FREQUENCY AND RISK FACTORS OF EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE ON OCT IN VITRECTOMIZED EYES

Abstract

to assess the frequency of Epiretinal Membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy and identify associated risk factors using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).

Methodology: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Ophthalmology department and Visual Sciences, Dr. Ruth K. M. Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi from February 2023 to July 2023. Patients aged 15 years and older who had undergone vitrectomy were included in the study. Baseline ophthalmologic assessments were conducted, including visual acuity, refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and fundoscopy. Post-operative OCT findings were analyzed to confirm ERM development at a single follow-up three months post-vitrectomy to assess ERM formation. ERM was classified based on the presence or absence of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and retinal traction.

Results: A total of 82 patients underwent vitrectomy, and 36.6% developed ERM postoperatively. Age, gender, and eye site were not significant risk factors (p > 0.05). Laser therapy significantly increased ERM risk (OR = 4.3, p = 0.001), while patients who underwent vitrectomy combine with cataract surgery were 5.675 times more likely to develop ERM (p = 0.007). Silicone oil tamponade showed a borderline association (p = 0.054), whereas Cryotherapy, perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL), and gas tamponade were not significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: ERM was observed among 36.6% patients after vitrectomy, with certain factors having a stronger influence, like laser therapy emerged as the most significant risk factor, increasing the likelihood of ERM formation by 4.3 times. Silicone oil tamponade and vitrectomy with cataract surgery also showed a potential association with higher ERM risk.