EPIRETINAL
MEMBRANES
(Macular Pucker)
Scar tissue can grow on the surface of the retina, directly over
the macula. This scar tissue can contract and cause the retina to wrinkle. The scar tissue
on the surface of the retina is called an "epiretinal membrane" or "macular
pucker". An epiretinal membrane can cause visual loss, as well as distorted or double
vision.
Epiretinal membranes may be caused by a variety of eye problems.
They may follow retinal detachment surgery or laser treatment or cryotherapy for retinal
tears. They may be associated with retinal blood vessel problems. In most cases, the
epiretinal membrane occurs in an otherwise healthy eye as a result of a posterior vitreous
detachment.
The only treatment for visual loss caused by an epiretinal
membrane is surgery to remove the membrane. If the vision is only mildly reduced, it is
best not to do surgery. If the visual loss or distortion is significant, however, a
Vitrectomy may be performed to remove the membrane. This surgery is usually performed
under general anesthesia. The membrane is picked up with a fine instrument and gently
peeled off the surface of the retina.
Vision usually improves slowly after surgery, with most of the
improvement coming within the first three months, though it may continue to improve for
many months. In some cases, the vision may not improve at all. The chance that vision will
improve after surgery is about 75%. On an average, patients regain approximately half of
the vision that was lost because of the epiretinal membrane.
The complications of the surgery include retinal tears and
detachment, cataract formation, infection, and regrowth of the membrane. These
complications may result in mild to total loss of vision, though vision-losing
complications are rare.
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