What is Epiretinal Membrane?
Epiretinal membranes are avascular, semitranslucent membranes that form on the inner retinal surface, also known as macular pucker. They can cause wrinkling and distortion of the underlying retina, leading to visual symptoms when they involve the macula.
Understanding the Disease
Risk Factors
- • Age over 50 (most common factor)
- • Vitreous degeneration
- • Previous eye trauma
- • Diabetic retinopathy
- • Uveitis (eye inflammation)
- • Previous retinal surgery
Symptoms
⚠️ Most epiretinal membranes are asymptomatic
When symptoms do occur, patients may experience:
- • Painless vision loss
- • Metamorphopsia (visual distortion)
- • Difficulty with fine detail work
- • Blurred central vision
- • Straight lines appear wavy
- • Objects may appear smaller
Diagnostic Methods
Dilated Eye Examination
Direct visualization of membrane
OCT Imaging
Detailed retinal thickness analysis
Treatment Options
Observation (Most Common)
Monitor mild cases that don't significantly impact daily activities
Regular OCT monitoring to assess progression
Vitrectomy Surgery
Reserved for cases where vision significantly interferes with daily activities
Membrane peeling with or without internal limiting membrane removal
When Surgery is Considered
Surgery is typically recommended when visual symptoms significantly impact quality of life, particularly for reading, driving, or other detailed visual tasks.
Prevention & Management
- • Regular comprehensive eye examinations
- • Early detection through routine screening
- • Amsler grid monitoring for distortion
- • Management of underlying eye conditions
- • Prompt evaluation of vision changes
- • Consider visual aids for mild symptoms
Excellent Prognosis
90% of epiretinal membranes remain stable and don't require treatment. For cases requiring surgery, there are good outcomes with modern vitrectomy techniques, with significant improvement in visual symptoms for most patients.