Monocular and binocular visual parameters associated to vision-related quality of life in patients with epiretinal membrane: a prospective cohort

Purpose Binocular visual impairment related to unilateral idiopathic epiretinal membranes (uiERM) and its association with vision-related quality of life (VR-QoL) has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to explore binocular visual parameters (distance binocular best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), aniseikonia, stereopsis) and VR-QoL in patients with uiERM. Methods We carried out a prospective single-centre cohort study. The following data were collected: VR-QoL (NEI VFQ-25), distance monocular and binocular BCVA, horizontal and vertical metamorphopsia (M-charts test), horizontal and vertical aniseikonia (NAT TEST) and stereoacuity (TNO test). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate factors influencing VR-QoL. Results Forty-six patients with uiERM and visual complaints were included. Aniseikonia was found in 40 (80%) participants. Stereoacuity was poor (above 120 s of arc) in 46 (100%) participants. Distance monocular BCVA, horizontal metamorphopsia and horizontal aniseikonia were the factors associated with VR-QoL in patients with uiERM. Conclusions In subjects presenting uiERM, aniseikonia is frequently found and stereopsis is constantly impaired. We advocate quantitative testing of metamorphopsia and aniseikonia in addition to BCVA for the assessment of global visual function. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the effect of vitrectomy on these parameters and VR-QoL. Trial registration EudraCT Number/ID RCB: 2016-A00252-49