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Treatment for macular pucker that is causing blurred or distorted central vision
The condition is also known as macular pucker, cellophane maculopathy or preretinal membrane.
Epiretinal membrane becomes more common as we age and occurs when the jelly-like substance inside the eye shrinks and pulls away from the retina. The condition most commonly affects people over fifty. It can also occur due to some eye conditions or after eye surgery.
Symptoms of an epiretinal membrane can range from mild to severe. It normally affects one eye but may progress to the other eye. Epiretinal membrane does not cause blindness, however it can significantly affect your vision and it's best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Call or book online today to arrange a consultation to discuss private epiretinal membrane treatment with an eye specialist of your choice at Circle Health Group.
This page explains what epiretinal membrane is, what are the symptoms and causes of epiretinal membrane, and how the condition can be treated.
Many people with epiretinal membrane do not experience symptoms, especially in the early stages, and the condition is often picked up during a routine eye exam.
If you do have symptoms of epiretinal membrane they are often mild and may include:
Epiretinal membrane, often called macular pucker, occurs when a membrane of cells forms over the macular and shrinks, pulling away from the retina and causing puckering and distortion of the retinal shape.
The most common cause is an eye condition called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD), which is where the gel that fills the back of the eye separates from the retina. Sometimes epiretinal membrane has no apparent cause. This is known as idiopathic retinal membrane.
You are at higher risk of developing epiretinal membrane if you:
If your epiretinal membrane is causing severe blurred or distorted vision that makes it difficult to perform daily tasks, your consultant may recommend surgery called a vitrectomy. This is the only treatment available for epiretinal membrane.
Most cases of epiretinal membrane can be diagnosed during a standard eye examination. A test called ocular coherence tomography (OCT) can also be used to measure how severe your epiretinal membrane is. OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section images of your retina.
At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide whether a vitrectomy is right for you based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and general health. They will explain what happens during the surgery as well as any possible risks and complications and what to expect during your recovery.
It is important to us that you are as well-informed and comfortable as possible before, during, and after your surgery, so please ask your consultant any questions you may have.
The main benefit of vitrectomy surgery is an improvement in your vision. Most people experience a complete reversal or significant improvement in distorted or blurred vision after surgery and around 80% of patients also experience an improvement in their level of vision (how much of the letter chart they can read during an eye test).
How much your sight improves after your vitrectomy depends on several factors including:
During the surgery, your surgeon will make small incisions in your eye, and then use specialised instruments to remove the vitreous gel and any other material that may be causing issues in your eye. Once the surgery is complete, your surgeon may place an eye patch over the treated eye to protect it and promote healing.
After the procedure, you should plan on having someone else drive you home. You may also need to use eye drops and avoid certain activities for a while as instructed by your surgeon. It's important to follow all post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with vitrectomy. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail prior to your procedure and answer any questions you may have to help you make an informed decision.
As with all types of surgery, a vitrectomy carries a small risk of complications. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications before your surgery and answer any questions you may have about your procedure.
It’s important that you are well informed about the possible risks and complications of your surgery and can make an informed decision.
Possible complications of any surgery include:
Possible complications specific to vitrectomy include:
Call the hospital immediately if you experience:
Epiretinal membrane surgery is an operation called a vitrectomy that involves removing the vitreous gel from inside the eye and peeling away the epiretinal membrane. The surgery is usually performed as a day case, and can be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
Rarely, the epiretinal membrane can spontaneously separate from the retina resulting in improved symptoms.
Epiretinal membrane is not usually serious, and in most cases has mild or no symptoms. If your condition is so severe that it distorts your vision and makes it difficult to perform daily activities, surgery may be recommended. Epiretinal membrane does not cause blindness.
Eye surgery including cataract surgery can increase your risk of developing epiretinal membrane. It can also make existing epiretinal membrane worse. Many people develop cataracts following surgery for epiretinal membrane (vitrectomy). Cataract removal can be performed at the same time as a vitrectomy or later in a separate procedure.
No. Epiretinal membrane can cause blurred and distorted vision but is not known to cause blindness.
While epiretinal membrane doesn't cause retinal detachment, the condition can occur following a retinal tear or detachment. Retinal detachment is also a possible complication of epiretinal membrane surgery (vitrectomy).
If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about epiretinal membrane treatment, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in April 2023. Next review due April 2026.