RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Unexplained vision loss following removal of epiretinal membrane
JF British Journal of Ophthalmology
JO Br J Ophthalmol
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd.
SP 1033
OP 1039
DO 10.1136/bjo.2009.173757
VO 94
IS 8
A1 R H Roe
A1 H R McDonald
A1 A D Fu
A1 J M Lahey
A1 R T Wendel
A1 J A Pearlman
A1 P M Monahan
A1 J M Jumper
A1 R N Johnson
A1 E Ai
A1 E T Cunningham
YR 2010
UL http://bjo.bmj.com/content/94/8/1033.abstract
AB Purpose To report unexplained severe central vision loss accompanied by a dense central scotoma as an uncommon complication following epiretinal membrane removal.Methods Retrospective, multicentred, case series.Results Six patients underwent uncomplicated vitrectomy surgery between 2000 and 2007 at four separate retina practices for removal of an epiretinal membrane. Preoperative vision ranged from 20/60 to 20/100, with a median of 20/70. On the first day postoperatively, all patients noted decreased vision ranging from counting fingers to light perception and were found to have a dense central scotoma. Posterior segment examination revealed a white, oedematous macula in all affected eyes. Vision improved minimally during the follow-up period, which ranged from 2 months to 5 years. The final vision ranged from 20/200 to hand movements. No anatomic or physiologic cause for the decreased vision and central scotoma was identified.Conclusions While uncommon, severe, permanent, central vision loss accompanied by a dense central scotoma can occur following epiretinal membrane removal and should be considered when assessing the risks and benefits of such surgery.