Epiretinal Membrane

Scar tissue wrinkling the macula

Overview

An epiretinal membrane is a thin, translucent layer of fibrous tissue that forms on the inner surface of the retina over the macula. As the membrane contracts, it wrinkles the underlying retina, which is why the condition is also called cellophane maculopathy or macular pucker. Most cases are idiopathic and associated with posterior vitreous detachment in older adults, while secondary membranes can follow retinal tears and detachment surgery, inflammation, vascular disease, or trauma. Many membranes cause no symptoms, but others produce blurred vision and metamorphopsia, in which straight lines appear wavy, and sometimes double vision in one eye. OCT shows the membrane and the thickened, distorted retina beneath it. Mild cases are commonly observed, while vitrectomy with peeling of the membrane is performed when distortion interferes significantly with vision. Improvement after surgery tends to be gradual over months, and recurrence is uncommon.