AIM: To observe the clinical effect of 23G-minimally invasive vitrectomy for idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane.

METHODS: Totally 30 eyes of 30 cases of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane were performed vitrectomy, membrane peeling and gas tamponade with 23-G minimally invasive vitrectomy from January 2010 to December 2012 years in our hospital. The follow-up time was 2 to 13 months. The operation effect was analyzed.

RESULTS: Thirty cases(30 eyes)of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane were performed 23G-minimally invasive vitrectomy, 1 eye with macular epiretinal membrane reoccurred, 29 eyes macular epiretinal membrane disappeared, vision had different degrees of improvement than preoperative, metamorphopsia was disappeared or reduced, the macular epiretinal membrane was disappeared showed by OCT.

CONCLUSION: 23-G minimally invasive vitrectomy is a safe and effective method for the treatment of macular epiretinal membrane. It can improve the visual quality and the quality of life in patients prior to serious damage of visual function, and should be performed early.