[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.
Hosokawa
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Japan.
Sakagami
K
K
Hongu
K
K
Ohashi
Y
Y
Miyamoto
F
F
Ishikawa
H
H
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