Effect of air and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tamponade on visual acuity after epiretinal membrane surgery: a pilot study

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare visual acuity improvement after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery using air and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tamponade. Secondary objectives were to evaluate Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ) scores and central retinal thickness (CRT) changes. Design: This was a prospective, randomized study. Participants: Thirty-two patients were prospectively randomized, 19 to the air group and 13 to the SF6 group. Methods: This study has enrolled patients with ERM from clinical practice of 4 vitreoretinal surgeons. Preoperative and postoperative data included best -corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with the use of the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, VFQ scores, CRT, and cataract staging. Pars plane vitrectomy with ERM peeling was performed on all patients, either with partial air tamponade or with complete SF6 tamponade. Results: Mean BCVA improved by 0.07 logMAR (3.5 ETDRS letters) in the air group and by 0.09 logMAR (4.5 ETDRS letters) in the SF6 group (p = 0.58). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to BCVA, VFQ scores, and CRT. The groups had similar rates of cataract progression and adverse events. Conclusions: ERM peeling with partial air tamponade or with complete SF6 tamponade have similar outcomes in terms of BCVA, VFQ scores, CRT, cataract development, and adverse events.