Epiretinal membranes (sometimes called macular puckers) are abnormal scar-like membranes that form over the retina of the eye. As this is the light-sensitive layer of the eye, it makes sense that these membranes can affect eyesight.

While some epiretinal membranes are so thin as to be barely noticeable, others may grow thick enough to cause serious symptoms. These may range from blurring to visual distortion of lines and shapes.

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Treatment for Epiretinal Membranes

When epiretinal membranes are mild and not affecting vision, they are normally observed and no intervention is needed. However, when patients start to notice distortion in vision or a drop in their visual acuity, then treatment is needed, and this is done by performing a surgery known as a vitrectomy, to manually remove this epiretinal membrane.

Vitrectomy is a process of removing the transparent, gel-like material in the back of the eye called vitreous. After removing it, the surgeon can then access the actual epiretinal membrane. A fine pair of forceps is then used to remove the membrane around the central retina.

The aim of the surgery is to improve the vision and distortion, but this improvement may not be immediate. Patients may continue to see a gradual improvement in their symptoms over the ensuing months. However, it must be remembered that it is sometimes not possible to get back perfect vision, as there tends to be some residual scarring, even after surgery.

Epiretinal Membrane Surgery Risks and Complications

Now that you know what is epiretinal membrane surgery, we may talk about the potential risks or side effects of the procedure.

The most common complication is an increase in the rate of cataract development if the cataracts have not been removed before. While this may seem worrying, it must be remembered that everyone will eventually develop cataracts and require surgery. This procedure may just hasten its development. Moreover, cataract surgery is a simpler procedure than epiretinal membrane surgery. Some patients who have significant cataracts can also opt to do both surgeries in the same sitting, thus saving the need to go through 2 separate procedures.

Other complications include, but are not limited, to the following:

• Retinal break or detachment – This refers to a tear on the retina or, in the case of detachment, a separation of the retina from the back of the eye.
• Raised intraocular pressure – This means high pressure in the eye, which can lead to a number of other problems unless alleviated, including glaucoma.
• Inflammation – This is simply part of the body’s response to trauma, but it can reach a point where it begins to threaten the eye’s health.
• Macular edema – This is the development of “swelling” on the macula.
• Infection – This is the entry and multiplication of bacteria or other harmful foreign bodies into the eye, often treated with antibiotics.

There is also a possibility that the epiretinal membrane may grow back, but this is one of the rarer epiretinal membrane surgery complications. Moreover, like most risks of the procedure, it can be managed with timely intervention.

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Epiretinal Membrane Surgery Recovery

Recovery from epiretinal membrane surgery will usually take a few weeks, as a vitrectomy is still considered a major surgery to the eye. Sometimes, there may be a gas left in the eye, which can impede vision for a period of 1 to several weeks. During this time, it is best to refrain from strenuous activities, as well as to follow certain guidelines.

For instance, most patients will be asked to wear an eye patch for several weeks to protect the eye. There will also be an eyedrop regimen to follow for the first month or so.

As for other activities, like driving for example, this is best determined by one’s doctor. Patients who feel fully confident and comfortable driving their cars have to check first if their vision has been altered in some way by the surgery – and the surgeon can better advise on that. Even though vision has improved, there are other factors which determine whether it is safe for the patient to get behind the wheel.

Book an appointment to get your epiretinal membrane assessed today

Epiretinal membrane surgery is clearly not without its risks. Despite that, the vast majority of eye surgeons agree that these risks are largely manageable and the success rate for the actual surgery is sufficiently high to make it worthwhile.

As always, surgery for this particular eye condition is better done as soon as possible, as it lowers the odds of permanent damage to the macula. Those who get the surgery early in their history of having the disease are also more likely to recover most of their vision compared to those who wait longer.

If you suspect that you have an epiretinal membrane or already know you have it and now wish to seek treatment, speak with us. We can assess your case and come up with the best options for your situation. Call us to enquire or book an appointment with our eye doctors now.

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