Overview
An epiretinal membrane (ERM) or macular pucker, a condition that can become more serious than you might think, is a fine layer of scar tissue that develops on the surface of the retina. This portion of scar tissue may cause distorted or hazy vision.
Common Signs of Macular Pucker
Distorted, central vision is the most common sign. Although the condition may affect both eyes, it is more likely to occur in a single eye. Another symptom to watch out for is straight lines, which appear distorted and wavy. In addition to distorted shapes, you may find your vision deteriorating. For example, you may see double. The key is to remember that early detection is crucial, and more importantly, spectacles cannot fix the poor vision from macular pucker.
Possible Causes of Macular Pucker
Macular pucker may be caused by various factors, such as previous eye surgery, tears in the retina, a prior event of retinal detachment, infection, traumatic eye injury, inflammation of the eye, and diabetes-related retina conditions.
How do you diagnose macular pucker?
Your ophthalmologist gathers information about your medical history, previous eye surgeries, and family history of ocular disorders to better understand your health status. Dr. Yako administers eye drops to widen the eyes, a crucial step that allows him to thoroughly view the retina. He then uses a special light and magnifying device to inspect the eyes closely.
Additional tests used to confirm macular pucker include the following:
- Amsler grid eye test relies on a visual aid to check for visual distortion.
- Optical coherence tomography is used to capture detailed images of the retina.
How do you treat macular pucker?
Treatment for macular pucker depends on its severity and your unique preferences. Fortunately, non-invasive and surgical treatments are available, depending on what suits you. Vitrectomy with membranectomy is an example of an outpatient procedure that aims to remove the membrane or scar tissue from the retina.
Epiretinal Membrane+ VMT
