Changes in macular structure after removal of epiretinal membrane in combined hamartomas of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium

This study investigates the effect of epiretinal membrane (ERM) removal in the combined hamartomas of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) patients. In this retrospective, comparative case series, 15 CHRRPE patients were included. Six patients received ERM surgery (operation group) and 9 patients were observed (observation group). The change in central macular thickness (CMT) and foveo-papillary distance (FPD) were analyzed for both groups at initial and final follow-up visits. The change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also analyzed to compare visual outcomes. The mean age at diagnosis was 38 ± 22 years and 38 ± 20 years for the operation and observation groups, respectively (P > 0.999). In the operation group, CMT significantly decreased (initial 480 ± 151µm VS final 365 ± 59µm; P = 0.036), while FPD significantly increased (P = 0.031). BCVA significantly improved at the final follow-up in operation group (initial 0.48 ± 0.21logMAR VS final 0.22 ± 0.15logMAR, P = 0.031). In the observation group, FPD decreased significantly (P = 0.012) and BCVA did not change significantly (initial 0.15 ± 0.17logMAR VS final 0.27 ± 0.28logMAR, P = 0.438). Removal of ERM may be beneficial in normalizing macular anatomy and may be effective in preventing visual deterioration in patients with ERM associated with CHRRPE.