Influence of phacoemulsification surgery on progression of idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE

To examine whether or not phacoemulsification surgery accelerates the progression of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) by measuring the degree of ERM.

METHODS

Forty-three consecutive eyes with idiopathic ERM that underwent phacoemulsification surgery were recruited; 41 consecutive eyes with ERM that did not undergo surgery served as controls. Foveal thickness and macular volume were measured using optical coherence tomography at 3 days after surgery (baseline), and at 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline. Visual acuity and the incidence of eyes that underwent ERM peeling surgery were also examined.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in the foveal thickness and macular volume between the two groups at baseline. The foveal thickness gradually increased by 7.0% in the cataract surgery (CS) group by 5.3% in the no surgery group at 12 months after surgery. When comparing the groups, no significant differences were found in the foveal thickness, macular volume, or their percentage increases from baseline throughout the 12-month follow-up period. Only one eye in the CS group underwent ERM peeling surgery within the 12 months. Mean visual acuity did not worsen significantly in either group during follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Progression of idiopathic ERM is not accelerated by phacoemulsification surgery.