Our Summary
This research paper is about a study that compared two treatments for a condition called idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM), which is a kind of eye problem. The two treatments are called vitrectomy with ERM peeling and vitrectomy with ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. The researchers looked at past studies and analyzed the data to see which treatment is more effective.
In the short term (within 12 months), the treatment with only ERM peeling resulted in better vision. However, in the long term (after 18 months), the treatment that also included ILM peeling showed significantly better results. The ERM peeling only treatment did lead to a greater reduction in central retinal thickness (CRT), which is a measure of swelling in the eye. But it also had a higher recurrence rate of the ERM condition compared to the treatment with both ERM and ILM peeling.
So, the conclusion of the study was that if you consider the long-term results and the recurrence rate of the condition, the treatment that includes both ERM and ILM peeling is better. But if the goal is to reduce swelling (CRT) in the eye, the treatment with only ERM peeling might be more effective.
FAQs
- What is idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) and what are the treatments discussed in the study?
- Which treatment proved to be more effective in the long term for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM)?
- What was the impact of the two treatments on central retinal thickness (CRT)?
Doctor’s Tip
A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about vitrectomy is to discuss with them the potential benefits of including internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in the procedure. While vitrectomy with only epiretinal membrane (ERM) peeling may lead to better short-term vision outcomes, including ILM peeling has been shown to result in better long-term results and lower recurrence rates of the ERM condition. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option to make an informed decision about the best course of action for your specific condition.
Suitable For
Patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) are typically recommended vitrectomy, especially if they are experiencing symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, decreased vision, or visual disturbances. Vitrectomy may also be recommended for patients with conditions such as macular hole, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, vitreous hemorrhage, or vitreomacular traction syndrome. Ultimately, the decision to undergo vitrectomy should be made in consultation with an ophthalmologist or retinal specialist based on the individual patient’s specific condition and needs.
Timeline
Before vitrectomy, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurred or distorted vision, floaters, and difficulty seeing fine details. They may undergo a comprehensive eye exam, including imaging tests like optical coherence tomography (OCT) to diagnose the ERM condition. The doctor will discuss treatment options, risks, and benefits with the patient before scheduling the vitrectomy procedure.
After vitrectomy, the patient will typically experience some discomfort and blurry vision for a few days. They will need to use eye drops as prescribed by their doctor to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. The patient will have follow-up appointments to monitor their recovery and vision improvement. In the short term, the patient may notice improvements in their vision, but it may take several months to see the full benefits of the surgery. Over time, the patient’s vision should continue to improve, with the goal of achieving better visual acuity and reducing symptoms related to the ERM condition.
What to Ask Your Doctor
- What is the difference between vitrectomy with ERM peeling and vitrectomy with ERM and ILM peeling?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with each treatment option?
- How long is the recovery process for each treatment option?
- What are the expected outcomes in terms of vision improvement for each treatment option?
- What is the recurrence rate of the ERM condition after each treatment option?
- Will I need any additional treatments or follow-up appointments after the surgery?
- How will the decision between the two treatment options be personalized to my specific situation?
- Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that I should consider?
- How experienced is the surgeon in performing vitrectomy procedures for ERM?
- How will my quality of life be impacted by choosing one treatment option over the other?
Reference
Authors: Chang WC, Lin C, Lee CH, Sung TL, Tung TH, Liu JH. Journal: PLoS One. 2017 Jun 16;12(6):e0179105. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179105. eCollection 2017. PMID: 28622372