Choroidal Vascularity Index Fluctuations in Epiretinal Membranes in Vitreoretinal Surgery: Comparison Between Idiopathic and Diabetic Ones

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyze choroidal vascularity index (CVI) fluctuations in patients with epiretinal membrane after vitreoretinal surgery, comparing idiopathic and secondary diabetic ones. Methods: Thirty eyes suffering from idiopathic ERMs (I-ERMS; n = 15) and diabetic ERMs (D-ERMS; n = 15) were analyzed in this observational prospective study. Anatomical (central macular thickness) and functional (best-corrected visual acuity) parameters were analyzed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months after vitrectomy. Perfusion findings regarding CVI and luminal area were also calculated. Results: At 1 month after surgery, the luminal area and CVI significantly decreased in the I-ERMS group, whereas they were increased in the D-ERMS group. At the 3-month follow-up, the CVI tended to return to baseline values in I-ERMS and to reduce in D-ERMS, but without any statistical differences. Conclusions: The significant change in the CVI after surgery seems to imply that the choroidal layer is affected by vitreomacular disease and can become a novel potential biomarker of predictiveness in vitreoretinal surgery. Translational relevance: The aim of the study was to focus on the early choroidal changes to better understand initial predictive elements of long-term functional postoperative outcomes.