Minimal vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane

Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery (MVS) Versus Conventional Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

This trial tests whether a minimal vitrectomy technique helps adults with idiopathic epiretinal membrane improve vision and slow cataract progression compared with conventional vitrectomy.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 140 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College Hospital (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
• Trial ID: NCT07019896 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial compares Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery (MVS) with conventional pars plana vitrectomy in adults with idiopathic epiretinal membrane. MVS seeks to preserve the posterior hyaloid and minimize vitreous removal while allowing direct membrane peeling, with limited localized vitrectomy only if residual floaters or fragments cannot be safely removed. Primary outcomes include change in visual acuity and cataract progression at 12 months, with secondary outcomes of macular thickness, ERM recurrence, and intraoperative complications. Participants are phakic adults with OCT-confirmed idiopathic ERM and clear media who undergo surgery and longitudinal follow-up at the enrolling center(s).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) with phakic eyes, clear media, and OCT-confirmed idiopathic epiretinal membrane who can provide informed consent and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with prior cataract surgery, advanced cataract requiring combined procedures, coexisting retinal disease (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion), or recent ocular corticosteroid use are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, MVS could provide similar visual improvement while reducing postoperative cataract progression and postoperative floaters by preserving more native vitreous.

How similar studies have performed: Small case series and nonrandomized reports of limited- or nonvitrectomizing approaches have shown promising anatomical and visual outcomes, but randomized controlled comparisons remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years.
2. Diagnosis of idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) confirmed by clinical examination and OCT imaging.
3. Clear ocular media allowing adequate fundus imaging.
4. Phakic eye.
5. Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior cataract surgery or advanced cataract requiring combined surgery. Co-existing retinal diseases (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusion).
2. Systemic conditions preventing safe surgery or follow-up.
3. History of prior ocular or periocular corticosteroid use, including intraocular injection, periocular injection, or long-term topical corticosteroid eye drops.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

• Peking Union Medical College Hospital — Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Weihong Yu, MD — Peking Union Medical College Hospital
• Study coordinator: Weihong Yu, MD

Conditions: Epiretinal Membrane, Macular Edema, Nuclear Cataract, Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane, Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery, Nonvitrectomizing Vitreous Surgery, pars plana Vitrectomy