Anterior Macular Prolapse Associated With Epiretinal Membrane; An Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Study

Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To report the characteristics of the anterior macular prolapse in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: The records of two patients that meet the criteria of macular herniation through an ERM were reviewed. Fluorescein angiograms and optical coherence tomography were used to study both cases. Results: A strong centripetal contraction combined with a senile posterior vitreous detachment makes the retinal tissue more mobile and prone to an anterior displacement. The coexistence of a contracting ERM pinches the prolapsed tissue perpetuating the herniation. Conclusions: The patients included in the present report show a rare macular complication related to an ERM. A pathogenic theory is presented in an attempt to explain the multi–faceted event that leads to the development of the retinal tissue prolapse.

Keywords: retina • retinal glia • anatomy