[Use of the multifocal electroretinogram to evaluate retinal function after pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema].
OBJECTIVE
Multifocal electroretinograms (multifocal ERGs) were performed to evaluate retinal function in patients with diabetic macular edema.


METHODS
Eight eyes of 5 patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy for diabetic macular edema. Multifocal ERGs, fundus examinations, and fluorescent angiographies were done both before and after the operation.


RESULTS
Post-operative visual acuity was improved by two or more lines in 3 eyes. In multifocal ERGs, the amplitude of the positive wave (P1) from the macular area decreased transiently after surgery (p < 0.05), but it improved with the passage of time. The P1 amplitude from the peripheral area was decreased throughout the observation period of six months (p < 0.05). For both areas, the P1 latency was increased significantly (p < 0.05) at one month post-operatively, and then decreased.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings are consistent with the possibility that the surgical method, especially removal of the posterior cortical vitreous, can cause retinal damage.
Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Japan.
M
M
Hosokawa
K
K
Sakagami
K
K
Hongu
Y
Y
Ohashi
F
F
Miyamoto
H
H
Ishikawa
D003930:Diabetic Retinopathy / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004487:Edema / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014821:Vitrectomy