Retina. 2025 Jan 29. doi: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000004418. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To determine the pathoanatomical alteration of ectopic inner foveal layers (EIFL) and its relationship to visual recovery after epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling surgery.
METHODS: Clinical charts and tracked spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images of patients diagnosed with stage 3 and 4 ERM were reviewed and analyzed preoperatively and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Central macular thickness (CMT) and EIFL thickness were measured at these time points. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analysis and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 54 eyes of 54 patients, 27 of whom were female. The mean age was 69.2 years. The mean Snellen VA improved from 20/50 preoperatively to 20/35 at 3 months (P<0.001) and remained 20/35 at 6 months, significantly better than preoperative levels (P=0.002). The mean preoperative EIFL thickness was 169.15 µm and decreased to 95.70 µm at 3 months (P = 0.001) and 90.95 µm at 6 months (P = 0.02). Similarly, CMT reduced from 510.00 µm preoperatively to 444.56 µm at 3 months (P < 0.001) and 415.50 µm at 6 months (P < 0.001). Reduction in EIFL thickness was significantly correlated with improvement in log-MAR VA (P =0.02) 6 months after surgery.
CONCLUSION: ERM peeling results in reduced EIFL thickness, restoration of the normal foveal pit structure, and a corresponding improvement in visual acuity. Reduction in EIFL thickness is correlated with visual improvement.
PMID:39899800 | DOI:10.1097/IAE.0000000000004418
