Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that used a method called PuREC to perform a diagnostic test, called electroretinography (ERG), on patients before and after they had a type of eye surgery called microincision vitreous surgery (MIVS). This surgery was done to treat a condition called epiretinal membrane (ERM), which is a kind of eye disease, and it was done at the same time as cataract surgery.

The ERG test measures the electrical responses of various cell types in the retina, including the light-sensitive cells of the eye, the rods and cones, and the ganglion cells. For this study, the ERG test was done by attaching electrodes to the skin rather than inserting them into the eye.

The study included 18 patients and the researchers performed the ERG test the day before the surgery, the day after, and one week after. They then compared the results from before the surgery to those from after the surgery.

The results showed that before the surgery, the patients’ eyes that were affected by the eye disease had a significantly lower response to light in certain tests compared to their healthy eyes. However, the day after the surgery, there was no significant difference in the test results compared to before the surgery.

But, a week after the surgery, the test results showed an improvement in the response to light for certain types of light-sensitive cells (cones). In conclusion, the researchers found that the function of the cones improved within a week after the MIVS surgery for ERM.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of using PuREC in this study?
  2. What changes were observed in the ERG measurements before and after the MIVS surgery?
  3. How did the surgery affect the cone ERG components over time?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about retinal surgery is to be patient and allow time for the retinal function to improve post-surgery. In the study mentioned above, it was found that cone ERG components improved within 1 week after microincision vitreous surgery for epiretinal membrane. So, it is important to follow post-operative instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of retinal function.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for retinal surgery include those with conditions such as epiretinal membrane (ERM), retinal detachment, macular holes, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal diseases that may require surgical intervention to improve vision and prevent further damage to the retina. In the study mentioned above, patients with ERM undergoing microincision vitreous surgery (MIVS) were evaluated for changes in retinal function before and after surgery using electroretinography (ERG) measurements. The study found that cone ERG components improved within 1 week after surgery, suggesting that retinal function can be restored following successful retinal surgery.

Timeline

Before retinal surgery:

  • Patient is diagnosed with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and undergoes evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
  • Preoperative testing may include visual acuity tests, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and electroretinography (ERG) using skin electrodes.
  • Patient undergoes counseling and informed consent discussions with the surgeon.
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient may be instructed to fast before the procedure.

After retinal surgery:

  • Patient undergoes microincision vitreous surgery (MIVS) for ERM, possibly combined with cataract surgery.
  • ERG measurements are performed using skin electrodes on the day before surgery, the day after surgery, and 1 week later to assess retinal function.
  • Initially, there may be a decrease in ERG amplitudes, particularly in cone ERG components.
  • One week postoperatively, improvements in cone ERG components are observed, indicating recovery of retinal function.
  • Patient is monitored for postoperative complications and may require follow-up appointments with the surgeon for further evaluation and management.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of retinal surgery for my specific condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with retinal surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period after retinal surgery?
  4. Will I need to undergo any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after retinal surgery?
  5. How will retinal surgery affect my vision in the long term?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions I need to follow after retinal surgery?
  7. What are the alternative treatment options available for my condition besides surgery?
  8. How experienced is the surgeon who will be performing the retinal surgery?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional tests or evaluations before retinal surgery?
  10. What should I expect during the retinal surgery procedure?

Reference

Authors: Watanabe A, Gekka T, Arai K, Kohzaki K, Tsuneoka H. Journal: Doc Ophthalmol. 2017 Jun;134(3):167-173. doi: 10.1007/s10633-017-9583-0. Epub 2017 Mar 18. PMID: 28315987