Epiretinal
membrane (macular pucker/cellophane maculopathy) is the name given to
a form of scar tissue which grows across the macular area of the retina.
It is occasionally caused by trauma or inflammation affecting the eye
but in the vast majority of cases is related simply to an ageing eye and
degeneration of the vitreous gel. Symptoms include blurring of vision
and distortion although many membranes are asymptomatic and noted during
a routine visit to the optician. In many cases symptoms are only mild
and non- progressive with no requirement for surgery.
In
a few case the retina is pulled out of position by a contracting membrane
with distortion of the retinal vessels often best seen with fluorescein
angiography as in the pictures above. If distortion is marked then membranes
are usually removed via pars plana vitrectomy surgery as shown below.
Pars
Plana Vitrectomy
Per-operative
view showing epi-retinal membrane being removed with micro-forceps
Disclaimer
The
information provided in this website is intended as a useful aid to general
practitioners, optometrists and patients. It is impossible to diagnose and
treat patients adequately without a thorough eye examination by a qualified
ophthalmologist, optometrist or your general practitioner. Hopefully the
information will be of use prior to and following a consultation which
it supplements and does not replace.
