Long-term Surgical Prognosis of Epiretinal Proliferation Associated with Lamellar or Macular Hole
10.21561/jor.2025.10.1.11
- Author:
Gyudeok HWANG
1
;
Hoon NOH
;
Joonhong SOHN
Author Information
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Hangil Eye Hospital, Incheon, Korea
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Retina
2025;10(1):11-19
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:This study aimed to evaluate the long-term visual outcomes and macular configurations in patients with epiretinal proliferation (ERP) associated with lamellar hole (LH) or macular hole (MH) who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) using an ERP-preserving technique.
Methods:We conducted a retrospective case series involving 26 patients diagnosed with ERP-associated LH or MH who underwent ppV between January 2013 and December 2023 at Hangil Eye Hospital. Surgical procedures involved a 23-gauge ppV, with ERP tissue preservation and internal limiting membrane peeling. Visual acuity and macular configuration were assessed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fundus photography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography at multiple follow-up points. Statistical analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.
Results:The mean follow-up duration was 42 months. Best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly over time from preoperative values up to 3 years, except at 2 years, after ppV (p = 0.005 at 3 months, 0.012 at 6 months, 0.008 at 9 months, 0.006 at 1 year, 0.068 at 2 years, and 0.024 at 3 years). Postoperative visual acuity remained significantly better than preoperative levels beyond 3 years (p = 0.013). Successful MH closure was obtained in 96.2% of patients. Ellipsoid zone defects were observed in 23 patients preoperatively; of these, eight (34.8%) showed restoration postoperatively.
Conclusions:The ERP-preserving technique for ppV in patients with ERP-associated LH or MH results in sustained visual acuity improvement for ≥3 years postoperatively.
