Intraocular rake for removal of epiretinal membranes.

PURPOSE

To examine the feasibility of the use of a flexible intraocular rake to remove epiretinal membranes (ERM).

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

A multi-tine flexible intraocular rake was designed. Ten consecutive patients with idiopathic epiretinal membranes underwent vitrectomy and removal of the ERM with the intraocular rake. Outcome measures included intraoperative complications, Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity, rate of recurrent ERM, and rate of persistent cystoid macular edema.

RESULTS

The rake was used successfully to remove the ERM in all cases. Two patients had intraoperative retinal tears. At a mean postoperative follow-up examination of 24 weeks, the visual acuity was improved significantly (20/90 before the operation vs 20/50 after the operation; P<.05). One patient had a recurrent epiretinal membrane.

CONCLUSION

The flexible intraocular rake appears to be capable of the removal of idiopathic ERM. The increased tolerance for retinal contact that results from the flexible tines may make the rake of value to many vitreoretinal surgeons.