LAUSR

PURPOSE To assess the topographical distribution of intraretinal cystoid space (IRC) and its prognostic value in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM). METHODS One hundred twenty-two eyes of iERM that had been followed up for 6 months after membrane removal were included. Based on the baseline IRC distribution, the eyes were divided into groups A, B, and C (absence, IRC within 3 mm, and 6 mm from the fovea, respectively). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central subfield macular thickness (CSMT), ectopic inner foveal layer, and microvascular leakage (ML) were assessed. RESULTS Fifty-six (45.9%) eyes had IRC, of which 35 (28.7%) were in group B and 21 (17.2%) in group C at baseline. Compared to group B, group C showed worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and a greater association with ML (OR = 5.415; P = 0.005) at baseline; and also presented with worse BCVA, thicker CSMT, and wider distribution of IRC postoperatively. A wide distribution of IRC was an unfavorable baseline factor in achieving good visual acuity (OR = 2.989; P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS Widely distributed IRCs were associated with advanced disease phenotype as poor BCVA, thick macula, and baseline ML in iERM and also showed a poor visual outcome after membrane removal.