Choroidal Vascularity Index Fluctuations in Epiretinal Membranes in Vitreoretinal Surgery: Comparison Between Idiopathic and Diabetic Ones

Abstract

Purpose The aim of the study was to analyze choroidal vascularity index (CVI) fluctuations in patients with epiretinal membrane after vitreoretinal surgery, comparing idiopathic and secondary diabetic ones. Methods Thirty eyes suffering from idiopathic ERMs (I-ERMS; n = 15) and diabetic ERMs (D-ERMS; n = 15) were analyzed in this observational prospective study. Anatomical (central macular thickness) and functional (best-corrected visual acuity) parameters were analyzed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months after vitrectomy. Perfusion findings regarding CVI and luminal area were also calculated. Results At 1 month after surgery, the luminal area and CVI significantly decreased in the I-ERMS group, whereas they were increased in the D-ERMS group. At the 3-month follow-up, the CVI tended to return to baseline values in I-ERMS and to reduce in D-ERMS, but without any statistical differences. Conclusions The significant change in the CVI after surgery seems to imply that the choroidal layer is affected by vitreomacular disease and can become a novel potential biomarker of predictiveness in vitreoretinal surgery. Translational Relevance The aim of the study was to focus on the early choroidal changes to better understand initial predictive elements of long-term functional postoperative outcomes.