Epiretinal membranes surrounding idiopathic macular holes.

Abstract

To describe the features of the epiretinal membranes (ERMs) surrounding idiopathic macular holes. The charts of 83 consecutive patients (85 eyes) who underwent macular hole surgery with a systematic search for an ERM around the hole were reviewed. Visual acuity testing, fundus biomicroscopy, red free and blue filter fundus photographs, and fluorescein angiograms were performed before and after surgery. Eyes with and without ERM removal were compared. An ERM was removed from 26 of 85 eyes (30.6%). ERMs were found more frequently in stage 4 than in stage 3 macular holes (76.9% versus 24.6%; P < 0.01). Holes had been present for longer in eyes with ERM than in those without (14.7 versus 8.6 months; P = 0.05). Fewer stage 3 holes with an ERM had an operculum than those without (P = 0.01). The outcome and complication rates were similar in eyes with an ERM and those without. Of the 24 ERMs detectable on blue filter fundus photographs, only 11 (45.6%) were visible on red free photographs. We support the hypothesis that the presence of ERMs surrounding idiopathic macular holes is secondary to hole formation.