Abstract
Purpose :
Epiretinal membranes occur in 19% of the population, and are associated with age, diabetes, and history of cataract extraction (CE). We investigated the progression of ERM after CE to aid in peri-operative management.
Methods :
Retrospective review of records from January 2015 to January 2019 was performed. Of those meeting these criteria, 39 patients with ERM and CE, and 42 controls with ERM without CE were compared, with an end-point of 15 months of ERM progression analysis.
Results :
Following cataract surgery, ERMs remained stable in 36% of eyes and worsened in 64%. In contrast, ERMs were stable in 60% and worsened in 40% of eyes without CE (p < 0.025, Chi-square analysis). Worsening ERMs were defined as decreased VA greater than 3 lines, symptomatic metamorphopsia, worsening traction or increased retinal thickness on optical coherence tomography. Additionally, worsening of ERMs occurred within 1 to 2 months following CE in 84% of the patients with ERM progression. Both groups had similar incidences of co-existing conditions of peripheral retinal tears, dry AMD, posterior vitreous detachment, and high myopia. There were differences in the incidence of diabetes, and history of prostaglandin use, and these co-morbidities may be contributory to ERM progression.
Conclusions :
ERM progression is higher following cataract surgery.
This is a 2020 ARVO Annual Meeting abstract.