Epiretinal membranes are the result of cellular proliferation along the internal limiting membrane and retinal surface. They are hypo-cellular largely collagen structures and can be either idiopathic or secondary. They vary in severity from very subtle membranes to thick membranes covering the macular region.
The so-called idiopathic type of epimacular membrane has been shown to be caused by glial proliferation through a defect in the internal limiting lamina, usually created by a posterior vitreous separation. Secondary causes include retinal vascular occlusions, diabetic retinopathy, the aftermath of surgical procedures such as like retinal detachment surgery, ocular inflammatory conditions and the after-effects of laser or cryotherapy.
Contraction of these membranes causes retinal wrinkling and several types...
Epiretinal membranes are the result of cellular proliferation along the internal limiting membrane and retinal surface. They are hypo-cellular largely collagen structures and can be either idiopathic or secondary. They vary in severity from very subtle membranes to thick membranes covering the macular region.
The so-called idiopathic type of epimacular membrane has been shown to be caused by glial proliferation through a defect in the internal limiting lamina, usually created by a posterior vitreous separation. Secondary causes include retinal vascular occlusions, diabetic retinopathy, the aftermath of surgical procedures such as like retinal detachment surgery, ocular inflammatory conditions and the after-effects of laser or cryotherapy.
Contraction of these membranes causes retinal wrinkling and several types of retinal detachments, usually micro-detachments.
Patients with macular epiretinal membranes can experience a relative loss of vision accompanied by metamorphopsias.
Those patients with recent loss of visual acuity, metamorphopsias and/or angiography leakage, must be submitted to surgery, particularly if they need a cataract removal.
