However, the conditions are completely different and can cause different symptoms.
There are several different names for an epiretinal membrane.
The various names help to describe the stages or complications of the condition.
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Some additional names used to describe epiretinal membrane include the following:
What Is an Epiretinal Membrane?
This membrane can be somewhat opacified and difficult to see through.
This is referred to as “vitreomacular traction syndrome.”
Causes
Interestingly, many people who develop an epiretinal membrane do not have any other eye disease.
The vitreous fills about 80 percent of the eye.
It contains millions of fibers that are attached to the retina.
As we get older, the vitreous shrinks and pulls away from the surface of the retina.
These floaters sometimes appear as cobwebs that may move around in their visual field.
This scar tissue is referred to as an epiretinal membrane.
As in other places in our body, sometimes this fibrous scar tissue may contract.
When the membrane contracts over the macula, we notice blurred and distorted vision.
As the condition progresses,metamorphopsiacan develop.
Furthermore, a straight line may appear bent or a piece of it may be missing.
As metamorphopsia worsens, vision may drop to 20/50 or worse.
However, some people develop mild epiretinal membranes and may never even know they have the condition.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing epiretinal membrane is to undergo acomprehensive eye examination.
Your vision will be assessed to measure the level of your vision.
Your eyes will be dilated with medicated eye drops.
Your retina can be observed by a special upright bio-microscope called a slit lamp.
Epiretinal membranes can be seen with this instrument.
An OCT uses laser light to visualize different layers of the retina.
In minutes, your healthcare provider can see how the membrane is affecting the macula.
What You Should Know
Most epiretinal membranes require close monitoring.
If a hole develops in the macula, a retinal specialist will attempt to repair the hole.
Macular hole surgical repair usually helps to restore some vision.
The success of a macular hole repair is often dependent on the length of time it has been there.
American Society of Retina Specialists.Epiretinal membranes.
Bottos J, Elizalde J, Arevalo JF, Rodrigues EB, Maia M.Vitreomacular traction syndrome.J Ophthalmic Vis Res.
2012;7(2):148-161.
Retina Eye Specialists.Epiretinal membrane/macular pucker.
2011;118(4):694-699. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2010.08.009
Columbia University.Macular pucker.
Midena E, Vujosevic S.Metamorphopsia: an overlooked visual symptom.Ophthalmic Res.
2016;55(1):26-36. doi:10.1159/000441033
National Eye Institute.Macular pucker.
National Eye Institute.Vitreous detachment.
