Epiretinal Membrane: The Invisible Threat Behind Blurred Vision

An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a thin layer of fibrous tissue that forms on the surface of the macula, causing it to contract and leading to visual distortion and decreased vision.

Cause

• **Age-related **: Most common; fibrocellular proliferation following posterior vitreous detachment
• ** days after **: Retinal detachment surgery, cataract surgery
• **Intraocular Inflammation **: Uveitis, etc.
• **Retinal Vascular Diseases**: Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Vein Occlusion
• ** eye injury **

Symptoms

• **Distortion**: Most common symptom; straight lines appear curved.
• Gradual decline in central vision
• Double vision
• Reading difficulty

Diagnostic Methods

• **Amsler Grid**: Detect Distorted Vision
• **Fundus Examination**: Observe the macular surface membrane
• **OCT Check**: Precise assessment of retinal thickness and macular traction

Disease Progression

The progression rate of epiretinal membrane varies from person to person:

• Some patients have stable conditions with minimal impact on vision.
• Some patients experience progressive worsening and significant vision loss.
• Rare cases of severe vision impairment

Treatment Options

### Observation Follow-up

• Mild epiretinal membrane with minimal impact on vision
• Regularly review and monitor changes in your condition.

### Surgical Treatment

Consider surgery when vision significantly declines or visual distortion severely impacts daily life.

**Pars Plana Vitrectomy + Membrane Peeling**

• Remove the vitreous to relieve traction
• Precise peeling of the fibrous membrane from the macular surface
• High success rate; most patients experience improved vision.
• Post-operative recovery requires several days in the prone position.

Surgical Outcome

• Most patients experience improvement in visual distortion.
• The degree of vision recovery depends on the extent of macular damage.
• Mild visual distortion may persist after surgery.
• Lower recurrence rate (approximately 5-10%)

Prevention Recommendations

• No effective preventive measures are currently available.
• Get regular eye exams to detect issues early.
• Manage eye diseases (e.g., diabetic retinopathy)
• Regular follow-up after eye surgery