Abstract:

Objective   To observe morphological and functional changes in the macular in eyes with different kinds of secondary epiretinal membranes (SEM) and to explore the significance of surgical treatment. Methods   A retrospective， observational case series of 55 patients with SEM who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and membrane peeling during October 2008 and August 2012 were included. The causes of SEM were classified. Changes in macular morphology before and after the surgery were observed by optical coherence tomography. The thickness of neuroepithelium in the central macular area(CMT) and the integrity of its IS/OS layer were recorded， as well as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA， logMAR). Paired t test was used to compare pre-operative and post-operative BCVA. Independent sample t test was used to compare BCVA and CMT between group of IS/OS layer integrity and unintegrity. Results   Trauma， cataract surgery，laser photocoagulation，and retinal vein occlusion etc had relation with this disease.5 patients(9.09%) were lost for follow-up. In the other 50 patients， 40 eyes (80.00%) had their vision improved and 10 eyes (20.00%) had no changed. Postoperative BCVA was improved (t=-7.467, P<0.001).The eyes with intact IS/OS layer had better post-operative BCVA than the other eyes(t=-4.437, P<0.001),but CMT did not(t=-0.990, P=0.329). Conclusion   Secondary epiretinal membrane has significant influence on macular function. Surgical treatment can save or improve the patients’ visual quality.

Key words: Optical coherence tomography, Surgical procedures, operative, Secondary epiretinal membrane, Vision