Surgical management of epiretinal membrane with indocyanine-green-assisted peeling

Purpose: To evaluate the surgical results of pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) in a preliminary series of 28 eyes with macular epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: Pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the ERM was performed on 28 eyes. All preretinal macular tissues were removed including the ILM after injection of indocyanine green (ICG) solution. Results: Postoperatively visual acuity improved within 3 months by at least 2 lines in 26 eyes. Neither the deterioration of the macula nor the recurrence of the ERM was observed during the entire period of review (6 months; range 4-8 months). Conclusions: Vitrectomy including ICG-assisted peeling of the ERM leads to an expedited resolution of the macular pucker and improvement of visual acuity, without subsequent formation of ERMs.