Vitrectomy with membrane peeling for vasocentric idiopathic epiretinal membranes.

PURPOSE

To report the clinical course and outcome of surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membranes (ERMs) centered on retinal blood vessels.

METHODS

Retrospective observational case series review of the case records of 15 patients with idiopathic ERMs overlying retinal blood vessels, of whom 9 underwent vitrectomy with membrane peeling. The patients attended two eye departments under the care of four vitreoretinal surgeons with a total of more than 50 years of surgical experience.

RESULTS

The patients were aged 12-74 years (mean = 34.3 years). Difficulties were experienced in achieving vitreoretinal and membranoretinal separation in the 9 eyes undergoing vitreous microsurgery. Recurrent ERM formation occurred in 8 of these eyes (89%) of which 6 underwent revision vitrectomy. Visual improvement was achieved in 55% of patients. Mean follow-up was 2.5 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors describe a subgroup of patients with idiopathic ERMs in which the membrane is centered over a large retinal vessel. This occurs predominantly but not exclusively in a young age group. Surgical removal is characterized by a high recurrence rate.