RESUMEN
Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery in patients aged over 80 years. Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling with retrobulbar anesthesia were recruited. Based on age, the patients were divided into the elderly group (≥ 80 years of age) and the control group (< 80 years of age). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and surgical complications were regarded as the main measurement indicators. Results: This study included 43 eyes from 43 patients aged 80 to 91 years and 86 eyes from 86 patients aged 54 to 79 years. Surgical intervention substantially improved BCVA both in the elderly and control groups (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in the incidence of surgical complications between the two groups (p = 0.631). The operations in either group were not delayed or canceled for the reason of complications of retrobulbar anesthesia, severe anxiety, or physical discomfort in the perioperative period. Moreover, no patient required a second operation. Also, no stroke, myocardial infarction, or death occurred during the follow-up period. All the surgical complications were treated satisfactorily. Conclusion: Our outcomes indicate that PPV combined with ERM and ILM peeling with retrobulbar anesthesia is effective and safe in elderly patients aged 80 years or older. Based on age alone, we believe that advancing age should not be the risk factor for idiopathic ERM surgery.
RESUMEN
Despite improvements in reducing hunger in recent years, undernutrition remains a global public health problem. This study utilizes the swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) technique to assess changes in retinal and choroidal thickness in underweight subjects. Ophthalmic examinations were conducted on all adults participating in this cross-sectional research. Depending on their body mass index (BMI), the participants were divided into two groups: the underweight group and the normal group. The study included the right eyes of the underweight adults and an equal number of age- and gender-matched normal-weight subjects. The retinal thickness showed no significant difference between the underweight and normal groups (P > 0.05 for all). In males, the retina of the center and inner ring in the underweight group was significantly thinner than that in the normal group, while no such results were found in females. The choroid in the underweight group was significantly thinner compared to that in the normal group (all P < 0.05). Being underweight may affect choroidal thickness in both males and females. In comparison with underweight females, underweight males may experience more retinal damage. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathogenesis underlying specific ocular diseases in malnourished individuals.