Abstract
Purpose:
To evaluate inner retinal layer change after vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane.
Methods:
Quantitative analysis of the ganglion cell complex by optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed before surgery and 3 and 6 months postoperatively in 55 eyes.
Results:
Dissociated nerve fiber layer (DONFL) was observed in 42 eyes (76%). Statistically significant changes in the temporal ganglion cell complex thickness were observed in the DONFL group at postoperative month 3 (p=0.001, and 0.003) and month 6 (p=0.001, and 0.003, superotemporal and inferotemporal quadrant, respectively). No significant change was found in the nasal quadrants.
Conclusions:
Epiretinal membrane removal with or without internal limiting membrane can induce inner retinal layer alteration in a significant proportion of patients. Changes in ganglion cell complex thickness were more apparent at the temporal retina.