Epiretinal membrane |
This is also called cellophane
maculopathy or macular pucker. The central part of the retina develops
wrinkles. A very thin film or membrane on the surface retina starts
to shrink, and this causes the wrinkling.
If your sight is stable and not getting worse,
then surgery is not usually needed. Only a few people notice an
increase in the wrinkling.these are the patients that surgery may
help
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The surgery starts by passing small instruments
through very small holes. Then the vitreous is removed. (The vitreous
is the jelly in the middle of the eye..this part of the operation
is called a 'vitrectomy') The membrane is then peeled off and removed.
The vitreous is replaced with clear fluid. |
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Risks
As with any operation there are risks. The main risks are complications
such as infection and retinal detachment, both of which can be
very serious and cause severe loss of sight. The risk of such a
major problem is probably about 2% (1 in 50). Many patients will
develop a cataract, and there are a number or minor problems (and
rarely more serious problems that can develop). |
