Epiretinal membrane
What is an epiretinal membrane?
An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of scar tissue that develops on the surface of the retina.
The early stage is like cellophane or clingfilm and called ‘cellophane maculopathy’. Later stages result from contraction of scar tissue leading to crumpling or wrinkling of the retina and is called ‘macular pucker’.
What causes an epiretinal membrane?
There are two schools of thought:
- deposition of fibroblasts or cells from the vitreous gel onto the retinal surface
- or migration of the retinal cells upwards onto the retinal surface
Causes that may result in epiretinal membrane formation are:
- ageing
- surgery
- trauma
- inflammation (uveitis)
What are the symptoms of an epiretinal membrane?
An epiretinal membrane affects the vision as it involves the macula which helps you to read and define detail. The symptoms include:
- distortion of vision
- blurred vision
What are the treatment options?
Monitoring or observation
Most epiretinal membranes remain stable with little or no impact on vision. These can be  observed.
Vitrectomy
Vitrectomy and membrane peeling may be recommended if there is a significant amount of distortion in your vision. Air or a gas bubble may be used at the time of surgery.Â
An epiretinal membrane peel treatment involves surgery which has an 80-85% chance of improving the distortion. It may or may not improve the blurred vision.
What are the risks of treatment?
- 1 in 1000 chance of an infection or bleeding resulting in severe loss of vision Â
- elevated eye pressure
- cataract development
What can I expect following treatment?
The recovery time after epiretinal membrane treatment surgery varies but generally, you may experience the following for about 2 to 6 weeks after surgery:
- blurred vision
- soreness for which oral analgesia such as Paracetamol may be taken
- redness
- avoid flying if a bubble of gas has been used during surgery
Most people are eventually able to return to all their normal activities.
Our Treatments and Price List
| New patient consultation | £320 |
| Follow up appointment | £280 |
| Vitrectomy | £4500-£6500 |
| simple to complex |
If you would like to discuss Ophthalmology treatments, please get in touch with a member of our team
