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. 2025 Jul 1;14(7):24.
doi: 10.1167/tvst.14.7.24.

Visual Function in Patients With Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery: Evaluated by Microperimetry

Haiyue Xu  1 , Yu Wang  1 , Bo Zou  1 , Meilin Liu  1 , Chunmeng Dai  1 , Xiaoxia Ding  1
Affiliations

Visual Function in Patients With Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane Surgery: Evaluated by Microperimetry

Haiyue Xu et al. Transl Vis Sci Technol. .

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in visual function following surgery and identify predictors of postoperative visual function in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM).

Methods: This retrospective study included 37 eyes with iERM. Macular structure was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA), whereas visual function was evaluated using best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and microperimetry. All parameters were measured preoperatively (baseline) and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Associations between macular structural parameters and visual function outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased significantly at both 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Parafoveal vessel density (PFVD) of the deep capillary plexus (DCP) and BCVA improved significantly at 3 months, with no significant changes observed between 3 and 6 months. Retinal sensitivity (RS) and fixation stability (FS) demonstrated significant improvement at 6 months, whereas macular integrity (MI) showed no significant postoperative changes. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline PFVD of the DCP was a significant predictor of postoperative BCVA. Logistic regression analysis identified baseline PFVD of the DCP as an independent predictor of postoperative FS improvement.

Conclusions: BCVA, RS, and FS improve significantly following iERM surgery, with BCVA improving earlier than microperimetry parameters. A higher baseline PFVD of the DCP is a significant prognostic factor for better BCVA and FS improvement.

Translational relevance: Microperimetry offers an objective and quantitative evaluation of macular functional changes after iERM surgery. PFVD of the DCP, as measured by OCTA, can serve as a valuable predictor of BCVA and FS outcomes postoperatively.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: H. Xu, None; Y. Wang, None; B. Zou, None; M. Liu, None; C. Dai, None; X. Ding, None

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
MAIA microperimetry report of a 62-year-old iERM patient at baseline and 3 months postoperatively. Preoperative parameters (A): average threshold: 22.2 dB; macular integrity: 99.6; fixation stability: relatively unstable (P1 = 66%, P2 = 85%); BECA: 63% = 7.5 degrees2, 95% = 22.4 degrees2. Postoperative parameters (B): average threshold: 23.9 dB; macular integrity: 73.4; fixation stability: stable (P1 = 86%, P2 = 96%); BECA: 63% = 2.3 degrees2, 95% = 7.0 degrees2.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Fixation stability in iERM eyes at baseline and postoperatively. Fixation stability distribution at baseline and postoperatively (χ2 = 10.667, P = 0.002) (A). Fixation stability changes after surgery (B). Asterisks indicate P < 0.05.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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