA, CMT, CPRT and integrity of ellipsoid zone were analyzed. Results Compared with preoperative BCVA, the postoperative BCVA were improved (F=8.114, P<0.05), the postoperative CMT, CPRT were significantly decreased, the difference were statistically significant (F=28.657, 10.530, P<0.05). The postoperative BCVA was positively related to the postoperative CMT, postoperative CPRT and preoperative BCVA (r=0.340, 0.742, 0.566, P<0.05). The postoperative BCVA was negatively related to the postoperative integrity of EZ (r=-0.628, P<0.05). Conclusion Vitrectomy for the treament of IMEM is effective, which can improve visual acuity, decrease macular edema.The postoperative visual acuity is related to the micostructural change of macular. Key words: Membrane, epiretinal, macular; Vitrectomy; Visual acuity; Tomography, optical coherence

Clinical study of razumab combined with 25G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy in the treatment of 29 patients with idiopathic macular anterior membrane

Objective To investigate the effect of razumab combined with 25 G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy in patients with idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane (IMEM). Methods 57 cases (57 eyes) of IMEM patients in our hospital were divided into two groups according to random number table. 28 cases in the control group were treated with 25G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy, and 29 cases in the observation group were treated with rezumab on the basis of the control group.The improvement of visual acuity, changes of macular fovea thickness (central foveal thickness, CFT), serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the two groups were observed and compared. The changes of intraocular pressure before treatment and at different time points (1 weeks, 1 months, 3 months) after treatment and incidence of complications in two groups were statistically analyzed. Results 3 months after treatment, the improvement rate of visual acuity in the observation group was 75.86% (22/29), higher than that in the control group 50% (14/28) (P 0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was 10.34% (3/29), while that in the control group was 7.14% (2/28), with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusions The combination of rezumab and 25G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy can reduce the CFT of IMEM patients, improve their levels of serum ICAM-1 and VEGF, and improve their vision. Besides, it has little influence on intraocular pressure and fewer complications. Key words: Ranibizumab; Conjunctiva; Vitrectomy; Macula lutea; Retina