Epiretinal Membrane

BackgroundTo evaluate the effects on vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling versus vitrectomy with inverted internal limiting membrane flap technique for macular hole-induced retinal detachment (MHRD).MethodsPubmed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were systematically searched for studies that compared ILM peeling with inverted ILM flap technique for macular hole-induced retinal detachment. The primary outcomes are the rate of retinal reattachment and the rate of macular hole closure 6 months later after initial surgery, the secondary outcome is the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 6 months later after initial surgery.ResultsFour studies that included 98 eyes were selected. All the included studies were retrospective comparative studies. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity was equal between ILM peeling and inverted ILM flap technique groups. It was indicated that the rate of retinal reattachment (odds ratio (OR) = 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI):0.03 to 0.69; P = 0.02) and macular hole closure (OR = 0.06, 95% CI:0.02 to 0.19; P ConclusionCompared with ILM peeling, vitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique resulted significantly higher of the rate of retinal reattachment and macular hole closure, but seemed does not improve postoperative best-corrected visual acuity.

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the anatomical and visual outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap technique and internal limiting membrane peeling in large macular holes (MH).MethodsRelated studies were reviewed by searching electronic databases of Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane Library. We searched for articles that compared inverted ILM flap technique with ILM peeling for large MH (> 400 μm). Double-arm meta-analysis was performed for the primary end point that was the rate of MH closure, and the secondary end point was postoperative visual acuity (VA). Heterogeneity, publication bias, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to guarantee the statistical power.ResultsThis review included eight studies involving 593 eyes, 4 randomized control trials and 4 retrospective studies. After sensitivity analysis for eliminating the heterogeneity of primary outcome, the pooled data showed the rate of MH closure with inverted ILM flap technique group was statistically significantly higher than ILM peeling group (odds ratio (OR) = 3.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.89 to 8.27; P = 0.0003). At the follow-up duration of 3 months, postoperative VA was significantly better in the group of inverted ILM flap than ILM peeling (mean difference (MD) = - 0.16, 95% CI = - 0.23 to 0.09; P ConclusionVitrectomy with inverted ILM flap technique had a better anatomical outcome than ILM peeling. Flap technique also had a signifcant visual gain in the short term, but the limitations in visual recovery at a longer follow-up was found.

BackgroundThis study compared the postoperative outcomes of 27-gauge (G) and 25-G vitrectomy performed for the treatment of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM).MethodsThe study design was single center, retrospective, interventional case series. Two hundred consecutive eyes that underwent primary vitrectomy for ERM (27-G vitrectomy in 100 eyes and 25-G vitrectomy in 100 eyes) were studied for 6 months. In all eyes, scleral tunnels were made using angle incisions, and air or gas exchange was performed.ResultsThere were no significant differences in age, spherical diopter power, as well as preoperative Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) score, central retinal thickness (CRT), and intraocular pressure between the 27-G and 25-G groups. The proportions of simultaneous cataract surgery (27-G vs. 25-G: 82% vs. 90%), air-filled eyes (99% vs. 98%), and scleral wound suture at the end of surgery (0% vs. 0%) were not significantly different between two groups. The mean operation time for vitrectomy was significantly (P = 0.0322) longer by 4 min for 27-G (37 min) compared to 25-G (33 min) vitrectomy. Gain in ETDRS score was significantly (P = 0.0421) better in 27-G group (4.7 ± 8.1 letters) compared to 25-G group (1.1 ± 13.6 letters) at 1 month post-vitrectomy, but not significantly different at 3 and 6 months (P = 0.0835 and 0.0569, respectively). Decrease in CRT was significantly (P = 0.0354) greater in 27-G group (-24.2 ± 50.0 μm) compared to 25-G group (-8.0 ± 48.6 μm) at 1 month post-vitrectomy, but not significantly different at 3 and 6 months (P = 0.6059 and 0.1725, respectively). On postoperative day 1, hypotony (≤ 6 mmHg) was observed in 2 eyes in 27-G group and 6 eyes in 25-G group, while ocular hypertension (≥ 25 mmHg) was found in 4 eyes in 27-G group and 11 eyes in 25-G group, with no significant differences between two groups. Postoperative complications requiring treatment occurred in one eye (vitreous hemorrhage) in 27-G group, and in two eyes (vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment in one eye each) in 25-G group.ConclusionsAlthough 27-G vitrectomy requires operation time of 4 min longer compared to 25-G vitrectomy for ERM surgery, using the 27-G system results in earlier recovery of visual acuity, CRT improvement and stabilized ocular pressure.

PurposeTo review the phenomenon of spontaneous epiretinal membrane (ERM) resolution focusing on the clinical settings, mechanisms of resolution, and implications for management.MethodsA comprehensive review of case reports and studies describing spontaneous ERM resolution was conducted. Data were extracted regarding ERM type, patient demographics, visual outcomes, and suspected mechanisms. Findings were analyzed to identify trends and to compare cases of spontaneous resolution across different ERM types.ResultsSpontaneous ERM resolution was more frequently observed in younger patients or cases associated with posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). In idiopathic ERMs, spontaneous separation often involved PVD and extracellular matrix remodeling. Inflammatory ERMs demonstrated resolution due to reduced inflammation and traction, while secondary ERMs linked to vascular or traumatic events benefited from mechanisms such as photocoagulation-induced PVD or gliotic contraction. Visual outcomes varied, with improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and metamorphopsia in most cases, though persistent structural changes occasionally limited functional recovery.ConclusionSpontaneous ERM resolution is a rare but clinically significant event influenced by vitreoretinal interface dynamics and patient-specific factors. Younger age, the presence of PVD, and underlying inflammatory or vascular conditions may contribute to natural resolution. Recognizing these cases allows for tailored management strategies supporting observation in selected patients while minimizing unnecessary surgical interventions. These insights may guide future research into therapeutic approaches that mimic natural resolution mechanisms.