2Department of Ophthalmology, Beyoğlu Eye Hospital, Istanbul, Türkiye DOI : 10.37845/ret.vit.2026.35.21 Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of macular epiretinal membrane (ERM) formation in eyes treated with peripheral laser photocoagulation (LPC) for symptomatic peripheral retinal degeneration or breaks.
Methods: Medical charts of 185 patients who underwent peripheral LPC for symptomatic peripheral retinal degeneration or break between January 2015 and January 2025 were reviewed. The patients’ records and optical coherence tomography (OCT) images were retrospectively analyzed to assess the frequency and progression of ERM.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.8 ± 12.0 (range:18-82 years). The mean follow-up period was 31.7 ± 18.7 months (range:6-108 months) among a total of 185 participants (90 male and 95 female). ERM developed in 26 (14 %) patients during followup, with detection on OCT images occurring at a mean of 19.2 ± 15.4 months after laser treatment. The incidence of ERM formation was 21% in patients treated for lattice degeneration, 14.2% in those treated for retinal holes, and 12% in those treated for retinal tears. Among affected patients, 12 had stage 1 ERM, 8 had stage 2 ERM and 6 had stage 3 ERM. Notably, all patients with stage 3 ERM had undergone LPC for retinal tears. The progression time from stage 1 to stage 2 ERM was 16.8± 5.4 months, while progression from stage 1 to stage 3 ERM occurred at 34± 6.36 months. Overall, none of the patients had undergone surgery for ERM.
Conclusion: In our study, the incidence of ERM was 14 % following peripheral LPC for symptomatic peripheral retinal degeneration or retinal tears. The average time for ERM formation after laser treatment was 19.2 ± 15.4 months. Given the potential for ERM development and progression after peripheral LPC, careful monitoring during follow-up is essential.
Keywords : Epiretinal membrane, laser photocoagulation, optical coherence tomography