Epiretinal membranes are the result of cellular proliferation along the internal limiting membrane and retinal surface. They are hypo-cellular largely collagen structures can be either idiopathic or secondary. 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.
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.
