The epiretinal membrane is a thin and transparent layer of tissue that can form over the retina. It’s presence can cause visual distortion or blurriness.
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of scar tissue that can form over the retina and cause problems with central vision. The retina is a light-sensitive tissue that transmits visual information to the optic nerve. When it becomes blocked, damaged or detached, vision is affected.
The central part of the retina is called the macula — this area deals with your central vision, some aspects of colour perception and allows you to see small details. An epiretinal membrane will form on or just above this area. Problems with vision start to occur when the membrane contracts over the retina, causing it to wrinkle.
The vision loss isn’t complete — most patients experience blurriness and visual distortions in their central vision.
Initially, the condition has no symptoms and the visual distortions may be so mild that you don’t notice them.
In most cases, the condition doesn’t require treatment. Having no initial symptoms or very mild ones, an epiretinal membrane can be monitored through regular trips to the optometrist.
If blurry or distorted vision makes everyday tasks difficult, it may be time to consider surgery. A vitrectomy can be used to precisely remove the epiretinal membrane and restore vision. This leads to a significant improvement in vision for almost everyone who undergoes the procedure.
Early detection and treatment generally leads to a good outcome from ERM surgery.
