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Epiretinal membrane (also called cellophane maculopathy, macular pucker, or premacular fibrosis) is formation of a thin membrane over the retina, which interferes with vision.
Epiretinal membrane is a thin membrane of scar tissue that forms over the retina and contracts, wrinkling the retina underneath. Epiretinal membrane typically occurs after age 50 and is most common among people older than 75.
With aging, the vitreous humor (the jellylike substance inside the back part of the eye; also called the vitreous) shrinks. Various conditions that can cause or contribute to wrinkling of the retina include the following:
Most of the time, however, no clear cause can be identified.
Symptoms may include blurred vision or distorted vision (for example, straight lines may appear wavy). Many people say that it seems like they are looking through plastic wrap or cellophane. Doctors confirm the diagnosis by looking at the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography may also be helpful.
Most people need no treatment. If vision is poor, the membrane can be removed surgically, using a procedure called a membrane peel. This procedure can be done under local anesthesia in an operating room and usually takes about 30 minutes.
Last full review/revision November 2008 by Sunir J. Garg, MD, FACS
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