Towards a standardisation of reading charts: Font effects on reading performance-Times New Roman with serifs versus the sans serif font Helvetica.

PURPOSE: The purpose was to compare systematically the legibility of a font without serifs (Helvetica) and one with serifs (Times New Roman). METHODS: Three paragraphs that were equal in the number of words, syllables, characters, difficulty and reading length were printed at equal size, with equal spacing between the lines and equal layout (paperback style), in either the sans serif typeface Helvetica Neue T1 55 Roman (Adobe) or the serif typeface Times New Roman PS Roman (Adobe). They were also printed in newspaper format in the serif font. The paragraphs were presented in random order (Latin square design) to 36 participants between 18 and 38 years of age (wearing their best-corrected visual acuity). Reading duration was measured with a stopwatch. Reading time, reading speed and the number of reading errors were compared. RESULTS: For the paperback layout, no significant difference in reading time (p = 0.50) or reading speed (p = 0.56) was found between the two fonts. The correlation between the two fonts was high for both reading time and speed (r = 0.93). The mean number of reading errors was the same (0.31 ± 0.58 errors/text) for both fonts. There was a significant difference in reading time and speed between the paperback and the newspaper layout. CONCLUSION: The legibility of Helvetica and Times New Roman is similar when investigated under equivalent conditions. Thus, these two font types can be used as interchangeable standard typefaces.

Font effects on reading parameters: comparing Radner Reading Charts printed in Helvetica and Times Roman.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of font choice on reading parameters by using the RADNER Reading Charts printed in two fonts (Helvetica vs. Times Roman) equalized in terms of x-height. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 40 participants with healthy eyes (18 to 60 years of age; mean: 42.13 ± 12.28 years). Reading performance was evaluated binocularly with RADNER Reading Charts printed in either Helvetica Neue (T1) Roman sans serif (Adobe) or Times New Roman PS Roman serif (Adobe). The test distance was 40 cm. Reading charts were presented in random order. Reading acuity (RA), mean reading speed of all sentences read (MEAN-ALL RS), mean reading speed from 0.8 logRAD to 0.3 logRAD (MEAN-RS), maximum reading speed (MAX-RS), and critical print size (CPS) were compared. RESULTS: The RA values obtained for the Helvetica and Times Roman fonts (in full logarithmic units of 0.1 logRAD) did not differ between the two fonts (mean for both fonts: - 0.128 ± 0.064 logRAD; 95% CI for both: - 0.148; - 0.107 logRAD). The differences in all other reading parameters between the two fonts were small and not statistically significant. The analyses revealed narrow confidence intervals and good coefficients of reliability. Except for the CPS (r = 0.49) and RA (equal for Helvetica and Times Roman), the correlations for all parameters were high, ranging from r = 0.92 to r = 0.98. CONCLUSION: The equivalent reading performance obtained with Helvetica and Times Roman (when equalized in x-height and layout) makes these font types interchangeable as standards for reading charts.

Age-related course of visual acuity obtained with ETDRS 2000 charts in persons with healthy eyes.

PURPOSE: To investigate the age-related course of best-corrected visual acuity in healthy eyes. METHODS: Two hundred participants (400 eyes) 25 to 74 years of age (114 females, 86 males) were investigated, 20 per 5-year age group. Best-corrected visual acuity was measured monocularly with the ETDRS 2000 charts at a distance of 4 m (Precision Vision, Woodstock, IL, USA). Strict exclusion and termination criteria were used. RESULTS: Visual acuity did not change between ages 25 and 54 years (mean of the better eyes, - 0.18 ± 0.05 logMAR). A significant age-related break-point in visual acuity was found at the ages of 55-59 years. For all age groups, the overall mean visual acuity was - 0.15 ± 0.06 logMAR for the better eyes and - 0.13 ± 0.06 logMAR for the worse eyes. There was no difference between the right and left eyes (- 0.14 ± 0.06 logMAR). The visual acuity was better in the right eye in 29% (n = 58) of the participants, better in the left eye in 32% (n = 64), and the same in both eyes in 39% (n = 78). From ages 25 to 64 years, neither the better nor the worse eye had a visual acuity worse than 0.0 logMAR. CONCLUSION: Best-corrected visual acuity was constantly high until the age of 54 years. An age-related break-point appeared at 55 to 59 years of age. Until age 64, a minimal angle of resolution smaller than 1 min of arc (visual acuity better 0.0 logMAR) can be expected in healthy eyes.

Age-related changes in baseline reading acuity and speed as measured using RADNER Reading Charts in healthy eyes with best corrected ETDRS distance acuity.

PURPOSE: To assess age-related differences in baseline measures of reading performance obtained from the RADNER Reading Charts in healthy eyes with best corrected (ETDRS) distance acuity. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of participants (n=200) aged 25-74 years (n=20 per 5 years age group). Best corrected distance visual acuity was measured monocularly with ETDRS 2000 Charts. Reading performance was evaluated binocularly with the RADNER Reading Charts. Reading acuity (RA), reading acuity score (RA score), mean reading speed (MEAN-RS), maximum reading speed, reading speed with a long paragraph, critical print size (CPS) and the logMAR/logRAD ratio were analysed. RESULTS: RA, RA score, CPS-1 (last logRAD with normal reading speed) and ETDRS acuity did not change significantly between age 25 and 54 years. Overall, the mean RA was -0.091±0.07 logRAD, and the RA score was -0.069±0.07 logRAD. The mean difference between the RA and best ETDRS acuity was 0.0603±0.055 logMAR (r=0.62; p<0.05). The logMAR/logRAD ratio was 87.75%±11.23%. The MEAN-RS ranged from 189±21.9 words per minute (wpm) for the group aged 70-74 years to 236±22.5 wpm for the group aged 40-44 years and correlated well with the long paragraph results (r=0.87). CONCLUSION: Best corrected RA, reading speed and ETDRS distance acuity were constant until the age of 54 years. An age-related break point was found between the groups aged 50-54 years and 55-59 years; for reading speed, the break point can be assumed to be within the age range of 50-54 years.

Intermittent Hypoxia Activates Duration-Dependent Protective and Injurious Mechanisms in Mouse Lung Endothelial Cells.

Intermittent hypoxia is a major factor in clinical conditions like the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome or the cyclic recruitment and derecruitment of atelectasis in acute respiratory distress syndrome and positive pressure mechanical ventilation. In vivo investigations of the direct impact of intermittent hypoxia are frequently hampered by multiple co-morbidities of patients. Therefore, cell culture experiments are important model systems to elucidate molecular mechanisms that are involved in the cellular response to alternating oxygen conditions and could represent future targets for tailored therapies. In this study, we focused on mouse lung endothelial cells as a first frontier to encounter altered oxygen due to disturbances in airway or lung function, that play an important role in the development of secondary diseases like vascular disease and pulmonary hypertension. We analyzed key markers for endothelial function including cell adhesion molecules, molecules involved in regulation of fibrinolysis, hemostasis, redox balance, and regulators of gene expression like miRNAs. Results show that short-time exposure to intermittent hypoxia has little impact on vitality and health of cells. At early timepoints and up to 24 h, many endothelial markers are unchanged in their expression and some indicators of injury are even downregulated. However, in the long-term, multiple signaling pathways are activated, that ultimately result in cellular inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Twelve-Year Follow-Up of Navigated Computer-Assisted Versus Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Trial.

BACKGROUND: Navigated computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was introduced to expedite long-term survival based on improved postoperative implantation accuracy. However, long-term outcome data after 10 years or more are rare, even available meta-analyses show controversial study results. METHODS: In a prospective randomized trial, 100 conventional TKAs (group CONV) were compared with 100 computer-assisted TKAs (group NAV) after a mean follow-up of 12 years postoperatively. A long-leg weight-bearing X-ray was performed for measuring mechanical axis of the limb, lateral distal femoral angle, and medial proximal tibial angle. Tibial slope, patella alpha angle, and radiolucent lines were also observed. Clinical investigation included evaluation of 4 different scores: Insall Knee Score, Western Ontario and MacMaster University Index score, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score, and visual analog scale. RESULTS: Based on a follow-up rate of at least 75%, no difference in TKA survival was found 12 years postoperatively: 91.5% in group CONV vs 98.2% in group NAV (P = .181). Since 5-year follow-up, no additional TKA revision had been performed in both groups. Group CONV showed a nonsignificant higher inaccuracy of neutral lower limb axis (1.8° ± 1.4°) compared to group NAV (1.6° ± 1.7°, P = .700). All X-ray assessments were not significant different within both study groups (P ≥ .068). Clinical examination showed no differences in evaluations (P ≥ .204). All collected outcome score results were similar (P ≥ .222). CONCLUSION: Twelve years postoperatively, no differences were found in terms of long-term survival, implantation accuracy, clinical outcome or score results.

The Peripheral Sympathetic Neuron is Intact in Alzheimer's Disease and Behavioral Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia.

INTRODUCTION: The study was undertaken to evaluate the postganglionic sympathetic sudomotor function employing the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART) in tauopathies Alzheimer's disease (AD) and behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). METHODS: Patients were recruited in a prospective pilot study. A structured history was taken and QSART was recorded. RESULTS: In all, 15 patients with AD (7 female) and 14 patients with bvFTD (9 female) were included. Mean age (±standard deviation) of patients with AD and bvFTD was 74 ± 9 and 71 ± 10 years, respectively. Severe sudomotor dysfunction (Composite Autonomic Severity sudomotor score 3) was present in 3 (20%) patients with AD and 0 (0%) patients with bvFTD (P = .037). The upper extremity was only involved in 1 patient with AD and 1 patient with bvFTD. Sweat results of the 4 recording sites did not differ between both groups. Patients' history correlated with severe autonomic symptoms as assessed with QSART. CONCLUSION: Postganglionic sudomotor involvement in AD and bvFTD is most likely not part of the disease.

Implication of femoral stem on performance of articular surface replacement (ASR) XL total hip arthroplasty.

Taper junctions of large diameter metal-on-metal femoral heads and femoral stems were described as metal ion generator due to accelerated wear and corrosion. However, literature about the Articular Surface Replacement (ASR) total hip arthroplasty (THA) invariably deals with stems manufactured by DePuy Orthopedics (Warsaw, IN, USA). Nothing is known whether different stems with common 12/14 mm tapers affect failure rate or ion release. 99 ASR THA (88 patients) implanted with CoxaFit or ARGE Geradschaft stems (K-Implant, Hannover, Germany) were retrospectively analyzed. After a mean follow-up of 3.5 years revision rate was 24.5%, mostly due to adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD). CT scan revealed component loosening in 10.3% and pseudotumoral lesions in 12.6%. Elevated ion concentrations (>7 µg/l) were found in 38.6%.

The phoenix from the ashes: cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia.

BACKGROUND: Patients with autonomic failure may experience postural dizziness, syncope, and falls. Identifying symptomatic dysautonomia in dementia is of importance to ensure appropriate management and reduce risk of falls. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study is to identify cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients suffering from behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), compared to Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: Patients were prospectively recruited from 2009 until 2013. Clinical autonomic function tests were carried out in an Autonomic Unit according to Ewing's cardiovascular battery. Parasympathetic tests included resting heart rate variability, deep breathing, and Valsalva. Sympathetic function tests compromised blood pressure regulation on valsalva, cutaneous cold stimulation, and 70° head up tilt including of plasma noradrenaline. RESULTS: 26 patients (17 female) with bvFTD and 18 patients (10 female) with AD were examined. Mean age of bvFTD was 69 ± 11 years, AD 74 ± 9 years. History taking was often not conclusive and did not correlate with autonomic signs. In 42% bvFTD patients and 44% AD patients, autonomic dysfunction was demonstrated. Manifest orthostatic hypotension (OH) was present in 19% of bvFTD and 33% AD patients. Frequency of autonomic dysfunction and orthostatic hypotension did not differ between bvFTD and AD, but were significantly higher than in healthy controls. Autonomic dysfunction was associated with an increased risk of falling (assessed with Tinetti Score). CONCLUSION: This is the first prospective study to elucidate autonomic dysfunction in bvFTD patients. There is a considerable higher frequency of cardiovascular dysfunction and OH in bvFTD. History taking may be not conclusive thus cannot exclude cardiovascular dysautonomia.

Conventional versus computer-assisted technique for total knee arthroplasty: a minimum of 5-year follow-up of 200 patients in a prospective randomized comparative trial.

In the literature, studies of computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) after mid-term period are not conclusive and long-term data are rare. In a prospective, randomized, comparative study 100 conventional TKAs (group REG) were compared with 100 computer-assisted TKAs (group NAV). Minimum follow-up was 5years. No difference in implant failure was found with 1.1% in group NAV versus 4.6% in group REG (P=0.368). Group NAV showed a significantly less mean deviation of mechanical limb axis (P=0.015), more TKAs (90% versus 81% in group REG) were within 3° varus/valgus and a higher tibial slope and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) accuracy was found (P≤0.034). Clinical investigational parameters showed no differences (P≥0.058). Insall and HSS score total were also higher in group NAV (P≤0.016).

[Internalized Stigma of Schizophrenia: Validation of the German Version of the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness-Scale (ISMI)]. / Internalisiertes Stigma bei Schizophrenie: Validierung der deutschen Version der Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness-Skala (ISMI).

OBJECTIVES: Schizophrenia is particularly associated with stigma. Especially internalized stigma, the inner subjective experience of stigma and its psychological effects resulting from applying negative stereotypes and stigmatising attitudes to oneself, is a barrier to recovery. The Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness-scale (ISMI) developed by Jennifer Boyd Ritsher and colleagues is a valid instrument for self-rated assessment of the subjective experience of stigma. The aim of the study was to examine the psychometric properties of the German Version of the ISMI among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. METHODS: The ISMI was translated into German. Reliability and validity of the instrument were tested and predictors of internalized stigma were explored. Data of 157 people were collected on the ISMI and demographic and clinical variables. Construct validity was tested by comparing results with already established constructs such as perceived devaluation and discrimination, depression, self-esteem, empowerment, control convictions and quality of life. RESULTS: The German Version of the ISMI showed good psychometric properties with high internal consistency, good test-retest reliability and good construct validity among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. About one third had a mean above the midpoint of the scale indicating a high level of internalized stigma. Internalized stigma was predicted by insufficient social network, level of education less than high school and inpatient or day clinic treatment compared to outpatient treatment. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the German version of the ISMI is comparable to its original version. With the German version of the ISMI internalized stigma can be measured reliably and validly among people with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Future studies may use the ISMI to record changes in internalized stigma pertinent to the achievement of therapeutic goals.

Does single use of an autologous transfusion system in TKA reduce the need for allogenic blood?: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Mechanical autotransfusion systems for washed shed blood (WSB) were introduced to reduce the need for postoperative allogenic blood transfusions (ABTs). Although some authors have postulated decreased requirements for ABT by using autologous retransfusion devices, other trials, mostly evaluating retransfusion devices for unwashed shed blood (USB), verified a small or no benefit in reducing the need for postoperative ABT. Because of these contradictory findings it is still unclear whether autologous retransfusion systems for WSB can reduce transfusion requirements. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore asked whether one such autologous transfusion system for WSB can reduce the requirements for postoperative ABT. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, controlled study, we enrolled 151 patients undergoing TKA. In Group A (n=76 patients), the autotransfusion system was used for a total of 6 hours (intraoperatively and postoperatively) and the WSB was retransfused after processing. In Control Group B (n=75 patients), a regular drain without suction was used. We used signs of anemia and/or a hemoglobin value less than 8 g/dL as indications for transfusion. If necessary, we administered one or two units of allogenic blood. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (33%) in Group A, who received an average of 283 mL (range, 160-406 mL) of salvaged blood, needed a mean of 2.1 units of allogenic blood, compared with 23 patients (33%) in Control Group B who needed a mean of 2.1 units of allogenic blood. CONCLUSIONS: We found the use of an autotransfusion system did not reduce the rate of postoperative ABTs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of optical coherence tomography findings in age-related macular degeneration: a reproducibility study of two independent reading centres.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To determine the reproducibility among readers of two independent certified centres, the Vienna Reading Center (VRC) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Reading Center (UW-FPRC) for optical coherence tomography (OCT) images in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Fast macular thickness scans and 6 mm cross hair scans were obtained from 100 eyes with all subtypes of AMD using Stratus OCT. Consensus readings were performed by two certified OCT readers of each reading center using their grading protocol. Common variables of both grading protocols, such as presence of cystoid spaces, subretinal fluid, vitreomacular traction and retinal pigment epithelial detachment, were compared using κ statistics. In addition, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated for centre point thickness (CPT) of values re-measured manually in the presence of alignment errors. RESULTS: The reproducibility was dependent on the variable measured with a κ value of 0.81 for the presence of cystoid spaces, 0.78 for the presence of subretinal fluid and 0.795 for the presence of vitreomacular traction. The lowest reproducibility was found for the presence of retinal pigment epithelial detachment with a κ value of 0.51. The CPT was re-measured in 29 out of 100 scans at both sites with an ICC of the re-measured thicknesses of 0.92. CONCLUSION: OCT scan data are crucial in monitoring treatment efficacy in AMD clinical trials. For comparison of results obtained by different reading centers, the inter-reading center reproducibility is essential. Although the reproducibility is generally high, the reliability depends on the selected morphological parameters.

Retinal thickness and volume measurements in diabetic macular edema: a comparison of four optical coherence tomography systems.

PURPOSE: To compare different spectral domain optical coherence tomography devices regarding retinal thickness values in patients with diabetic macular edema and to correlate the results with conventional time domain Stratus OCT data. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 consecutive patients with diabetic macular edema were included into a prospective study. The macula was examined by Spectralis HRA+OCT, Cirrus HD-OCT, 3D OCT-1000, and Stratus OCT. The procedures' sequence was performed by a single experienced technician in a randomized fashion according to a computer-generated list. In each eye, foveal thickness, foveal volume, and total macular volume were measured automatically. Intraclass correlation, coefficients of variance, and coefficients of repeatability were calculated. RESULTS: Foveal thickness differed between the particular devices with a mean ± SD ranging from 359.97 ± 105.84 µm to 437.70 ± 115.84 µm. Correlation between the different OCT devices resulted in r > 0.7 (Pearson), and intraclass correlation was >0.9. Agreement of measurements was assessed showing a mean difference of foveal thickness values ranging from 19.2 µm to 77.7 µm (P < 0.05) and coefficients of repeatability ranging from 37.7 µm to 87.4 µm. CONCLUSION: While intradevice reproducibility is satisfactory, retinal thickness and volume measurements should not be used interchangeably because measurements differed significantly between systems. The lack of interdevice agreement seems to be related to the different segmentation algorithm of thickness measurement and should be considered because it may strongly influence treatment decisions and conclusions.

Angiogenic and inflammatory markers in the intraocular fluid of eyes with diabetic macular edema and influence of therapy with bevacizumab.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of angiogenic and inflammatory markers in human eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema before and during therapy with intravitreal bevacizumab and their association with disease activity. METHODS: In a prospective clinical trial, 10 eyes of 10 consecutive patients with vision loss because of diabetic macular edema were compared with 10 eyes of 10 age-matched controls. Bevacizumab was administered at baseline; retreatments were given monthly according to disease activity. During a follow-up of 6 months, aqueous humor samples were taken each time intravitreal therapy was administered. A multiplex assay was used for measurement of 12 different growth factors and cytokines. RESULTS: Aqueous humor of eyes with diabetic macular edema demonstrated a significantly increased expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 and higher, but not significant, levels of interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Intravitreal therapy with bevacizumab resulted in a significant decrease of vascular endothelial growth factor below physiologic levels. This change was not associated with clinical disease activity as measured by visual acuity and central retinal thickness. CONCLUSION: Eyes with diabetic macular edema showed a different profile of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and interleukin-8 as compared with controls. The intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor expression decreased significantly after the first intravitreal injection of bevacizumab; this reduction was prolonged by consecutive monthly retreatment.

A systematic correlation between morphology and functional alterations in diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to correlate different types of retinal morphologic alterations secondary to diabetic macular disease with their characteristic impact on retinal function. METHODS: In the present cross-sectional study, 26 eyes of 26 diabetic patients with clinically significant macular edema were examined. All patients underwent complete standardized ophthalmologic examination, including SD-OCT and microperimetry. Microperimetric values were projected over the scanning laser ophthalmoscope image of the OCT device, allowing direct correlation of functional and morphologic parameters. Results over all 1066 individual areas were analyzed using a general linear model. RESULTS: All the characteristic morphologic alterations demonstrated a significant effect on retinal function (P < 0.0002), except for outer nuclear layer (ONL) hyporeflectivity and small ONL cysts. Large ONL cysts (>220 µm) and serous retinal detachment had the greatest estimated negative effect on retinal sensitivity (-3.86 and -3.66 dB), followed by medium-sized ONL cysts, hard exudates associated with an extinction of the scan signal, and inner nuclear layer cysts. CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic macular edema, serous retinal detachment and large ONL cysts are the two morphologic changes with the greatest negative impact on retinal function.

Cinacalcet decreases bone formation rate in hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism after kidney transplantation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cinacalcet reduces serum calcium in kidney transplant recipients with hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism. Its effect on bone, however, has not been investigated in this population. METHODS: We prospectively examined bone turnover, histomorphometry and density as well as serum bone biomarkers in 10 transplant recipients before and after treatment with cinacalcet. RESULTS: After 18-24 months of treatment with cinacalcet, bone formation decreased in 7, increased in 2, and remained zero in 1 patient (p = 0.11). Trabecular bone volume was maintained. Trabecular number decreased (p = 0.03), but trabecular thickness was unchanged (p = 0.17). Osteoid decreased (p = 0.02) and osteoblast surface increased (p = 0.02). Bone mineral density of the femur remained stable in 1 patient, decreased in 2 patients, but increased in 7 patients (p = 0.153). Serum calcium concentration (p = 0.005), iPTH (p = 0.01) and calcitonin concentration decreased (p = 0.03), while 25(OH) vitamin D(3) increased (p = 0.02). No fractures were reported. Graft function remained stable. CONCLUSION: While cinacalcet might decrease bone formation rate, it did not change bone volume, and bone mineral density of the femur increased. Therefore, the use of cinacalcet in hypercalcemic hyperparathyroidism might be safe with regard to the bone disease present after kidney transplantation.

Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography for monitoring epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess prognostic factors in epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery using spectral-domain (SD) optical coherence tomography (OCT). DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one patients. METHODS: Patients with a diagnosis of ERM were examined with spectral-domain and time-domain (TD) OCT before and after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures were functional results and predefined OCT patterns. Cofactors analyzed were the type of ERM, the duration and grading of subjective metamorphopsia, simultaneous cataract surgery, the type of dyes used, the duration of surgery, gender, and age. A multivariate regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (95%) showed an improved or stable best-corrected distance visual acuity (DVA) at 3 months, whereas 36 patients (88%) showed an improved or stable best-corrected near visual acuity (NVA) at 3 months. Significant correlations (P>0.4) were found between the course of central retinal thickness (CRT) assessed using SD OCT and TD OCT (P<0.02). No clinically relevant correlations (P<0.3) were seen between CRT and VA (P>0.1). Baseline DVA and NVA were found to be significant prognostic values for the postoperative decrease in CRT in both OCT systems (P<0.04) as well as for the visual outcomes (P<0.007) at 3 months. In addition, the integrity of the junction between the photoreceptor inner segment and outer segment (IS/OS) significantly influenced the visual outcomes at 3 months (P<0.038). The baseline profile of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) significantly influenced the NVA at 3 months (P<0.009), whereas the postoperative foveal contour significantly influenced the DVA at 3 months (P<0.025). The type of ERM, subjective metamorphopsia, simultaneous cataract surgery, the type of dyes used, the duration of surgery, gender, or age had no significant influence on patient outcome (P>0.05). Compared with TD OCT, SD OCT allowed for a more precise differentiation between the ERM and the retinal surface and for a better evaluation of the IS/OS line. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the baseline VA, the integrity of the IS/OS line, better visualized by SD OCT, can be used to predict the functional outcomes after surgery. Additionally, analyzing the ILM profile and the foveal contour may help to understand limited visual outcomes after surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.