Macular Resurfacing With Autologous Internal Limiting Membrane Patch Transposition for Epiretinal Membrane

Purpose: To present a modification of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling technique, transposing a non-inverted autologous ILM patch to resurface the macula for the treatment of epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: This retrospective case series included eight eyes from eight patients with ERM. All patients underwent vitrectomy with ILM peeling and a single-layer, non-inverted autologous ILM patch transposing assisted by subperfluorocarbon liquid injection and ophthalmic viscoelastic device. The anatomical and functional outcomes were evaluated based on the examination of optical coherence tomography and best-corrected visual acuities. Results: In total, eight eyes with ERM underwent ILM patch transposition technique. The mean age was 69.4 ± 9.8 years. All patients were followed up over 5 months, with the mean duration of 8.3 ± 2.0 months. The surgery significantly improved the best-corrected visual acuities from a mean of 0.8 ± 0.2 logMAR (20/63 ± 32) to 0.2 ± 0.1 logMAR (20/32 ± 25) ( P < 0.001). The reduction in central macular thickness (CMT) was not statistically significant ( P = 0.21). No cases showed ERM recurrence during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The non-inverted autologous ILM patch transposition technique is feasible for the treatment of ERM and has potential to improve the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity early. However, its effect on reducing CMT may require further investigation with larger cohorts and extended follow-up.