Epiretinal Membrane
Overview
An epiretinal membrane is a sheet or layer of connective tissue on the surface of the retina which can contract and cause retinal wrinkling. Patients with epiretinal membranes usually experience central visual distortion if the membrane extends to the macula of the retina. The macula is the area of the retina responsible for sharp vision. Epiretinal membranes are sometimes called “macular puckers” for this reason.
The white tissue pictured represents an epiretinal membrane that is causing distortion on the macula.
Treatment
The treatment for epiretinal membrane is vitrectomy surgery with peeling of the membrane from the retinal surface. Patients often notice improvement in the distortion following surgery.
Learn more about Epiretinal Membrane
from the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS)
