Epiretinal Membrane (ERM)

Epiretinal membranes most often occur in people over age 50 and, in most cases, don’t require treatment, only observation. Your risk increases with your age.

Comparison between a normal retina (left) and OCT scan showing the epiretinal membrane (right)

What are the Symptoms of ERM?

In most cases, an ERM does not have symptoms and many people don’t even know they have the condition. However, ERMs can progress slowly and lead to:

• Vague visual distortion
• Normally straight lines looking crooked or wavy
• In rare and severe cases, severely decreased vision

How are ERMs Treated?

Since most ERMs are fairly stable after an initial period of growth, they can simply be monitored as long as they are not affecting vision significantly. In progressing cases where vision is greatly affected, we may perform a procedure called a vitrectomy.

Vitrectomy is a procedure where small incisions are placed in the white part of the eye, and the vitreous gel filling the inside of the eye is replaced with saline. This allows access to the surface of the retina where the ERM can be gently removed.

Schedule an appointment with our Houston retina specialist to see if treatment is right for you.