Efficacy of fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling for epiretinal membrane foveoschisis.

PURPOSE To investigate the outcomes of vitrectomy with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (FSIP) for epiretinal membrane foveoschisis based on new optical coherence tomography definitions. METHODS 27 eyes of 28 patients (67.2 ± 10.5 years old) who underwent vitrectomy with FSIP without gas tamponade for epiretinal membrane foveoschisis were included. All patients underwent follow-up examinations for at least 12 months. In the FSIP technique, the ILM is peeled off in a donut shape, preserving the foveal ILM. The logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and surgical complications were examined. RESULTS The BCVA at 12 months improved significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). Baseline ellipsoid zone defects were found in 3 eyes (10%), and all defective eyes had recovered at 12 months. CMT decreased significantly from baseline (p < 0.001). Acute macular edema, full-thickness macular hole, and recurrence of epiretinal membrane were not observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION FSIP achieved good visual outcome and retinal morphological change. Moreover, FSIP might avoid acute macular edema in epiretinal membrane foveoschisis surgery.