Comparative study of straight vs angled incision in 27-gauge vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare straight and angled incisions in 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: Seventy-three eyes of 68 patients with ERM who underwent straight (35 eyes) or angled incision (38 eyes) for 27-gauge microincision vitrectomy were retrospectively evaluated. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in postoperative logarithm of minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity. The intraocular pressure and rate of hypotony 1 day postoperatively did not differ between the straight- and angled-incision groups (intraocular pressure: 11.5 vs 13.4 mmHg, respectively; rate of hypotony: 20% vs 8%, respectively). Surgical wound closing occurred by postoperative day 10 in both groups. Conclusion: A straight incision is as safe and useful in ERM vitrectomy as an angled one.