Abstract:

Objective To investigate the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) in idiopathic macular epiretinal membranes (IMEM), and explore its correlation with visual acuity. Methods The clinical data of 107 patients (121 eyes) with IMEM were retrospectively analysed. Macular epiretinal membranes were classified according to OCT images, and macular central fovea thickness (CFT), volume (V), average thickness (AT) and fovea thickness (FT) were measured. The correlation of OCT parameters and clinical findings with best corrected visual acuity of LogMAR was analysed. Results IMEM were visible on OCT as high reflective tissues, which were thin or thick, and were separated from or nestled up against the retinal surface. In most fovea, the depth decreased and the thickness increased. The average best corrected visual acuity of LogMAR of 121 eyes was 0.67 (0 to 2), CFT was (481.34±68.13) μm (206-572 μm), and FT was (311.57±124.76) μm (134-639 μm). Statistic analysis revealed that the average best corrected visual acuity of LogMAR was significantly related to CFT (r=0.761, P<0.05), while was not related to age, gender, V, AT, FT, retinal edema, lamellar macular hole, retinal nerve fiber layer schisis and damage of inner segment/outer segment of photosensory cells. Conclusion OCT has a high sensitivity in clinical diagnosis of IMEM, and can objectively display the morphological change of macular tissues. Increased central fovea thickness caused by IMEM is closely related to the impairment of visual acuity.

Key words: optical coherence tomography, idiopathic macular epiretinal membranes, diagnostic method