Perifoveal microcirculation in eyes with epiretinal membranes

Bachground/aims-Eyes with epiretinal membranes (ERMs) often have alteration s of retinal vessels. The authors studied perifoveal microcirculation in ey es with epiretinal membranes (ERMs) using scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SL O) fluorescein angiography. Methods-Mean capillary blood flow velocity (CFV) was measured as an index o f perifoveal microcirculation by SLO fluorescein angiography in 26 eyes wit h ERMs (19 eyes with idiopathic epiretinal membranes, seven eyes with epire tinal membranes after retinal detachment surgery) before and 6 months after vitreous surgery, and in 23 healthy control subjects. Results-The mean CFV was significantly reduced in eyes with ERMs compared w ith healthy controls (p=0.012), and the postoperative mean CFV was signific antly increased compared with the preoperative mean CFV (p=0.041). Conclusion-Significant changes of capillary blood flow velocity in the peri foveal areas were observed between normal subjects and eyes with epiretinal membranes. This indicates that eyes with ERMs show abnormal haemodynamics in the perifoveal capillaries.