Idiopathic Epiretinal Macular Membrane and Cataract Extraction : Combined Surgery vs. Consecutive Surgery

Abstract

Purpose: : To assess the functional and anatomical outcome of cataract and idiopathic epiretinal macular membrane extraction in combined and consecutive surgeries.

Methods: : A retrospective nonrandomized study of 174 epiretinal macular membranes (ERM) and cataract extractions in 1 or 2 sessions was undertaken in two academic centers. Combined surgery (n=109) and successive surgery (n=65) were performed between 2005 and 2006. All patients underwent ERM and internal limiting membrane removal. We compared the near and far visual acuity and the central macular thickness with OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) for these procedures.

Results: : Mean follow-up was 8 months. The postoperative best-corrected visual acuities significantly improved in both combined (near and far vision: p<0.0001) and consecutive surgeries (near and far vision: p<0.0001) groups. Similarly, the postoperative macular thickness significantly decreased in both groups (p<0.0001). We noted no statistical differences between the visual acuity improvement in both groups (near vision p=0.54; far vision p=0.38).

Conclusions: : Combined and consecutive surgeries are effective procedures to treat idiopathic ERM. The functional and anatomical results are equivalent in these two procedures. However, combined surgery is more convenient for the patient.

Keywords: vitreoretinal surgery • macula/fovea • vitreous