Longitudinal Morphometric Analysis of Epiretinal Membrane in Patients with Uveitis

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate temporal changes of epiretinal membrane (ERM) in uveitis.

Methods: Six consecutive eyes with uveitis and ERM documented by spectral-domain – optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in 6 ± 1-month intervals during a 2-year follow-up (FU) period were included. Clinical information and SD-OCT data were noted at all FU visits. ERM thickness maps were created. The main outcome measures were BCVA, central subfield thickness (CST) and ERM thickness at baseline and FU visits. The correlation between ERM thickness and BCVA was analyzed.

Results: Intraocular inflammation was inactive during the study period. Mean ERM thickness at the fovea increased 2.3 µm at 12-month and 2.4 µm at 24-month FU (p < .05). The increase in foveal ERM thickness was associated with foveal structural changes (p = .03). Visual acuity did not change during the FU.

Conclusion: In well-controlled intraocular inflammation, increase in the ERM thickness does not lead to loss of vision in a 2-year FU period.

KEYWORDS::

• Epiretinal membrane
• Intraocular inflammation longitudinal study
• Spectral domain optical coherence tomography
• Temporal changes
• Uveitis

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper. This study is supported in part by National Institute of Health, Vision Core Grant EY03040.