Understanding Epiretinal Membranes: What They Are and When to Treat Them
If you’ve ever heard your optometrist in Santa Monica or any other city tell you that you have an epiretinal membrane or macular pucker, you were likely left with questions. Here’s what you need to know about these retinal conditions.
What is an Epiretinal Membrane?
An epiretinal membrane, sometimes called macular pucker or cellophane maculopathy, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, specifically the macula. The macula is responsible for your sharp, central vision, allowing you to read, recognize faces, and see fine details.
When this membrane forms, it can cause the retina to wrinkle or pucker, which may lead to blurry or distorted vision. You might notice straight lines looking wavy or difficulty focusing on small text. While this can be alarming, many people with ERM only experience mild symptoms.
How is an Epiretinal Membrane Treated?
The good news is that epiretinal membranes don’t always require treatment. In many cases, the symptoms are so mild that people can adapt without needing surgery. If your vision isn’t significantly impacted, your eye doctor may recommend regular monitoring to track any changes over time.
However, if your vision becomes more distorted or blurry, and it’s affecting your daily activities—like reading or driving—surgery may be considered. The procedure used to treat ERM is called a vitrectomy. During this surgery, an ophthalmologist removes the membrane from the surface of the retina to help improve vision. It’s typically a low-risk procedure, but like any surgery, there can be potential risks to discuss with your doctor.
When Should an Epiretinal Membrane Be Treated?
The decision to treat an epiretinal membrane depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much it’s affecting your life. Here are some signs that it might be time to consider treatment:
Blurriness or distortion in your central vision that’s getting worse
Difficulty with activities that require sharp vision, such as reading or recognizing faces
Noticeable changes in how straight lines appear (they may look wavy or bent)
Your eye doctor will assess your situation, explain the potential benefits and risks of surgery, and help you decide the best course of action.
Epiretinal membranes are fairly common, especially as we age, but not everyone with an ERM will need surgery. Regular eye exams are key to catching these issues early, and your eye doctor will guide you through the best options if treatment becomes necessary.
Remember, your vision is important, and staying informed is a big step toward protecting it!
