Microcirculation in the macular area of eyes with an idiopathic epiretinal membrane

Abstract.

Purpose: To measure the microcirculation in the macula area of eyes before and after the removal of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) by vitreous surgery. Methods: Tissue blood flow in the macula was examined with the Heidelberg retina flowmeter in 12 eyes with an ERM before and 3, 6, and 12 months after vitrectomy. Blood flow measurements were performed in a 10×5° area in the macula that was divided into superior and inferior areas. At least three measurements were obtained, and the mean blood flow (MBF) was calculated by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. The ratio of the MBF in the affected eye to that in the fellow eye was used for statistical analysis. Results: The ratios of the MBF in the affected to the fellow eye in the superior area before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were 0.73, 0.51, 0.77, 0.88, and 1.01, respectively. The ratios of the MBF in the inferior area for the same periods were 0.70, 0.52, 0.75, 0.83, and 0.98, respectively. Conclusions: Eyes with an ERM showed abnormal hemodynamics in the macula that gradually improved after vitrectomy to a status comparable with the MBF of the normal fellow eye.