AIM:To explore the image characteristics and clinical application of the spectral domain optical coherence tomography(3D-OCT)in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane(IERM).METHODS:A total of 59 cases 71 eyes of IERM were reviewed in this study.3D-OCT scanning was performed in all the patients and the parameters were analyzed.Morphological changes of macula zone from IERM were recorded.RESULTS:IERM was visible on 3D-OCT appeared as high reflective tissues,which were thin or thick,and contiguous to or anterior to the retinal surface.In most fovea,the depth decreased and the thickness increased.IERM disappeared after operation.Macular morphological changes were categorized into types of lamellarmacular hole(LMH),macular pseudohole(MPH),macular edema(ME)or foveal cyst(FC)and normal according to the findings of 3D-OCT.18 of 71 eyes were found with LMH,ME or FC,17 eyes with MPH,15 eyes with ME,16 eyes with FC,and 5 eyes were normal in studied patients.CONCLUSION:3D-OCT can display the macular epiretinal membrane and the pathological changes of macular tissues before and after operation.3D-OCT can provide accurate information on the clinical diagnosis and operative efficacy of IERM.