EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE (MACULAR PUCKER)
If you have blurred vision or distorted vision where straight lines appear crooked, you could be suffering from macular pucker.
What is an Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)?
An epiretinal membrane (also called macular pucker) is the formation of a thin membrane over part of the
retina known as the macula. The macula is the most sensitive part of the eye and plays a central role in processing detailed vision.
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Epiretinal Membrane
What causes Epiretinal Membranes (Macular Pucker)?
An epiretinal membrane occurs when the gel-like vitreous in the eye becomes more liquid and exerts an abnormal pull on the retina. This results in small pieces of retina breaking away from the inner wall of the eye. When some vitreous remains on the macula, it stimulates the formation of scar tissue, or the growth of a thin membrane over the retina. Over time, these membrane cells contract and cause the retina to wrinkle, distorting vision. Deterioration of the vitreous can also cause other problems such as floaters and flashes, retinal tears, vitreomacular traction and retinal detachment.
What are the symptoms of Epiretinal Membranes (Macular Pucker)?
Epiretinal membrane cause a mild decline in vision. Some signs include gradual loss of central vision or vision distortion (seeing straight lines as wavy). The best way to detect the condition is through an
eye examination. Your eye doctor will administer eye drops to enlarge the pupils temporarily so that he or she can check the back of your eyes (the retina) for holes. The eyes are also painlessly scanned with optical coherence tomography (a light used to check the different layers of the retina).
What treatment is there for Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)?
An epiretinal membrane may be treated with a vitrectomy, a form of keyhole surgery that uses small probes to enter inside the eye to remove the vitreous and peel off the epiretinal membrane. A gas is then injected into the eye to replace the vitreous and prevent it from pulling on the retina. Following surgery, the patient will need to lie in a face-down position for one to two days to allow the gas bubble to press against the macula to smoothen it. The eye will refill naturally with fluid. Eyes with epiretinal membrane which are long standing may not be treated with surgery if the vision is unlikely to improve after surgery. Some epiretinal membranes may present in the early stages which are less serious. They may just be followed up by an ophthalmologist.
The success of improving the vision varies from person to person and ranges from 80 to 90 per cent. In the majority of eyes, the surgery improves the symptoms of blurred or distorted vision.
Please visit the following relevant links :-
Vitreo-Retina Service
Outcome Results on Vitreo-Retina Procedure
Vitreo-Retina Clinical Staff
I Want an Eye Examination / an Appointment
Importance of Eye Examination
How the Eye Works
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Read more on other Eye Conditions and Treatments
Floaters and Flashes
Retinal Tears
Vitreomacular Traction
Retinal Detachment