J Korean Ophthalmol Soc.  2020 Oct;61(10):1149-1155. 10.3341/jkos.2020.61.10.1149.

Observational Study in Drusen Patients with Epiretinal Membrane after Vitrectomy and Membrane Peeling

• Bang JW
• Bang CW
• Lee MS
• Jeon HM
• Yoon HS

• KMID: 2511245
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3341/jkos.2020.61.10.1149

Abstract

Purpose
To observe results in drusen patients with epiretinal membrane after a vitrectomy and membrane peeling.
Methods
This retrospective, observational study included drusen patients diagnosed with epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy with membrane peeling. Twenty eyes had epiretinal membrane with drusen (group 1) and 112 eyes had epiretinal membrane without drusen (group 2). At the 6 month follow-up, central foveal thickness and changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. In Group I, the results with drusen size <65 μm and size >65 μm were compared. The largest drusen size change was measured and compared according to the existence of preoperative intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption.
Results
Preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively, the average size of the largest drusen was 198.23 ± 27.34 and 192.23 ± 26.12 μm, respectively, and there was no significant change during the follow-up period. Group I patients with intraretinal cysts and ellipsoid zone disruption experienced low BCVA during the preoperative period; the BCVA had improved postoperatively at 6 months, but with limitations.
Conclusions
Postoperatively at 6 months, no significant change was observed in the largest drusen size after vitrectomy and membrane peeling. Thus, drusen patients with epiretinal membrane, as well as intraretinal cysts or ellipsoid zone disruption can expect an extended recovery period and slow BCVA improvement.

Keyword

Central foveal thickness; Drusen; Drusen size; Epiretinal membrance; Vitrectomy