What is the treatment for epiretinal membrane?

Vitrectomy is carried out to treat Epiretinal Membrane. In this surgery, local or general anesthetics are administered. The surgeon makes tiny cuts and removes the clouded vitreous gel from inside. If needed, the doctor gently peels away the membrane from the retina.

Can an epiretinal membrane get worse?

Many epiretinal membranes do not get any worse and may never affect vision, so can just be left alone. An epiretinal membrane is sometimes described as “scar tissue” on the retina.

How long does it take to recover from epiretinal membrane?

The macular pucker surgery recovery time can vary from between three to six months. Healing occurs gradually over this time, with most people regaining about half of the vision lost from a macular pucker.

Can epiretinal membrane grow back?

The epiretinal membrane recurrence rate was 58% at 5 years post surgery. The epiretinal membrane recurrence rate was 58%, compared with older studies reporting 5%- to 2%-recurrence rates. Although the authors report that visual acuity was unaffected, they do not discuss other side effects such as distortion.

Should I have surgery for epiretinal membrane?

Epiretinal membranes can be treated with vitrectomy surgery. However, not all epiretinal membranes require treatment. Surgery is not necessary if the epiretinal membrane is mild and having little or no effect on vision. There is no non-surgical treatment for an epiretinal membrane.

Can you drive with epiretinal membrane?

Many epiretinal membranes do not get any worse and may never affect vision, so can just be left alone. If the epiretinal membrane is affecting your sight and making everyday activities such as reading and driving difficult, it is possible to have surgery to remove the membrane.

Can you go blind from epiretinal membrane?

An epiretinal membrane will not cause total blindness – it will typically only affect the central vision in the affected eye, while peripheral or ‘side’ vision remains unaffected. Sometimes, the condition can be very mild, and have no effect on vision at all.

How safe is epiretinal membrane surgery?

Surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a safe and effective procedure that can achieve long-term stable postoperative visual and anatomical improvement, with an overall low recurrence and complication rate.

How successful is epiretinal membrane surgery?

Purpose: Surgery has been successful in removing epiretinal membranes (ERM) from the macula, allowing some improvement in vision in 80-90% of patients; however, complications are relatively frequent.

What happens after epiretinal membrane surgery?

Following epiretinal membrane removal, the vision is typically more blurred and will gradually improve as the eye and retina heal. Vision can gradually improve up to 3-6 months following surgery.

How is epiretinal membrane surgery performed?

We use the most advanced surgical equipment and techniques available for epiretinal membrane surgery. The surgery involves making 3 holes in the eye and using instruments to remove the jelly-like substance that normally fills the center of the eye, called the vitreous humor (vitrectomy).

How common is epiretinal membrane surgery?

Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) most often occur in people over age 50. According to The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), at least 2 percent of people over 50 years old and 20 percent over age 75 have ERMs, but most do not need treatment.

Where does the term epiretinal membrane come from?

Epiretinal membrane (ERM), also known as macular pucker, is identified with many different terms, including surface-wrinkling retinopathy, cellophane maculopathy, and pre-retinal macular fibrosis. ERM gets its common name from scar tissue that has formed on the macula, creating a very thin,…

How to know if you have an ERM in your epiretinal membrane?

Fast facts on epiretinal membranes: 1 ERMs usually cause a few mild symptoms. 2 They are generally watched and not treated. 3 In some instances, ERMs cause loss of vision and visual distortion. 4 The only treatment for an ERM is a surgical procedure called a vitrectomy.

How is the epiretinal membrane related to macular pucker?

Epiretinal Membrane (macular pucker) Epiretinal membrane (ERM) is identified with many different terms, including cellophane maculopathy and macular pucker. It is a thin, almost transparent layer of fibrous cellular material which grows over the surface of the retina. Like a layer of plastic wrap or cellophane, it can be basically transparent.

How can I improve my vision with epiretinal membrane?

Unfortunately, laser treatment, eye drops, medication, or vitamins will not help improve vision for someone with epiretinal membrane, but in many cases, treatment is not necessary. Persons affected usually experience mild visual distortion or blurriness, but not enough to cause problems in their daily lives.