One-year follow-up evaluation of combined phacovitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane

AIM:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of combined phacovitrectomy with membrane peeling and intraocular lens(IOL)implantation in patients with severe idiopathic epiretinal membrane(iERM)and concurrent cataract.METHODS:A total of 34 eyes from 34 patients who underwent phacovitrectomy and epiretinal membrane(ERM)peeling at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University between 2015 and 2017.The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and central foveal thickness(CFT)were measured preoperatively and at 1,3,6 mo and 1 y postoperatively.Temporal changes and bivariate correlations of these parameters were analyzed.RESULTS:Mean logMAR BCVA improved and CFT decreased significantly(P<0.001)until 6 mo after surgery.Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between preoperative and postoperative logMAR BCVA(r=0.716,P<0.001 at 1 mo,r=0.417,P=0.014 at 3 mo,r=0.359,P=0.037 at 6 mo,and r=0.369,P=0.032 at 12 mo post-op respectively),but preoperative CFT was neither associated with postoperative CFT nor with postoperative logMAR BCVA.There was a positive correlation between CFT and logMAR BCVA at 1 mo(r=0.346,P=0.045),6 mo(r=0.347,P=0.045),and 12 mo(r=0.342,P=0.048)post-operatively.The intraand postoperative complications were relatively mild,and the incidences were generally low.CONCLUSION:For severe iERM patients with significant visual symptoms,combined phacovitrectomy with membrane peeling and IOL implantation is safe and effective in improving BCVA and decreasing CFT.Early surgery in selected patients may help preserving better visual function.