Understanding Epiretinal Membrane
An epiretinal membrane (ERM), also known as macular pucker, is a thin layer of scar tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, specifically over the macula. The macula is responsible for sharp central vision, so ERM can cause vision distortion or blurriness
What Causes Epiretinal Membranes?
ERM often develops due to age-related changes in the eye. Other causes include:
- Retinal detachment or tears
- Inflammation within the eye
- Eye surgery
- Diabetic retinopathy or other vascular conditions
Healthy Eye
Epiretinal Membrane
Symptoms to Watch For:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy or bent
- Difficulty reading or seeing fine details
- A gray or cloudy area in central vision
- Double vision in one eye (in some cases)
Distorted Vision from Epiretinal Membrane
Diagnosis:
An eye care professional can diagnose ERM through a dilated eye exam and imaging tests such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides detailed images of the retina
Who is at Risk?
- People over the age of 50
- Individuals with a history of eye conditions, injuries, or surgeries
- Those with diabetes or vascular diseases
- People with chronic eye inflammation
For more information, please visit the following websites:
aao.org
eyewiki.com
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