NWKEC logo.


* Ocular Anatomy And Function

* The Vitreous

* Retinal Tear And Vitreous Hemorrhage

* Treatment Of Retinal Tear

* Retinal Detachment

* Scleral Buckling Surgery For Retinal Detachment

* Pneumatic Retinopexy

* Vitreous Surgery (Vitrectomy)

* Vitreous Hemorrhage And Retinal Detachment

* Proliferative Vtireoretinopathy (PVR)

* Giant Retinal Tear

* Diabetic Retinopathy

* Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker)

* Intraocular Infection: Endophthalmitis

* Retinal Detachment With CMV Retinitis

* Trauma And Intraocular Foreign Body

* Dislocated Lens

* Macular Hole

* Submacular Surgery

* FAQ's About Retinal Detachment

 
   
Epiretinal Membrane (Macular Pucker).
________________________________________________.


Scar tissue can grow on the surface of the retina, directly over the macula. This scar tissue can contract, and cause the retina to wrinkle. The scar tissue on the surface of the retina is called an "epiretinal membrane" or "macular pucker". An epiretinal membrane can cause visual loss, as well as distorted or double vision.

Removal of Epiretinal Membrane.

Epiretinal membranes may be caused by a variety of eye problems. They may follow retinal detachment surgery or laser treatment or cryotherapy for retinal tears. They may be associated with retinal blood vessel problems. In most cases, the epiretinal membrane occurs in an otherwise healthy eye as a result of a posterior vitreous detachment.

The only treatment for visual loss caused by an epiretinal membrane is surgery to remove the membrane. If the vision is only mildly reduced, it is best not to do surgery. If the visual loss or distortion is significant, however, a vitrectomy may be performed to remove the membrane. This surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The membrane is picked up with a fine instrument and gently peeled off the surface of the retina.

Vision usually improves slowly after surgery, with most of the improvement coming within the first three months, though it may continue to improve for many months. In some cases, the vision may not improve at all. The chance that vision will improve following surgery is about 75%. On an average, patients regain approximately half of the vision that was lost because of the epiretinal membrane.

The complications of the surgery include retinal tears and detachment, cataract formation, infection, and regrowth of the membrane. These complications may result in mild to total loss of vision, though vision-losing complications are rare.


________________________________________________.

Back. Home.