[Spontaneous separation of epiretinal membrane: Reports of 3 cases]

Abstract

Purpose: Idiopathic epiretinal membranes most commonly develop in patients over 50 years of age. Posterior vitreous detachment seems to play a role in their formation. Epiretinal membranes are uncommon in young subjects. Surgical intervention is indicated in eyes with true functional symptoms and loss of visual acuity.

Method: We report 3 cases with spontaneous separation of epiretinal membranes imaged by Optical Coherence Tomography.

Results: All patients reported improvement in functional symptoms after spontaneous separation of the epiretinal membrane. Anatomic recovery with reappearance of the foveolar depression was observed on Optical Coherence Tomography.

Conclusion: A longer period of observation may be indicated in young patients with epiretinal membrane, due to the higher rate of spontaneous separation.

Keywords: Décollement postérieur du vitré; Epimacular membrane; Membrane épimaculaire; Optical Coherence Tomography; Pelage spontané; Posterior vitreous detachment; Spontaneous peeling; Tomographie par cohérence optique.