Prevalence of pathologies of the vitreo-macular interface – results from the Gutenberg Health Study

Abstract

Purpose : We determine the prevalence of characteristics and pathologies of the vitreo-macular interface within the general population of Germany using optical coherence tomography imaging (OCT).

Methods : The Gutenberg Health Study, Germany, is a population-based cross-sectional study, including a comprehensive ophthalmological examination including refraction, biometry and OCT imaging. Characteristics and pathologies of the vitreo-macular interface were graded on volume scans including epiretinal membrane (ERM), full-thickness macular hole, lamellar hole and pseudohole. Overall and age-specific prevalence estimates including 95% confidential intervals [95%-CI] were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression analyses with generalized estimating equations were conducted to determine systemic and ocular factors that are associated with ERM (the most common pathology).

Results : A total of 1890 people aged 40 to 80 years were included in the study. Of these, 4.7% (95%-CI: 3.8% - 5.8%) had an ERM in at least one eye, 0.1% a full-thickness macular hole, 0.6% a lamellar hole and 0.6% a pseudohole. ERM prevalence in at least one eye increased with age from 0% (95%-CI: 0.0% - 1.1%) in those aged 40-49 years, 1.3% (95%-CI: 0.6% - 2.7%) for the decade 50-59 years, 7.4% (95%-CI: 5.3% - 10.0%) for the decade 60-69 years and 12.1% (95%-CI: 9.0% - 16.0%) for the decade 70-80 years.
The presence of an epiretinal membrane was independently associated with higher age (OR=1.12 (95%-CI: 1.09-1.14) per year; p<0.0001), and with prior retinal laser therapy (OR=3.09 (95%-CI: 1.56-6.13); p=0.0012), as well as inversely associated with spherical equivalent (OR=0.84 (95%-CI: 0.78-0.91) per diopter; p<0.0001). Sex, body height, body weight, smoking, prior cataract surgery or intraocular pressure was not associated.

Conclusions : Epiretinal membranes are more frequent in older and myopic subjects, and in those with prior retinal laser therapy.

This abstract was presented at the 2019 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Vancouver, Canada, April 28 - May 2, 2019.