[Scanning laser ophthalmoscopic microperimetry on idiopathic epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction syndrome].

PURPOSE

To evaluate visual function before and after vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction syndrome.

METHODS

Microperimetry with scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) was performed in 4 eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (IERM) and 2 eyes with vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMTS), before and at least 3 months after vitrectomy.

RESULTS

Five eyes had preoperative scotoma, which disappeared postoperatively. In 1 eye, absolute and relative scotomas developed postoperatively over the areas where the retinal surface was vigorously scratched to peel off an overlying membrane, and in another eye new scotomas appeared over a newly formed epiretinal membrane 8 months after vitrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, the present report is the first to describe preoperative absolute scotoma in IERM, VMTS and also iatrogenic absolute scotoma due to retinal scratching. SLO microperimetry is useful for evaluation of visual function before and after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction syndrome.