What is an epiretinal membrane?
An epiretinal membrane, also sometimes called a macular pucker, is a development of a very thin, clear layer of tissue (a membrane) that forms over the macula (the small area in the centre of your retina). They’re quite common and usually develop as you age.
What are the symptoms of an epiretinal membrane?
As the membrane that develops is clear, many people don’t tend to notice any symptoms or changes to their vision. Sometimes, over time the membrane can become thicker which impacts your central vision – this is when people start to notice distorted or blurred vision.
What causes an epiretinal membrane?
The most common cause of epiretinal membrane is due to a natural, age-related change in the vitreous humour (the transparent gel-like fluid between the lens and the retina). After the age of 50, this jelly substance starts to change and gradually pulls away from the retina. As this happens, cells can be released as part of the eye’s healing process which multiply and form a membrane over the macula. It can form after retinal tears or surgery for a detached retina.
Usually this happens very slowly and it stops growing after a while. But when the cells continue to multiply and the membrane contracts, it can lead to visual problems.
How is it diagnosed?
An epiretinal membrane is usually picked up by an optometrist during your eye exam. An OCT scan (which many opticians offer) can help to detect early signs of epiretinal membrane. If your vision is affected by it, your optometrist will refer you on to specialists like us to see if you might benefit from surgery.
What treatment is available for an epiretinal membrane?
Epiretinal membranes can be treated with a type of surgery known as vitrectomy. Vitrectomy is a procedure that treats eye conditions related to the retina, macula and vitreous humour.
Who might need vitrectomy surgery?
Surgery is usually recommended when you find that the distortion or blurring makes it difficult to see properly and carry out your normal daily activities. The surgery removes the transparent jelly substance that fills that back of your eye (call the vitreous humour) and the membrane that has developed. It’s a relatively straightforward procedure that usually takes between 30-40 minutes.
What are the benefits of vitrectomy surgery?
Having this type of surgery usually helps to improve any distorted vision caused by an epiretinal membrane. Lots of people also find that sharpness of their vision also improves.
What happens during vitrectomy surgery?
What is the recovery process after epiretinal membrane surgery?
Your consultant will give you all the information you need about recovery before you go home, but they’ll generally advise you to:
Plan to take things easy for a few days
Bathe and shower normally, but try to avoid getting anything in your eye
Avoid swimming until you’ve finished using your drops.
Don’t worry if your eye looks red and feel a bit gritty after your surgery, this is quite normal and can last for a couple of weeks.
It can take a few weeks for your vision to improve after surgery. You might continue to notice more improvement up to six months or a year after surgery, depending on how much your vision was affected by the epiretinal membrane – your consultant will let you know what to expect for your recovery.
How much does vitrectomy surgery cost?
Private vitrectomy surgery starts from £5,995 per eye and combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery starts from £6,995 per eye. That includes all your pre- and post-operative appointments, as well as your medication.
If you have any questions about available treatments or you’d like to book an appointment with a full assessment of your condition, get in touch with us.
FAQs
Where can I get vitrectomy surgery near me?
You can find your nearest Newmedica clinic that provides vitreoretinal surgery here.
How do I get referred?
Private patients can just get in touch with us directly. But if you’re using private medical insurance, you might need some more information to make your claim. You can find all the details on our private referral page.
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Birmingham
Aqueous One, Aston Cross Business Village, Rocky Lane, Birmingham, B6 5RQ
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Bristol - Aztec West
Building 720, Waterside Drive, Aztec West, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4UD
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Shrewsbury
Unit 2, Anchorage Ave., Shrewsbury Bus. Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6FG
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Getting referred to Newmedica
If you think you have an eye condition, you should see your optician or GP for a detailed assessment. They’ll go through all the options available and tell you where you can have your treatment.
The referral process will differ slightly depending on whether you want to be an NHS or private patient. You’ll find all the information you need on our NHS and private patient pages.
Are you a health care professional?
Find out how to refer a patient.
Private patients
Find details about our private
options and how to get started.
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Self-referring? Call 0800 4096 792