Download Epi-retinal Membrane

Epi-retinal Membrane
(Macular Pucker)
What is it?
Epi-retinal membrane or ERM is a thin
membrane or scar tissue similar to
cellophane the covers the macula in the
back of the eye. Typically progresses
very slowly and is diagnosed most often
in individuals over 75. Notice the
position of the retina and macula in the
diagram below.
ecof.com
Treatment
This condition generally does not require
treatment as vision is only mildly
affected with blurriness. Sometimes it
may even go away. A membrane peel
may be surgically performed under
general or local anesthesia. A vitrectomy
is also possible. This is a procedure
where the vitreous (inner fluid) of the
eye is removed and the eye is then filled
with a new liquid or gas bubble to
maintain the eyes shape and keep the
retina intact. Recovery from this
procedure is slow and there are many
possible complications. Typically
patients are cautioned to wait until their
vision has deteriorated to the point that
their lifestyle is affected and the benefits
strongly outweigh the risks.
Causes
Age is a factor with the gradual loss of
inner eye fluid which causes the vitreous
fluid in the eye to detach from the retina.
In some individuals this causes scar
tissue to develop over the macula. Other
conditions that may contribute to ERM
include detached retina, eye
inflammation, and diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms
Blurred vision
Double Vision
Vision may appear distorted or wavy
Central vision blind spot in severe cases
Swelling of the macula may occur over
time. Severe vision loss in uncommon
Diagnosis
ERM is detected by your eye doctor
during the inspection of the retina while
the pupil is dilated. The membrane has a
glistening appearance. Further testing of
the individual’s central visual acuity will
be assessed to determine the severity of
the condition and the affect on ERM on
the individual’s vision. An Ocular
Coherence Tomography or OCT scan
may be performed to scan your retina.
This test uses light rays to see each layer
of the retina for close examination.
Center-for-sight.com
Citations:
Center for Sight. (2009). Macular Pucker or Epi-retinal
Membrane. Retrieved on July 2, 2010 from
http://www.center-for-sight.com/maculardisease/macular-pucker-retinal-membrane.html
Eye Centers of Florida. (2006-2008). Epiretinal
Membranes/Macular Pucker. Retrieved on July
2, 2010 from http://www.ecof.com/florida-lasikfortmyers/epi_retinal_membranes_macular_pucker_r
etina_center/epi-retinal-membranes-macularpucker.html
Kaufman Eye Institute. (2009). Epi-Retinal Membrane (or
Macular Pucker). Retrieved on July 2, 2010 from
http://www.kaufmaneyeinstitute.com/epiretinal.ht
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National Eye Institute. (2010). Macular Pucker. Retrieved on
July 2, 2010 from
http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/pucker/index.asp
Prasad, S. (May 2010). Epi-retinal membrane. Retrieved on
July 2, 2010 from http://sight2020.co.uk/erm.aspx