Epiretinal membrane

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Epiretinal membrane is a disease of the eye in response to changes in the vitreous or diabetes. It is also called macular pucker. Sometimes, as a result of immune system response to protect the retina, cells converge in the macular area as the vitreous ages and pulls away in posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). These cells can form a transparent layer gradually and connect to create tension on the retina which may bulge and pucker, or even cause swelling. Often this results in distortions of vision that are clearly visible as bowing and blurring when looking at lines on chart paper (or an Amsler grid) within the macular area, or central 0.5 degree of visual arc. Usually it occurs in one eye first, and the distortions create binocular diplopia or double vision. In the young (under 50 years of age), these cells occasionally pull free and disintegrate on their own; but in the majority of sufferers (over 60 years of age) the condition is permanent. The underlying retinal cells, rods, and cones are usually not damaged unless the membrane becomes quite thick and hard; so usually there is no macular degeneration.

1 Surgery for epiretinal membrane
2 Prevention
3 References in Popular Culture
4 External links
5 References
6 See also

[edit] Surgery for epiretinal membrane

Surgeons can remove or peel the membrane through the sclera and improve vision by 2 or more Snellen lines. Usually the vitreous is replaced at the same time with clear fluid, in a vitrectomy. Surgery is not usually recommended unless the distortions are severe enough to interfere with daily living, since there are the usual hazards of surgery, infections, and a possibility of retinal detachment. A more common complication is high intraocular pressure, bleeding in the eye, and Cataract, which is the most frequent complication of vitrectomy surgery. Many patients will develop a cataract within the first few years after surgery.

[edit] Prevention

There is no good evidence for any preventative actions to take, since it appears this is a natural response to aging changes in the vitreous that happen to everyone. It is important to remember that posterior vitreous detachment PVD has been estimated to have occurred in over 75 per cent of the population over 65, that PVD is essentially a harmless condition although with some disturbing symptoms and that it does not normally threaten sight. However, since epiretinal membrane appears to be a protective response to PVD, it is possible that NSAIDS may reduce the response, so taking NSAIDS may be helpful. Usually there are flashing light experiences and the emergence of floaters in the eye that herald changes in the vitreous before the epiretinal membrane forms.

[edit] References in Popular Culture

In 1996, Spalding Gray (June 5, 1941 – ca. January 10, 2004), an American actor, screenwriter and playwright, released Gray's Anatomy, a film monologue describing his experiences dealing with a macular pucker and his decision to undergo surgery. It is very funny and quite informative.