EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE SURGERY
Epiretinal membrane (ERM) causes painless blurred vision, not to be confused with cataracts of astigmatism. Other names for this eye condition include macular pucker or cellophane maculopathy.
WHAT IS AN EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE?
The inner lining at the back of the eye is known as the retina. This part of the eye is the specialized nerve layer that transmits light signals to the brain, to be interpreted as images.
An epiretinal membrane is a very thin, semi-translucent layer of scar tissue that forms above the surface of the retina. More precisely, above the center part, called the macula.
The macula comprises special sensitive nerve cells that provide our sharp central vision needed for seeing fine detail (how far you can read down the letter chart). When an epiretinal membrane develops, it can cause the underlying macula to contract and wrinkle. This translates into distorted or blurred vision and a reduction in your visual acuity, which may slowly worsen over time. Also, straight lines or letters may look wavy or bent (metamorphopsia).
Less commonly, epiretinal membranes may also be associated with double vision, light sensitivity, or images looking larger or smaller than they actually are.
However, the epiretinal membrane isn’t painful. Also, it doesn’t cause vision loss (go blind) because it doesn’t affect peripheral vision. In fact, it may not always cause you sight problems at all.

Written by Dr Osama Bahsas Zaky
Updated on October 27, 2021