Impact of Epiretinal Membrane on Optical Coherence Tomography Tools Used for Monitoring Glaucoma

Abstract

Background: Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell layer (GCL) measurements can be influenced by many factors including the presence of concomitant retinal diseases. The aim of this study it to assess the impact of epiretinal membrane (ERM) on RNFL and GCL assessment using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: GCL, peripapillary RNFL (pRNFL), and Bruch’s Membrane Opening Minimum Rim Width (BMO-MRW) thicknesses were analysed using an SD-OCT (Spectralis OCT) in eyes with idiopathic ERM and compared with a control group. Results: 161 eyes were included, 73 eyes in the control group and 88 eyes with idiopathic ERM. The pRNFL analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in overall and temporal sector thicknesses. For GCL thickness report, the percentage of scans in which the GCL was erroneously segmented by automatic segmentation was assessed for each eye. A statistically significant difference was found in all sectors (p < 0.001), with the exception of external nasal sector. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the GCL total volume report was found in ERM group compared to the control group. For MRW at BMO analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in MRW thickness in any sector. Conclusion: In eyes with ERM, the GCL and pRNFL analysis seemed affected by the morphological retinal layers’ modification. MRW-BMO did not appear to be directly affected by the presence of ERM.

Long-Term Changes in Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness after Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane Using Optical Coherence Tomography Images

“…Several studies reported the impact of ERM on the thickness measurement of the macular area and peripapillary RNFL using OCT [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. An ERM usually involves the macula, centers on the perifovea, and often extends to the peripapillary area.…”

“…Nam et al revealed that the repeatability of the measurement of peripapillary RNFL thickness performed by SD-OCT was fair, even in patients who had an ERM with peripapillary involvement [ 25 ]. Some studies showed that the temporal and global peripapillary RNFL thicknesses were significantly higher than those of normal controls [ 23 , 24 ]. In particular, the thickening in temporal and global peripapillary RNFL was much higher in patients who had an ERM that extended to the peripapillary area [ 23 ].…”

“…In particular, the thickening in temporal and global peripapillary RNFL was much higher in patients who had an ERM that extended to the peripapillary area [ 23 ]. Increased peripapillary RNFL thicknesses are explained by the tangential tractional force of the ERM on the retina [ 23 , 24 ]. The results from the previous reports are consistent with our data.…”