Early postoperative changes of the foveal surface in epiretinal membranes: comparison of 23-gauge macular surgery with air vs. balanced salt solution

Abstract

The analysis of early contour changes after ERM surgery was technically possible. Long-term data have to be looked at before the clinical impact of this methodology can be estimated. Although there were no big differences between both groups (AIR vs. BSS), this could change within a longer and more representative follow-up.

Risk factors for postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes after peeling of idiopathic epiretinal membranes among patients randomized for balanced salt solution and air‐tamponade

“…Possibly, additional concomitant intravitreal antiinflammatory therapy, such as triamcinolone, may reduce this risk. Leitritz et al (2014) focused on foveal surface symmetry analysis in their retrospective study, with significantly lower values for the BSS group. Beside that main outcome they stated comparable vision results for BSS and air, but with more improvement in VA in the air group (not significant difference between air and BSS).…”

“…We did not randomize the status of the lens prior to surgery, because main goal of our study was randomizing characteristics of preoperative retinal morphology (retinal thickness and intraretinal cystoid changes). Leitritz et al (2014) did not randomize for the lens status either, due to the retrospective study design; therefore, outcomes of statistical analysis of VA results should be handled with care. A surprising result when analyzing postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes among our patients having received BSS or air at the end of surgery was the trend for more postoperative intraretinal cystoid changes in the air group.…”

“…After successful vitrectomy and membrane peeling, two options have become standard in treatment: leaving balanced salt solution (BSS) in the vitreous cavity or performing fluid-air exchange and leaving air-tamponade in the vitreous cavity. Leitritz et al (Leitritz et al 2014) found better values for the postoperative foveal contour in their air group, compared to BSS, with comparable results for postoperative visual acuity (VA) in both groups and therefore offering a rationale for use of air-tamponade.…”

“…(Leitritz et al. ) found better values for the postoperative foveal contour in their air group, compared to BSS, with comparable results for postoperative visual acuity (VA) in both groups and therefore offering a rationale for use of air‐tamponade.…”

Functional and Morphological Correlations before and after Video-Documented 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Membrane and ILM Peeling in Patients with Macular Pucker

“…In addition to a positive correlation between outer segment restoration and functional results after macular surgery, Itoh and associates observed that a recovery of the foveal cone microstructure may be seen as late as 12 months after anatomically successful surgery and that intact cone outer segment tips after ERM surgery correlate with BCVA [ 12 , 21 ]. The influence of the used tamponade in the end of ERM surgery (air or balanced salt solution) has also been discussed [ 23 ].…”