Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)

This is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms in the macula which is the center part of the retina that allows one to have reading vision and perform tasks that require high definition. This membrane has contractile properties that can cause the surface of the macula to wrinkle. This wrinkling can elicit symptoms such as distortion and blurring of vision.

Causes

They most commonly form as a result of an aging process of the eye that causes the internal gel called the vitreous to liquefy and separate from the surface of the retina. Some cases may be related to prior trauma, inflammation in the eye, diseases of the retinal blood vessels, or prior eye surgery. They are often found incidentally on routine eye exams.

Diagnosis

Your retinal specialist will use special drops to dilate your eyes which will then allow them to look through a special lens to visualize the retina. Also, a non-invasive imaging test called optical coherence tomography is helpful for diagnosis and to monitor for change over time.

Treatments

Most macular puckers are mild, cause minimal symptoms, and do not require treatment. However, they may progress over time and result in significant blurring or distortion of the central vision. These cases can be treated with surgical removal called vitrectomy with membrane peel.