What is an Epiretinal Membrane?
If you think of your eye as a camera, the retina is like the photographic film. It is a very thin layer of tissue, sensitive to the images focused on it, and sends information to the brain.
At the very centre of the retina is the macula, a special area responsible for tasks such as reading and recognising complex shapes.
An epiretinal membrane occurs when scar tissue forms across the macula. As this membrane contracts, it distorts the retinal tissue. This affects the macula’s function, impacting vision for reading and other visually demanding tasks, but it does not cause total blindness.
What Causes an Epiretinal Membrane?
Most epiretinal membranes develop because the vitreous gel inside the eye pulls away from the retina, a process most common in people over the age of 50.
Other causes may include:
- Eye surgery
- Inflammation inside the eye
How Epiretinal Membranes Affect Vision
While the scar tissue is forming, it may not affect vision. However, when it stops growing and begins to contract (shrink), it can cause central vision distortion.
Symptoms may include:
- Straight lines appearing wavy or crooked
- Difficulty with reading
- Substantial loss of central vision depending on severity
Treatment for an Epiretinal Membrane
The only treatment for an epiretinal membrane is a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy.
What Happens During Surgery?
- Tiny cuts are made in the eye to remove the vitreous gel
- The epiretinal membrane is carefully peeled away from the retina
- Small stitches may be used, which dissolve naturally over 4–6 weeks
- A protective pad and shield are placed over the eye and removed the next morning
Why Have Surgery?
The main goal of surgery is to correct central vision distortion.
You might consider surgery if:
- Distortion affects your ability to work, drive, read, or perform important tasks
- You find the distortion troublesome
Some patients may choose not to have surgery, especially if the other eye is unaffected. This is reasonable and a personal choice.
Important note: Surgery is not preventative. Only proceed if you are currently affected by visual distortion.
