Glaucoma May Hinder Eye Surgery Recovery

A new study reveals that glaucoma patients face poorer visual outcomes after epiretinal membrane removal surgery.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Stroke

A close-up view of a professional ophthalmic surgical microscope lens in a sterile, modern clinical eye care center. — A retrospective study from the Wilmer Eye Institute reveals that patients with pre-existing glaucoma face increased retinal complications following epiretinal membrane removal surgery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Researchers at the Wilmer Eye Institute report that patients with pre-existing glaucoma experience higher rates of postoperative retinal complications compared to those without the condition. The findings follow a retrospective analysis of 156 eyes that underwent membrane peel surgery between 2010 and 2023.

Why it matters

The study suggests that pre-existing retinal ganglion cell loss and Müller cell dysfunction in glaucomatous eyes may reduce the retina's tolerance to the mechanical stress of surgery. These structural vulnerabilities potentially hinder visual improvement, highlighting a need for further research into surgical outcomes for this population.

Glaucoma patients exhibited a 52% rate of retinoschisis six months post-surgery, compared to 16% in non-glaucoma patients. Additionally, the average total macular volume reached 9.75mm³ in glaucoma eyes, compared to 9.15mm³ in non-glaucoma eyes at 12 months.

The players

Wilmer Eye Institute

This facility is an ophthalmological research and clinical care institution affiliated with Johns Hopkins University.

The details

Researchers utilized OCT scans to evaluate visual acuity and retinal health at one, three, six, and 12 months after membrane peel procedures. While glaucoma patients showed limited visual acuity improvement, the study found no significant visual differences in the macular hole surgery group based on glaucoma status.

The retrospective study covered surgery cases occurring between 2010 and 2023.
Complications including fluid and retinoschisis were assessed at six months post-surgery.
Structural differences and final visual acuity were measured at 12 months post-surgery.

The Big Picture

This study contributes to the Wilmer Eye Institute's ophthalmological research programs by refining expectations for surgical recovery. It marks a shift from viewing membrane surgery as a universal success, instead identifying specific patient profiles that may struggle with postoperative healing.

Patients with glaucoma considering membrane peel surgery should discuss these findings with their ophthalmologist to better understand their specific risks. This data may help patients set more realistic expectations regarding their visual recovery and postoperative care plan.

The takeaway

Patients should ensure their surgeons are aware of their full ocular history prior to scheduling elective retinal procedures. Understanding the potential for structural complications can help both providers and patients prepare for a more cautious recovery timeline.