Epi-Retinal Membrane Peel Surgery

Epi-retinal membrane or macular pucker is one of the many conditions that we treat at our eye care clinic. ERM is a cellophane-like membrane that forms over the macula. It is typically a slow-progressing problem that affects the central vision by causing blur and distortion. As it progresses, the traction of the membrane on the macula may cause swelling.

ERM is seen most often in people over 75 years of age. It usually occurs for unknown reasons, but may be associated with certain eye problems such as: diabetic retinopathy, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal detachment, trauma and many other conditions.

  • Signs and Symptoms:

ERM symptoms include the following.  If you experience any of these symptoms then speak to your eye care specialist.

    • Blurred vision
    • Double vision that is noticeable even with one eye covered
    • Distorted vision (straight lines may appear bent or wavy)

  • Detection and Diagnosis:

Your surgeon is able to detect ERM with ophthalmoscopy during an examination of the retina, or with an OCT scan at our clinic. It has a glistening, cellophane-like appearance. The affect of ERM on the patient's central vision is assessed with a visual acuity test and the Amsler Grid. If macular swelling is suspected, then an OCT scan and a fluorescein angiogram may be arranged.

  • Treatment:

A procedure called a membrane peel is performed when vision has deteriorated to the point that it is impairing the patient's lifestyle. Most vitreo-retinal surgeons recommend waiting for treatment until vision has decreased to the point that the risk of the procedure justifies the improvement. The membrane peel is performed under a general or a local anaesthetic in an operating room. During the surgery, the surgeon enters the eye through a small incision and using a specialised fine-cutting instrument called intraocular forceps, the membrane is gently peeled away from the surface of the retina. The membrane peel is often done in conjunction with a procedure called a vitrectomy. Speak to our eye care clinic for more information on this procedure.

 

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