Effect of topical bromfenac on intraretinal cystoid lesion in simultaneous cataract and idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs,) bromfenac on the intraretinal cystic lesions (IRC) when performing simultaneous cataract and idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) surgery. METHODS: This study included patients with iERM who had been followed up for 6 months after vitrectomy, membrane removal, and concurrent cataract surgery. Eyes were treated with topical bromfenac or not. The baseline fluorescein angiography (FA) was obtained to assess the microvascular leakage (ML). Structural changes of macula, including IRC and central macular thickness (CMT) were assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). The main outcome measures were changes in IRCs and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) regarding FA findings. RESULTS: One hundred eighteen eyes were included. IRC and ML were observed in 51 eyes (43.2%) and 63 eyes (53.4%), respectively. The IRC did not show any association with the ML. Of total, 29 eyes (24.6%) were treated with topical bromfenac (Group A). Compared to Group B, topical bromfenac did not show beneficial effects in aspect of preventions for the newly developed IRC and treatment for pre-existed IRC. Whether the ML existed or not, topical bromfenac did not show any different effect on the changes in BCVA and IRC. CONCLUSION: When performing simultaneous cataract and ERM surgery, topical NSAIDs, bromfenac did not show beneficial effects on the preventions and treatment of IRC in both eyes with and without the ML.

Accuracy of generative deep learning model for macular anatomy prediction from optical coherence tomography images in macular hole surgery.

This study aims to propose a generative deep learning model (GDLM) based on a variational autoencoder that predicts macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) images following full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) surgery and evaluate its clinical accuracy. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative swept-source OCT data were collected from 150 patients with successfully closed FTMH using 6 × 6 mm2 macular volume scan datasets. Randomly selected and augmented 120,000 training and 5000 validation pairs of OCT images were used to train the GDLM. We assessed the accuracy and F1 score of concordance for neurosensory retinal areas, performed Bland-Altman analysis of foveolar height (FH) and mean foveal thickness (MFT), and predicted postoperative external limiting membrane (ELM) and ellipsoid zone (EZ) restoration accuracy between artificial intelligence (AI)-OCT and ground truth (GT)-OCT images. Accuracy and F1 scores were 94.7% and 0.891, respectively. Average FH (228.2 vs. 233.4 µm, P = 0.587) and MFT (271.4 vs. 273.3 µm, P = 0.819) were similar between AI- and GT-OCT images, within 30.0% differences of 95% limits of agreement. ELM and EZ recovery prediction accuracy was 88.0% and 92.0%, respectively. The proposed GDLM accurately predicted macular OCT images following FTMH surgery, aiding patient and surgeon understanding of postoperative macular features.

Ocular syphilis masquerading as refractory retinal diseases.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of syphilis masquerading as chronic refractory macular diseases. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Two patients had been diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (neovascular AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME), respectively. The disease worsened despite repeated intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and also surgical treatment (in suspected case of DME). Systemic evaluations were positive for syphilis. Intravenous penicillin was started, and the macular diseases improved. The lesions were well controlled afterward. CONCLUSIONS: The current two cases demonstrated that ocular syphilis can masquerade as refractory chronic retinal diseases such as DME and neovascular AMD. Laboratory evaluations for syphilis may be needed, not only for uveitis but also for refractory retinal diseases. Indocyanine green angiography may be helpful to reveal occult syphilis.

Case series of neuroretinitis in Korea.

BACKGROUND: To present the clinical characteristics of neuroretinitis in Korea. METHODS: Twelve patients with neuroretinitis between January 2009 and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Neuroretinitis was diagnosed based on fundus findings, optical coherence tomography, and fluorescein angiography. The serological findings of each patient were reviewed. RESULTS: Fifteen eyes of 12 patients (9 male and 3 female), with a mean age of 46.0 ± 10.7 years were included. Of the nine patients who underwent serological testing for Toxocara antibodies, six (66.6%) were positive. One patient had high titers of Toxoplasma immunoglobulins M and G. One patient diagnosed with dengue fever was suspected to have neuroretinitis in both eyes. There were no related abnormalities in the serological findings in four patients (33.3%) out of 12 patients. There were no suspected cases of cat-scratch disease. The six patients who were positive for Toxocara antibodies were older (mean age: 54.5 ± 9.1 years) than the others (mean age: 37.5 ± 4.4 years, p = 0.004). The four patients without any abnormal serological findings were relatively younger (mean age: 35.7 ± 3.0 years) than the other 8 patients (mean age: 51.1 ± 10.1 years, p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of neuroretinitis patients were seropositive for Toxocara in the current cohort from Koreans. Causative factors in cases of neuroretinitis may vary according to age and region.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Recurrent Anterior Uveitis in Initial Acute-Onset Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease.

PURPOSE: We report the estimated incidence of, and risk factors for, recurrent anterior uveitis in patients with initial acute-onset Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease using survival analyses. METHODS: Patients who were diagnosed with initial acute-onset VKH disease during 2003-2022 at two university hospitals were included. Recurrent anterior uveitis was defined as the first occurrence of the granulomatous anterior uveitis with anterior chamber cells and flare of 2+ or more by the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN) Working Group grading scheme, after the disappearance of conspicuous uveitis and serous retinal detachment for at least 3 months, regardless of systemic or local treatment. The univariate log-rank test and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed, including patients' demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, presence of prodromal symptoms, duration of visual symptoms, visual acuity, slit-lamp and fundus findings, and height of serous retinal detachment. The treatment method and response to treatment were also included. RESULTS: The estimated incidence was 39.3% at 10 years. Fifteen of 55 patients (27.3%) had recurrent anterior uveitis during the mean follow-up of 4.5 years. The presence of focal posterior synechiae at the diagnosis increased the risk of recurrent anterior uveitis 6.97-fold compared to the absence of synechiae (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.20-22.11; p < 0.001). Use of systemic high-dose steroid therapy more than 7 days after the development of visual symptoms resulted in a hazard ratio of 4.55 (95% CI, 1.27-16.40; p = 0.020). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the estimated incidence and risk factors of recurrent anterior uveitis in VKH disease from survival analyses. However, because of the retrospective nature of this study, it is hard to confirm the consistency of the medical records regarding risk factors, thus, the presence of focal posterior synechiae can be inconclusive as a risk factor. Further studies are warranted.

A Case of Lyme Disease Presenting as Bilateral Panuveitis.

Here, we describe a case of Lyme disease presenting as bilateral panuveitis. A 25-year-old woman presented to our clinic with decreased visual acuity of 20/320 and 20/160 in the right and left eye, respectively. An ophthalmic examination revealed the presence of anterior chamber cells 3+, vitreous cells 1+, vitreous haziness 2+/1+, and retinal infiltration in both eyes. She also had fever, headache, and difficulty in breathing. An initial blood analysis did not detect infection; however, high levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were noted. Pleural and pericardial effusions, and multiple reactive arthritis lesions were observed on chest computed tomography and bone scans, respectively. Oral steroids (30 mg/day) and steroid eye drops were initiated. Ten days later, she was diagnosed with Lyme disease, based on an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test. Ceftriaxone (2 g) was intravenously administered for 2 weeks followed by administration of oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (400 mg/80 mg/day) for 1 week. Thereafter, she received a 4-week course of doxycycline (100 mg) twice daily. Her symptoms and ocular findings improved; however, a gradually increasing dose of oral steroid was needed to control retinal lesions for some time, since multiple retinitis lesions developed in the peripheral retina after tapering the oral steroid dose to 5 mg/day. In conclusion, panuveitis can occur in patients with Lyme disease and can be treated with systemic antibiotics and steroids.

TOPOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF INTRARETINAL CYSTOID SPACE AND ITS PROGNOSTIC VALUES IN IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE.

PURPOSE: To assess the topographical distribution of intraretinal cystoid space (IRC) and its prognostic value in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). METHODS: One hundred twenty-two eyes of iERM that had been followed up for 6 months after membrane removal were included. Based on the baseline IRC distribution, the eyes were divided into Groups A, B, and C (absence, IRC within 3 mm, and 6 mm from the fovea, respectively). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), ectopic inner foveal layer, and microvascular leakage (ML) were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-six eyes (45.9%) had IRC, of which 35 (28.7%) were in Group B and 21 (17.2%) in Group C at baseline. Compared with group B, group C showed worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and a greater association with ML (OR = 5.415; P = 0.005) at baseline; and also presented with worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and wider distribution of IRC postoperatively. A wide distribution of IRC was an unfavorable baseline factor in achieving good visual acuity (OR = 2.989; P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Widely distributed IRCs were associated with advanced disease phenotype as poor BCVA, thick macula, and baseline ML in iERM and also showed a poor visual outcome after membrane removal.

Endogenous Endophthalmitis From a Klebsiella pneumoniae Liver Abscess: The Incidence, Risk Factors, and Utility of Imaging.

PURPOSE: We investigated the rate of ophthalmologic examinations to detect endogenous endophthalmitis in patients with pyogenic liver abscesses (PLAs) and the incidence and risk factors of endophthalmitis from a PLA caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (PLA-K). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: A total of 536 patients admitted to a university hospital in Korea to treat PLAs during 2012-2022 were included. The proportion of patients who were referred for ophthalmologic examinations was investigated and the incidence of endophthalmitis in 248 patients with PLA-K was calculated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to define risk factors including demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, radiologic findings, and systemic conditions. RESULTS: A comprehensive ophthalmologic examination was performed in 73.7% of all patients with PLAs, and the incidence of endophthalmitis from a PLA-K was 7.3%. A liver abscess >5 cm increased the incidence of endogenous endophthalmitis 4-fold compared with smaller abscesses (odds ratio [OR] = 4.01 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.02-15.78], P = .047) and portal or hepatic vein thrombophlebitis increased the incidence approximately 4-fold (OR = 4.04 [95% CI, 1.10-14.83], P = .036). Acute cholangitis was approximately 8-fold (OR = 8.33 [95% CI, 1.25-55.71], P = .029), and disseminated intravascular coagulation was approximately 6-fold (OR = 5.76 [95% CI, 1.22-27.21], P = .027) more related to prevalence of endophthalmitis. Other extrahepatic infections increased the incidence approximately 43-fold (OR = 43.06 [95% CI, 10.14-182.90], P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider the risk of endogenous endophthalmitis when PLA-K patients have large liver abscesses (>5 cm), acute cholangitis, portal or hepatic vein thrombophlebitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or other extrahepatic infections.

RETINAL NEOVASCULARIZATION IN ACQUIRED PERIPHERAL RETINOSCHISIS THROUGH INNER RETINAL ISCHEMIA: OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANGIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS.

PURPOSE: To present two cases of concomitant retinal neovascularization (RNV) in acquired peripheral retinoschisis and analyze its characteristics on optical coherence tomography angiography and based on a literature review. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective case study. RESULTS: Case 1 presented with bullous retinoschisis and RNV near the schisis cavity. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed no angioflow into the retinal arterioles of the cavity. An arterial filling delay to the retinoschisis with extensive leakage from the RNV was noted on fluorescein angiography. Case 2 involved the superficial retinoschisis and telangiectatic vessels inside the schisis cavity. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed damage to the superficial capillary plexus of the cavity, absence of angioflow to the inner schisis layer, and increased angioflow to the RNV. Fluorescein angiography showed focal leakage from the RNV and diffuse leakage from telangiectasia. No vision-threatening complications were identified in either patient up to the last follow-up, subsequent to laser photocoagulation. CONCLUSION: Acquired peripheral retinoschisis is associated with RNV. Inner retinal ischemia caused by hemodynamic resistance or a damaged superficial capillary plexus can interrupt angioflow to the inner schisis retinal layer on optical coherence tomography angiographic findings and develop RNV inside or outside the retinoschisis.

Case Report: Recanalization of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion Due to Microthrombi Following the First Dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccination.

Background: We report on a patient with a branch retinal artery occlusion (RAO) and its recanalization based on multimodal retinal and angiographic images after he was administered the first dose of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Case summary: A 64-year-old man complained of a right, painless, inferior field defect 3 days after the first dose of BNT162b2 vaccination. Fundus examination revealed decolorization of the right upper macula, including microthrombi in the superior proximal branch of the retinal artery. Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed upper macular hypoperfusion. Fluorescein angiography revealed prolonged arteriovenous transit to the macula. After paracentesis with antiplatelet medications, the artery was recanalized as the thrombi dissolved, and the right visual field was recovered. Re-occlusion did not occur during the 3 months after the second mRNA vaccination. Conclusion: Non-embolic thrombotic RAO may develop shortly after the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine. Ophthalmologists should consider RAO as a possible post-vaccination adverse event. The temporal association between mRNA vaccination and RAO onset with evidence of microthrombi might provide additional clues to elucidate the unpredictive arterial thrombosis following SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

Bilateral Panuveitis Mimicking Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease following the First Dose of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine.

METHOD: We report a case of bilateral panuveitis and its resolution based on multimodal retinal images after she was administered the first dose of a viral vector-based vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. CASE REPORT: A 72-year-old woman complained of bilateral blurred vision with headache, neck stiffness, and tinnitus 3 days after receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Initial examination revealed anterior chamber reactions, left optic disc hyperemia, and bilateral chorioretinal folds with choroidal thickening. Fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography revealed bilateral choroiditis and papillitis. Systemic steroid therapy dramatically alleviated panuveitis and meningeal signs. No recurrence was noted until 3 months after discontinuation of steroids. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral panuveitis mimicking Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease can develop shortly after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Ophthalmologists should consider bilateral panuveitis as a presumed post-vaccination adverse event. Systemic steroid therapy may be effective for the nCoV-19 vaccine-associated panuveitis.

Retinal Capillary Reperfusion from Ischemic Retinal Vasculitis in Henoch-Schönlein Purpura: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: We present a case of ischemic retinal vasculitis in adult-onset Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP) and the first report of capillary reperfusion through regenerative angiogenesis using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). CASE REPORT: A 34-year-old male complained of bilateral blurred vision after successive episodes of abdominal pain, purpura, and hematuria. Fundus examination showed perivascular infiltration and phlebitis. Fluorescein angiography and OCTA revealed extensive capillary nonperfusion. Laser photocoagulation was performed on the peripheral nonperfused area. Intravenous methylprednisolone with azathioprine was administered and continuously tapered. With consecutive OCTA follow-up, the capillary nonperfusion of the maculae progressively reperfused. Capillary buds and loops emerged within the nonperfused area, continued to elongate and branch, and finally connected with adjacent preexisting capillaries. CONCLUSIONS: Regenerative angiogenesis was the mainstay process for capillary reperfusion in this patient. Systemic steroid therapy might support capillary reperfusion and recover the damaged ischemic maculae from ischemic retinal vasculitis of HSP.

MICROVASCULAR LEAKAGE IS A POOR PROGNOSTIC FACTOR FOR IDIOPATHIC EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE: A Fluorescein Angiography Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the angiographic findings assessed using fluorescein angiography and their prognostic values of idiopathic epiretinal membrane. METHODS: Seventy-three eyes of idiopathic epiretinal membrane that had been followed up for 6 months after surgical treatment were included. Midphase fluorescein angiography images were obtained at baseline. Structural changes, including central subfield macular thickness, intraretinal cystic lesion, and ectopic inner retinal layer on the fovea, were assessed using optical coherence tomography. The main outcome measures were microvascular leakage (ML) and its association with optical coherence tomography findings and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Of a total of 73 eyes, 37 showed ML and had worse BCVA (P = 0.040), greater central subfield macular thickness (P = 0.028), and more ectopic inner retinal layer (P < 0.001) than those without ML at baseline. Also, ML was associated with worse postoperative BCVA (P < 0.001) and ectopic inner retinal layers (P < 0.001; P = 0.034) at baseline and 6 months. The baseline factors associated with postoperative BCVA of ≥20/25 were better BCVA (P = 0.027) and the absence of ML (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Half of the idiopathic epiretinal membrane eyes showed that ML was associated with inner retinal deformity and poor visual recovery. Fluorescein angiography helped to predict visual prognosis after idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery.

Association between capillary congestion and macular edema recurrence in chronic branch retinal vein occlusion through quantitative analysis of OCT angiography.

This study aims to quantitatively investigate the optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) findings of capillary congestion and its association with macular edema (ME) recurrence in chronic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 115 consecutive patients with major ischemic BRVO who reached stable macula (without ME for two consecutive visits) at baseline (the first visit within the stable period). All patients were classified into a recurrence or non-recurrence groups depending on ME recurrence. Capillary congestion of deep capillary plexuses (DCP-C) and other abnormal capillary lesions were segmented, and their areas, vascular densities, and mean retinal thicknesses (MRT) were calculated. The main outcomes were differences between the two groups and risk factors for recurrence among baseline and OCTA parameters. A total of 76 eyes were included, of which 22 (28.9%) recurred. DCP-C existed in all eyes at baseline. MRT of DCP-C (p = 0.006) was greater in the recurrence group. Greater MRT of DCP-C (OR: 1.044; p = 0.002) and more frequent intravitreal injections (OR: 1.803; p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of relapsing ME. DCP-C may contribute to the anatomical stability of chronic BRVO and simultaneously be the source of ME.

Atypical Retinal Hemorrhages after Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Macular Hole: Possible Toxicity of Brilliant Blue G.

PURPOSE: To describe the development of multiple retinal hemorrhages after uncomplicated macular hole (MH) surgery, and to determine the associated factors. METHODS: The medical records of 163 patients (167 eyes) diagnosed with idiopathic MHs and who underwent surgery at Pusan National University Hospital between March 2016 and July 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The development of retinal hemorrhages was evaluated using ultra-widefield fundus photographs. Multiple retinal hemorrhages were defined as three or more dot or blot hemorrhages that had not been observed before and during the surgery. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of multiple retinal hemorrhages. The variable parameters were compared between the two groups to find the risk factors. The associated factors were evaluated further for the independent factor using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Multiple retinal hemorrhages were observed in 31 eyes (18.6%) after MH surgery. The associated factors were the surgical induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) (p = 0.003), use of the internal limiting membrane flap technique (p = 0.028), and staining with Brilliant Blue G (BBG) (p = 0.003). Retinal hemorrhages were exclusively observed in eyes in which BBG was used. Surgical PVD induction was the only independent risk factor (odds ratio, 13.099; p = 0.013). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in the postoperative visual outcomes and MH closure rate. Additionally, patients who underwent surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane during the study period were reviewed to validate the above findings. Multiple retinal hemorrhages were noted in only one case (0.4%) in which BBG was used after surgical induction of PVD. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple retinal hemorrhages after MH surgery appear to be related to the intravitreal use of BBG in eyes that sustained mechanical damage because of surgical induction of PVD; however, they did not affect surgical outcomes.

SQUARE GRID DEFORMATION ANALYSIS OF THE MACULA AND POSTOPERATIVE METAMORPHOPSIA AFTER MACULAR HOLE SURGERY.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between postoperative metamorphopsia and macular deformation after macular hole surgery. METHODS: This study included 28 eyes of 28 patients who underwent vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane removal for an idiopathic macular hole. The retinal vasculatures were compared between preoperative and postoperative photographs, and postoperative deformation of the macula was assessed as deformation of the square grid. The displacement of each node was measured, and deformation of the grid was calculated as differences in the coordinates of the adjacent nodes. These parameters were analyzed to find correlation with metamorphopsia measured using the M-charts after 6 postoperative months. RESULTS: The average deformations in the vertical and horizontal lines of the grid were 94.29 µm and 49.72 µm, respectively. Perifoveal deformation was significantly greater than parafoveal deformation (P = 0.001∼0.019). The multiple regression analysis demonstrated that the vertical M-score correlated with superior perifoveal deformation of the vertical line on the fovea (P = 0.036), and the horizontal M-score correlated with temporal perifoveal deformation of the horizontal line on the fovea (P = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The parafoveal tissue was displaced with the fovea concurrently after internal limiting membrane removal in macular hole surgery causing perifoveal deformation, which correlated with postoperative metamorphopsia.

Unilateral Diaphragm Paralysis Associated With Neurosyphilis: A Case Report.

Diaphragm dysfunction can originate from various etiologies, and bilaterality of the dysfunction depends on the cause. Symptoms of diaphragm dysfunction vary depending on the degree of phrenic nerve denervation, spinal cord lesion, and involvement of the diaphragm. Several infectious diaphragmatic dysfunctions have been reported, including the human immunodeficiency virus, poliovirus, West Nile virus, and dengue virus. Here, we report a case of unilateral diaphragm paralysis in a 34-year-old man with neurosyphilis.

Duration of room air tamponade after vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the duration of room air tamponade and its associated factors. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study METHODS: The present study reviewed the medical records of patients who received room air tamponade after vitrectomy between Jun 2015 and Dec 2016. The room air duration was assessed by patient interviews 2 weeks after surgery. Relationships between the variables and tamponade duration were determined using logistic regression analysis. The remaining air level was determined from medical records. RESULTS: The room air tamponade had dissipated by 11.1 ± 1.3 days after surgery. The duration was 11.2 ± 1.3 days for eyes with a spared posterior capsule, longer than the duration in other eyes (10.1 ± 0.9 days). Increased axial length was correlated with increased duration. Axial length and a spared posterior capsule were significantly correlated with tamponade duration. Its half-life was presumed about 3.3 days. The room air seems to be absorbed at a constant rate. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that room air tamponade remains in the vitreous cavity for an average of 11.1 days. Axial length and posterior capsule status were associated with duration.

Perioperative intraretinal fluid observed using optical coherence tomography in the epiretinal membrane.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative intraretinal fluid (IRF) is reportedly associated with visual outcomes after epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. However, preoperative IRF is common, and persistent IRF would have different impact on visual function from postoperative newly developed IRF. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the incidence rate and clinical implications of perioperative IRF in ERM. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent vitrectomy for idiopathic ERM between January 2014 and January 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. The incidence of IRF was analyzed using optical coherence tomography preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. On the basis of the presence or absence and the time of detection of IRF, patients were divided into three groups, namely preoperative IRF group, New IRF group, and IRF(-) group. Correlations of various parameters including age, sex, baseline visual acuity (VA), central subfield macular thickness, lens status, and surgical factors with IRF, along with the effect of IRF on VA, were evaluated. RESULTS: This study included 155 eyes from 155 patients. Thirty-six (23.2%) and 49 (31.6%) eyes demonstrated preoperative and newly developed IRF, respectively. Seventy eyes (45.2%), which did not exhibit IRF during the study period, were assigned to the IRF(-) group. At baseline, the IRF(-) group showed a better VA than the other two groups. Postoperatively, VA improved significantly in all three groups. There was no difference in VA between the IRF(-) and new IRF groups at 6 months; however, the preoperative IRF group had significantly lower VA than the other two groups. CONCLUSION: IRF associated with ERM was frequently observed preoperatively and postoperatively, but it did not prevent postoperative vision improvement. Preoperative IRF was related to lower postoperative vision improvement.