Minimal vitrectomy for epiretinal membrane
Official title: Minimal Vitrectomy Surgery (MVS) Versus Conventional Vitrectomy for the Treatment of Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Peking Union Medical College Hospital · NCT07019896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 140 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Peking Union Medical College Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2024 |
| Main results expected | November 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | June 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07019896 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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).
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 gone: Small case series and nonrandomized reports of limited- or nonvitrectomizing approaches have shown promising anatomical and visual outcomes, but randomized controlled comparisons remain limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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 it's running
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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
- Email: yuweihongpumch@163.com
- Phone: +8613671214306
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.