Epiretinal Membrane

An epiretinal membrane (ERM), also known as macular pucker or cellophane maculopathy, forms on the surface of the retina. It's a thin layer of fibrous tissue composed of glial cells, collagen, and sometimes retinal pigment epithelial cells. ERMs typically develop due to changes in the vitreous humor of the eye, often caused by aging, trauma, or inflammation. Clinically, ERMs can cause visual distortion, blurriness, or even mild vision loss if they contract and distort the underlying retina, particularly affecting central vision. Diagnosis involves a thorough eye exam, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to assess the extent and severity of the membrane. Treatment may not always be necessary, especially if symptoms are mild. However, if visual impairment is significant, surgical intervention such as vitrectomy with membrane peeling may be considered to improve vision by removing the abnormal tissue layer from the retina's surface.