Usually nothing at first
Most early membranes cause no symptoms. A retinal scan during a routine eye exam can find one before your sight changes.
Epiretinal membrane
treatment in Korea
A thin film that bends straight lines
An epiretinal membrane is a thin film that forms on the front surface of the retina. As it pulls, the retina changes shape, so straight lines can look wavy or your sight can blur. At Sky Eye Clinic in Seoul, the retina team scans the retina, monitors mild cases and removes the membrane by vitrectomy when it harms your vision.
Not every membrane needs surgery. Timing depends on how severe it is and how it changes.
Basics
How the membrane forms
Cells and cellular matrix on the front of the retina come away from the nerve tissue and spread into a thin membrane. As it tightens, it can tug the retina out of shape.
Our Retina Center diagnoses and treats it.
Causes
What it is linked to
Known associations
- Aging plays some part, though the exact cause is still unclear
- Inflammation in the eye, for example uveitis
- Conditions affecting blood vessels, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
- In rare cases, previous retinal surgery or laser photocoagulation
Symptoms
What you may notice
Later on
As it develops, sight can weaken or objects can look bent. How much depends on the membrane’s position and shape.
Treatment
Watch first, operate if needed
Monitoring mild cases
Your doctor follows the membrane over time and sets the timing of any treatment by how severe it is and how it progresses.
Vitrectomy to remove it
Surgery is recommended once the membrane reduces your vision, distorts it badly, or alters the retina’s structure.
During vitrectomy the abnormal membrane is removed from the retinal surface.
Good to Know
Wavy lines have more than one cause
Distortion can also come from macular degeneration, so an exam is how the two are told apart. If you live with uveitis or diabetes, the pages on uveitis and diabetic retinopathy explain those conditions.
Retinal surgery at the clinic uses the EVA Nexus vitrectomy system. Whether and when surgery makes sense is decided for each eye.
FAQ
Questions about epiretinal membrane
What exactly is it?
A thin membrane that forms when cells and cellular matrix on the front of the retina separate from the nerve tissue.
What does it do to my sight?
Often nothing at first. Later, vision may drop or objects may look bent.
Does every membrane need an operation?
No. Timing is set by watching how it progresses. Surgery is considered for vision loss, severe distortion or a change in the structure of the retina.
Why did I get one?
The exact cause is not known. It is linked to aging, uveitis, diabetes and high blood pressure, and rarely to retinal surgery or laser photocoagulation.
Related
Keep reading
01
Retina Center overview
All seven retinal and glaucoma conditions we treat.
view
02
Macular degeneration
Another condition that can bend straight lines.
view
03
Equipment
The imaging and surgical systems used at the clinic.
view
04
Ask about an exam
Send your questions before you plan a visit.
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