Peeling of the Internal Limiting Membrane During Primary Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment Repair

Effect of Peeling of the Internal Limiting Membrane on Vision Results After Primary Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment Repair

Primary vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair is one of the current methods for surgical treatment of retinal detachment. Additional peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) was reported to successfully prevent development of epiretinal membranes after surgery. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of ILM-Peeling on visual acuity outcomes and on occurrence of postoperative epiretinal membranes.

Retinal detachment is a disorder, usually caused by peripheral retinal breaks, that leads to severe decrease in vision in untreated cases. Primary vitrectomy for retinal detachment repair is one of the current methods for surgical treatment of retinal detachment. Recent retrospective studies support the hypothesis, that peeling of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) is beneficial on postoperative visual acuity and lower rates of occurrence of epiretinal membranes after surgery [Forlini et al. 2018].

The aim of the study is to examine the effect of ILM-Peeling on visual acuity outcomes and on occurrence of postoperative epiretinal membranes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• retinal detachment
• age: 18 or older
• written informed consent for surgery and participation in the study prior to surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy (pregnancy test will be taken preoperatively in women of reproductive age)