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Epiretinal membrane is formation of a thin membrane over the retina, which interferes with vision.
Epiretinal membrane typically occurs after age 50 and is most common among people > 75. An epiretinal membrane is a thin fibrotic membrane that forms over the retina and contracts, wrinkling the retina underneath.
Risk factors for epiretinal membrane are the following:
Most cases are idiopathic.
Symptoms may include blurred vision or distorted vision (eg, straight lines may appear wavy). Many patients say that it seems like they are looking through plastic wrap or cellophane. Diagnosis is by funduscopy. Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography may also be helpful.
Most people need no treatment. If problems with vision are significant, the membrane can be removed surgically (membrane peel).
Last full review/revision December 2008 by Sunir J. Garg, MD, FACS
Content last modified December 2008
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