Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)
An epiretinal membrane is a thin, clear layer of scar-like tissue that grows across the surface of the macula, the small center of the retina you use for reading, recognizing faces and seeing fine detail. As the layer tightens, it can wrinkle the retina underneath it. You may also hear it called a macular pucker, cellophane maculopathy or surface wrinkling retinopathy.
Who gets an epiretinal membrane?
Most epiretinal membranes show up after age 50. Many form after the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye, naturally pulls away from the retina with age. They can also follow a retinal tear or detachment, eye surgery, inflammation inside the eye, diabetic eye disease or an eye injury. Many are found during a routine exam before the patient notices anything.
Symptoms
- Blurry central vision in one eye
- Straight lines, such as door frames or tile lines, looking wavy or bent
- Objects looking a different size in one eye than the other
- Trouble reading fine print, even with glasses
Your better eye can hide changes in the other eye, so cover one eye at a time when you check your vision at home.
How we find and follow it at Reimbold Eye Group
During a dilated exam we look closely at the macula, then take an OCT scan, a cross-section picture of the retina's layers. The scan shows the membrane and how much the retina beneath it has thickened. We save each scan so we can compare it with your next visit and see whether anything is changing. We may also give you an Amsler grid to check your vision at home between visits.
Treatment
Many epiretinal membranes are mild and only need to be watched. An updated glasses prescription can help with blur. If the distortion starts to get in the way of reading, driving or work, we refer you to a retina specialist for surgery. The usual procedure is a vitrectomy with membrane peel, which removes the membrane.
When to call right away
Call the same day if you notice sudden new distortion, a shower of new floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain across your vision. These can be signs of a retinal tear or detachment, which needs urgent care.
Questions patients ask
Is an epiretinal membrane the same as macular degeneration?
No. An epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of tissue lying on top of the retina. Macular degeneration is a breakdown of the deeper layers of the macula. Both affect central vision, which is why they are sometimes confused, but they are different conditions with different treatments.
Can an epiretinal membrane make me blind?
An epiretinal membrane affects the sharp central vision used for reading and detail. It does not take away side vision, and many membranes stay mild for years.
Will drops or vitamins make it go away?
No. Eye drops and supplements do not dissolve an epiretinal membrane. When one needs treatment, it is removed surgically by a retina specialist.
Book an exam at Reimbold Eye Group or call 770-776-9000. We are at 4180 Old Milton Pkwy #1-D in Alpharetta.