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Epiretinal Membrane

Macular Epiretinal Membrane is not an uncommon finding on routine eye examination in persons over age 50 years. The cause is mainly unknown but is believed to be due to interactions between the vitreous face and the retinal surface. There are some well known causes which must be ruled out by thorough retinal examination, such as retinal tears and chronic retinal detachments. There can be underlying retinal vascular conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal vein occlusion or diabetic maculopathy. Previous retinal treatments or eye surgery can also lead to epiretinal membrane. 

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Most ERMs cause no problems or symptoms. If there is reduction in vision or distortion, investigation and  surgery to peel the macular epiretinal membrane should be considered.

Surgery for Epiretinal Membrane

Macular Epiretinal Membrane can be removed with vitrectomy surgery. The operation can be don eunder local anaesthesia as a day case. Removing the membrane will result in improvement in the symptoms of distortion. It may take about 4 months for the vision to improve and there may still be some distortion remaining.

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