[Perioperative prevalence of epiretinal membranes in eyes with senile cataract].
BACKGROUND
Results from epidemiologic studies suggest that cataract extraction is a risk-factor for the formation of epiretinal membranes (EM).


METHODS
250 consecutive eyes which underwent uneventful phakoemulsification with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens were examined within two weeks prior and an two weeks after surgery for the presence of epiretinal membranes. Cellophane macular reflex (CMR) was distinguished from macular pucker (MP).


RESULTS
We found an increase in the prevalence of epiretinal membranes from preoperatively 12/250 (4.8%) to post-operatively 33/250 (13.2%). The prevalence of CMR increased from 8/250 (3.2%) to 27/250 (10.8%). The prevalence of MP remained almost the same 4/250 (1.6%) prior and 6/250 (2.4%) after surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
Increased prevalence of epiretinal membranes following cataract extraction observed in epidemiological studies can be explained by easier detection of such membranes in pseudophakic eyes where the observer gets a clear view of the fundus. Therefore it is questionable whether uneventful extracapsular cataract extraction can induce the formation of epiretinal membranes.
Jahn
C E
CE
Abteilung Biometrie und Medizinische Dokumentation, Universität Ulm.
Minich
V
V
Moldaschel
S
S
Kron
M
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors