Macular Pucker / Epiretinal Membrane
Also known as Epiretinal Membrane, ERM, Cellophane Maculopathy, Preretinal Fibrosis, Macular Wrinkle
Bottom Line
A macular pucker is a thin scar-like membrane on the macula. It can make straight lines look wavy and central vision blurry.
A macular pucker happens when a thin membrane forms on the macula, the retina area used for reading and faces. Doctors also call it an epiretinal membrane 1.
Many cases are mild and only need monitoring. Stronger pulling can wrinkle the macula and cause wavy lines, central blur, or trouble reading 2.
Surgery can peel the membrane when symptoms are bad enough. Watchful waiting may be reasonable when symptoms are mild 1.
Diagnosis
The key test is optical coherence tomography, often called OCT. It is a scan that shows the retina in cross-section.
OCT helps show the epiretinal membrane, macular wrinkles, swelling, and traction. It can change whether surgery is recommended 2.
Treatment
Treatment depends on symptoms, vision, and scan findings.
- Observation. Mild cases may only need monitoring.
- New glasses. Glasses may help if blur is partly from focus.
- Vitrectomy and membrane peel. A retina surgeon removes the gel and peels the membrane.
A systematic review studied predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity after idiopathic epiretinal membrane surgery 3.
Common Questions About Macular Pucker
Next Steps
- 1Check one eye at a time if straight lines look wavy.
- 2Book a dilated retina exam for new central distortion.
- 3Ask whether an OCT scan shows an epiretinal membrane.
- 4Go to the emergency room for sudden vision loss or a curtain.
- 5Discuss surgery if distortion limits reading, driving, or work.
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