Postoperative assessment of retinal function using a multifocal electroretinogram after the removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration.
OBJECTIVE
To assess retinal function in a macular lesion with multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) after successful surgical removal of choroidal neovascularization (CNV).


METHODS
We prospectively studied 15 patients (15 eyes) who underwent surgical removal of subfoveal CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Three and 6 months after surgery, retinal thickness in the parafoveal lesion and the size of the serous retinal detachment (SRD) were measured. The mfERG was also recorded, and the data from each of six concentric ring annuli were averaged.


RESULTS
After surgery, the parafoveal retinal thickness significantly decreased compared with the preoperative value, and SRD was not recognized in any patient. The change in the amplitude of the P1-wave within 2 degrees to 15 degrees in diameter positively correlated with the decrease in the parafoveal retinal thickness. Additionally, amplitude within 8 degrees to 24 degrees in diameter positively correlated with the size of the preoperative SRD.


CONCLUSIONS
mfERG is helpful to quantitatively and objectively assess the effect of the surgical removal of CNV on retinal function, not only in the fovea but also in the entire macular area.
Obata
Ryo
R
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan. robata-tky@umin.ac.jp.|Department of Ophthalmology, Saitama Red Cross Hospital, Saitama, Japan. robata-tky@umin.ac.jp.
Yanagi
Yasuo
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Tamaki
Yasuhiro
Y
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020256:Choroidal Neovascularization / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014821:Vitrectomy / Q000379:methods*