Evaluation by M-charts and Microperimeter-MP3 after broad internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of broad-internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling on retinal sensitivity (RS) and metamorphopsia assessed using M-CHARTS in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM).

DESIGN

Retrospective observational case series.

METHODS

The study analyzed 20 eyes treated with broad-ILM peeling within the vascular arcades area for ERM, over a 6-month follow-up. Outcomes measured included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), vertical M-CHARTS scores(MV) and horizontal M-CHARTS scores (MV), central macular thickness (CMT), and RS. RS was evaluated using Microperimeter-MP3 at specified central degrees, and points below 10 dB were considered microscotomas (MS).

RESULTS

Postoperative BCVA improved significantly at 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months(all  < 0.01).No significant changes in CMT were noted.MH score improvements were significant at 6 months ( = 0.03), whereas MV scores remained unchanged ( > 0.05).RS notably improved within the central 4° at 3 months ( = 0.04) and 6 months ( = 0.05), but remained unchanged in the central 10° and 20° regions ( > 0.05). MS did not increase significantly at 1 month postoperatively and remained stable through 3 and 6 months (all  > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Broad ILM peeling suggests potential for improving visual acuity and metamorphopsia in ERM patients without causing long-term detrimental effects on retinal sensitivity or increasing the occurrence of MS.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-025-04308-0.