PROGNOSTIC FACTORS IN EPIRETINAL PEELING

Background Macular epiretinal membranes, whether idiopathic or seconda ry to vitreo-retinal pathology may result in a lowering of central vis ion and/or metamorphopsia following a distorsion of retinal tissue. Al though an adequate surgical peeling procedure is known to result in a functional improvement, the criteria for patient selection for such in tervention are, as yet not clearly established. Methods and results In order to establish prognostic indicators of a good visual recovery, w e studied 25 cases of epiretinal membrane. Our results showed an impro vement in visual acuity of 2 or more Snellen lines among 84% of our pa tients, regardless of their initial visual acuity. The duration of sym ptoms prior to intervention was found to be a prognostic factor wherea s the presence of macular edema detected preoperatively on fluorescein angiography had no effect on the final visual outcome. Conclusion A c ommom post-operative complication came to our attention: secondary opa cification of the cristalline lens.