Abstract
Purpose :
To characterize contrast sensitivity function (CSF) in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) compared to a control group and analyzing the impact of epiretinal membrane removal using novel computerized contrast sensitivity (CS) testing with active learning algorithms.
Methods :
CSF was prospectively measured in ERM patients and healthy fellow eyes using the Manifold Contrast Vision Meter implementing quantitative CSF testing. Outcomes included area under the Log CSF (AULCSF) and contrast acuity (CA). ERM patients have been followed up four and twelve weeks after ERM removal.
Results :
Fourteen eyes with ERM and 11 control eyes were included. Median AULCSF (Q1/Q3) in ERM eyes was .575 (.46/.78) compared to 1.04 (.64/1.5) (P = .021) in controls. Median CA in the ERM group was .54 (0.46/.61 logMar) versus .33 (.2/.62 LogMar) in controls (P = .075). In the ERM group, AULCSF and CA did not change significantly after four and twelve weeks compared to baseline values after ERM removal. Best corrected visual acuity differed significantly between the groups: ERM group .4 (.3/.5) vs. control .1 (.0/.2) logMar (P < .001) and improved after four (.3 (.2/.4) (P = 0.003) and twelve weeks (.1 (.075/.2) (P <0.001).
Conclusions :
Patient-centered outcomes are crucial to understand the impact of certain diseases on our patients. CSF can now be quantified with a novel adaptive system. With this study, we were able to demonstrate that ERM formation has an impact on CSF. However, while vitrectomy with ERM removal improves visual acuity, it does not seem lead to CSF rehabilitation after four and twelve weeks. These data should be expanded by larger patient groups. For future studies, it will be interesting to observe whether CSF can be restored at later follow-up visits or if patients and ophthalmologists have to expect a permanent impairment.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.