Comparison of visual function after epiretinal membrane removal by 20-gauge and 25-gauge vitrectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of 25-gauge vitrectomy with 20-gauge vitrectomy for macular pucker.


METHODS
Randomized clinical study.


METHODS
Sixty-seven eyes (67 patients) with macular pucker were prospectively and randomly assigned to undergo 20-gauge vitrectomy or 25-gauge vitrectomy as a control group. Main outcome measurements consisted of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean induced astigmatism, total operation time, and postoperative complications.


RESULTS
The mean BCVA at baseline and at one month and six months after surgery was 20/78, 20/62, and 20/42, respectively, in the 20-gauge group, and 20/85, 20/45, and 20/40 in the 25-gauge group. A significant difference in change in the logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution of BCVA between 20-gauge and 25-gauge was found at one month (-0.10 vs -0.269, P < .001), but not at six months (-0.327 vs -0.276, P > .01).


CONCLUSIONS
If faster visual improvement is desired, 25-gauge vitrectomy may be preferable to 20-gauge vitrectomy for macular pucker.
Kadonosono
Kazuaki
K
Department of Ophthalmology, Yokohama City University Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan. kado@med.yokohama-cu.ac.jp
Yamakawa
Tadashi
T
Uchio
Eiichi
E
Yanagi
Yasuo
Y
Tamaki
Yasuhiro
Y
Araie
Makoto
M
D001251:Astigmatism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology*; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*