Spontaneous separation of secondary epiretinal membrane after vitrectomy for retinal detachment.

ABSTRACT

Purpose: While secondary epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are well-documented postoperative complications following rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgery, literature addressing the mechanisms of spontaneous resolution, particularly in cases involving vitrectomy, remain limited. In this case report, we describe the spontaneous resolution of secondary ERM in an amateur boxer following traumatic RRD surgery. Observations Pars plana vitrectomy was performed for traumatic RRD in a 20-year-old man. Secondary ERM formation was observed one month after RRD surgery, resulting in retinal distortion. The ERM began to peel spontaneously and disappeared one year after surgery. His visual function did not deteriorate in the meantime. Conclusions and Importance Spontaneous ERM separation is possible even after vitrectomy. This is the first published observation of the formation and spontaneous disappearance of secondary ERM after vitrectomy without intervention.