Comparison of inner limiting membrane removal vs. non-peeling in the treatment of epiretinal membrane

Author: Maria Parra (Colombia)

Co-authors: Juan David Arias, Eduardo J. Viteri, Carlos M. Rangel, Ronald M Sanchez-Avila

Purpose

To compare the removal of inner limiting membrane (ILMp) with not peeling in the treatment of epiretinal membrane (ERM).

Setting/Venue

International FOSCAL, Floridablanca, Colombia.

Methods

Case-control study. Patients were treated either ILMp (group 1) vs. not peeling (group 2). The change of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), average macular thickness (AMT), recurrence of ERM, presence of dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) and persistence of ectopic inner foveal layers (EIFLs) and disorganization retinal inner layers (DRIL) were evaluated.

Results

One hundred sixty eight eyes of 138 patients were included. There was not difference in the change of BCVA (p=0,26). The change of AMT was 16.54μm (SD±31.3) and 24.79μm (SD±31.2) in group 1 and 2 respectively (p=0.44). The rate of recurrence was 8.1% in group 2 and 0% in group 1. DONFL was identified in 29.41% of all sample, being significantly higher in group 1 (90%) (p<0.05). There were not differences in the persistence of EIFLs (p=0.64) and DRIL (p=0.34) between groups.

Conlusions

The ILMp demonstrated a high development of DONFL and less ERM recurrence compared to not peeling. There was not difference in change of BCVA, AMT, EIFLs and DRIL.

Financial Disclosure

Juan D. Arias: Topcon consultant