Perioperative prevalence of epiretinal membranes in eyes with senile cataract

Background Results from epidemiologic studies suggest that cataract extraction is a risk-factor for the formation of epiretinal membranes (EM). Patients and Methods 250 consecutive eyes which underwent uneventful phakoemulsification with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens were examined within two weeks prior and an two weeks after surgery for the presence of epiretinal membranes. Cellophane macular reflex (CMR) was distinguished from macular pucker (MP). Results We found an increase in the prevalence of epiretinal membranes from preoperatively 12/250 (4.8%) to postoperatively 33/250 (13.2%). The prevalence of CMR increased from 8/250 (3.2%) to 27/250 (10.8%). The prevalence of MP remained almost the same 4/250 (1.6%) prior and 6/250 (2.4%) after surgery. Conclusions Increased prevalence of epiretinal membranes following cataract extraction observed in epidemiological studies can be explained by easier detection of such membranes in pseudophakic eyes where the observer gets a clear view of the fundus. Therefore it is questionable whether uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction can induce the formation of epiretinal membranes.