Recurrence after spontaneous resolution of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane

We report a case of recurrent epiretinal membrane (ERM) after spontaneous resolution of an idiopathic ERM. A 65-year-old female demonstrated a spontaneous improvement in visual acuity from 0.1 to 1.2 in her left eye attributable to spontaneous resolution of idiopathic ERM due to posterior vitreous detachment. Thereafter, however, her visual acuity again decreased to 0.2 because of the recurrence of ERM. Her visual acuity improved to 0.8 after surgical removal. A microscopic examination of the excised specimen showed a characteristic undulating internal limiting membrane (ILM) and a continuous sheet of cells overlying the inner surface of the ILM. This case report illustrates that although spontaneous ERM resolution is rare, there is a possibility of recurrence even after spontaneous ERM resolution.

Three-dimensional characterization of epiretinal membrane using spectral domain optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To describe epiretinal membrane (ERM) features using spectral domain optical coherence tomography "SD OCT" and to delineate the three-dimensional (3D) relationship in eyes with epiretinal membrane.

METHODS

Fifty-two eyes of 44 patients with ERM were classified into two groups: idiopathic ERM and secondary ERM. Posterior vitreous face was evaluated. Pattern of ERM attachment was divided into: focal and global. A 3D SD OCT system (5 μm resolution) was used for scanning. Surface maps were used to study retinal topography.

RESULTS

Surface maps revealed manner and direction of epiretinal traction, pattern of attachment and blood vessel involvement. In 55.8% of eyes the membrane was globally adherent to the retina. There was a significant association (p = 0.02%) between pattern of membrane attachment and etiological classification of eyes. Posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) was associated with both groups, but no significant difference in between.

CONCLUSION

SPECTRAL DOMAIN OCT ALLOWED BETTER CHARACTERIZATION OF ERM INCLUDING: visualization, extension, cleavage plane and zones with free edges. Surface maps revealed the topography of ERM and retina pathology. Idiopathic ERM are significantly associated with global pattern. PVD plays an important role in the pathogenesis of primary as well as secondary ERM.

The clinical course of the idiopathic epiretinal membrane after surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical course of visual acuity and foveal thickness in the idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) after a vitrectomy with the use of triamcinolone.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of 30 patients (30 eyes) with ERM that were treated by vitrectomy from 2004 to 2008. Visual acuity and foveal thickness from optical coherence tomography imaging was obtained preoperatively and at every postoperative follow-up visit.

RESULTS

Visual acuity improved by two or more lines of vision in 30%, 50%, 60%, and 70%, and stayed the same within +/-1 line in 47%, 50%, 40%, and 30% at one month, three months, five months, and seven months after surgery. Twenty-three percent of the subjects deteriorated by two or more lines of vision within one month after surgery. None of the subjects had reduced vision three months after surgery. Foveal thickness decreased significantly after surgery. The mean thickness was 409.7+/-107.9 microm before surgery and 288.6+/-66.1 microm seven months after surgery. Parameters which were significantly correlated with the final visual acuity included preoperative visual acuity (0.683), preoperative foveal thickness (0.544), and final foveal thickness (0.643) (p<0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Foveal thickness and visual acuity improved until seven months after the vitrectomy in patients with idiopathic ERM. Preoperative visual acuity, foveal thickness, and final foveal thickness had a significant correlation with the final visual acuity.

A case of accidental macular injury by Nd: YAG laser and subsequent 6 year follow-up

Here, we report the case of a patient who sustained Nd: YAG laser macular injury with subsequent 6 year follow-up evaluation. A 23-year-old female was accidentally exposed to a Q-switched Nd: YAG laser without protective goggles. Upon initial evaluation, the best-corrected visual acuity of her affected eye was 20/100 OD. Fundoscopic examination revealed a macular laser burn and vitreous hemorrhage. Corticosteroids, in the form of 60 mg prednisolone, were administered orally with a 10 mg per week taper. Nineteen days following exposure, fundoscopic examination revealed a distinct epiretinal membrane which resolved within six months. The best-corrected visual acuity of the affected eye remained 20/100 OD. This clinical course is similar to those of previously reported cases including vitreous hemorrhage and subsequent epiretinal membrane formation. However, visual acuity did not recover despite spontaneous regression of the epiretinal membrane and at 6 year follow-up, there was neither choroidal neovascularization nor macular hole formation.