Surgical outcome on combined procedures of lens extraction, intraocular lens implantation, and vitrectomy during removal of the epiretinal membrane

Abstract

Background and objective: The authors evaluated the outcome of combined procedures of lens extraction, intraocular lens implantation, and vitrectomy during procedures for the removal of the epiretinal membrane, and attempt to clarify which factors affected the outcome of surgery.

Patients and methods: Surgery for the removal of the epiretinal membrane was performed and a 2-year follow-up program was maintained for 32 eyes at the authors' clinic during the past 5 years. The combined procedure was undertaken in 15 eyes, whereas a simple vitrectomy was performed in 17 eyes. Results were analyzed by postoperative ophthalmoscopic and slit-lamp examinations for visual acuity and complications.

Results: Six months after surgery, visual acuity improved similarly in both groups. But, 2 years after surgery, 11 eyes (65%) that underwent a simple vitrectomy showed decreased visual acuity due to the advancement of cataracts. The postoperative visual acuity at 6 months correlated to preoperative visual acuity, and the advancement of cataracts tended to correlate inversely to the age of the patients. Major complications did not occur in any of the cases.

Conclusion: Earlier surgical management is better for treatment of the epiretinal membrane, and a combined procedure has advantages in cost reduction and is less troublesome, especially for elderly patients.