Visual field defect caused by nerve fiber layer damage associated with an internal limiting lamina defect after uneventful epiretinal membrane surgery

PURPOSE: To report a case of visual field defect caused by damage of the nerve fiber layer associated with an internal limiting lamina defect after uneventful epiretinal membrane peeling. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: In the right eye, a 43-year-old male patient developed a nasal step and mild inferior arcuate scotoma after uneventful epiretinal membrane surgery without any associated glaucoma. Transmission electron microscopy was performed on the epiretinal membrane specimens. RESULTS: An epiretinal membrane specimen showed adhesion between epiretinal membrane and axons of nerve fiber layer in the area of the internal limiting lamina defect. CONCLUSION: Adhesion between epiretinal membrane and retinal tissue in the area of the internal limiting lamina defect may cause damage of the nerve fiber layer and visual field defect after epiretinal membrane peeling. (C) 2002 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.