Preoperative optical coherence tomography visualization of epiretinal membranes enhances surgical strategies.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of preoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in patients with macular epiretinal membrane (ERM) for the planning of surgical strategy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty-three eyes of 121 patients (49 men, 72 women; mean age, 66 years) with an idiopathic ERM were enrolled. All patients underwent an ophthalmic examination including indirect ophthalmoscopy and OCT (Cirrus HD-OCT 4000 and/or 5000). OCT images obtained using model 4000 were transferred to the model 5000 system for vitreoretinal interface (VRI) analysis. The retinal thickness in each area, occurrence rate, and locations of the edges and partial detachments of the ERMs were evaluated using OCT.

RESULTS: OCT detected identifiable edges in 61 (50%) eyes and partial detachments in 116 (94%) of the 123 eyes. The edges and partial detachments were seen more frequently in the inferior macula. VRI analysis also detected the edges and partial detachments. Excluding the central area, the superior quadrant was the thickest in patients with an ERM.

CONCLUSION: Preoperatively acquired OCT images are useful for planning surgical strategies and performing the surgeries smoothly.