Symptoms, Causes and Treatments for
Epiretinal Membrane
Epiretinal membrane is a thin fibrous layer that forms over the macular. While almost transparent, this layer can make it hard for the patient to see. While this condition does not cause blindness, it does have a serious impact on your central vision. The symptoms associated with epiretinal membrane can be so mild the patient has no idea they have a problem with absolutely no symptoms or side effects to those patients that suffer from distorted and blurred vision as a result. The only way to determine if epiretinal membrane is responsible for your blurred and distorted vision is to use a Amster Grid, which is a diagnostic tool which can see the layer and identify the problem, providing a fast and accurate assessment. The causes of epiretinal membrane is a thin layer of fibrous tissue that lies over the macular. Often this contacts like scar tissue. Over time it pulls on the retina, which results in the puckering of the macular and the swelling of the retina. This is a common condition resulting in epiretinal membranes. If you are suffering with blurred or distorted vision, its advisable to have your eyes tested to rule out this condition and ensure the best possible outcome. This condition can occur in patients that have never had eye problems in the past. Very often epiretinal membrane is caused by changes in the vitreous gel. The vitreous gel is a gel like substance that gives your eye its shape. On other occasions, the epiretinal membrane can be caused by disease, previous surgery or trauma. Treatment varies based on the severity of the epiretinal membrane. Patients that are not bothered and have no or few symptoms will be monitored on a regular basis with no need for further treatment unless the condition worsens. For patients who suffer from the membrane, they will be offered surgery.