'Distortion as a Predictor of ERM Surgery Outcome'

Epiretinal membranes (ERM) consist of an abnormal growth of tissue across the retina and are present about 6% of people aged 50 and over. They can cause symptoms of distortion (straight lines appearing bent) or blurred vision. Management options include observation if asymptomatic, or surgery to peel the membrane if symptomatic. Limited data exists regarding how to identify patients who are most likely to benefit from surgery. We propose to measure the effects on distortion (using D chart), visual acuity and vision-related quality of life (using a validated vision-related quality of life questionnaire) of ERM surgery. This will allow us to investigate whether pre-operative D chart score can predict subsequent improvement in quality of life following surgery. We hope the results will help patients and VR surgeons decide whether or not to proceed with ERM surgery. The study will be a prospective case series consisting of patients with symptomatic epiretinal membranes who choose to have epiretinal membrane surgery. The study participants will get standard care with the additional administration of a quality of life questionnaire and measurement of distortion (using a D-chart) at 3 different time points (pre-op, and post-op at 26 and 52 weeks). Recruitment will be in Glasgow, with a possibility of other sites being added on at a later stage.