An epiretinal membrane (ERM) is a collection of collagenous cells that occurs on the inner surface of the central retina. These membranes have contractile properties and can lead to visual changes and metamorphopsia because of their effect on the underlying retina.
The type and degree of symptoms experienced by an individual with epiretinal membrane (ERM) depends largely on the thickness of the membrane, the degree of retinal distortion it causes, the location of the wrinkling, and the presence or the absence of retinal detachment or edema. Mild distortion or blurring is the most common symptom.
Isolate epiretinal membrane (ERM) as the main cause of a patient's visual impairment prior to planning a corrective procedure. Evaluate the patient carefully to rule out other pathologic conditions, such as macular holes, subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes, cystoid macular edema, or retinal vascular occlusive disease, that may mimic the appearance of a true membrane.
Surgical treatment of epiretinal membrane is usually not an emergent procedure. Only when there is macular edema does it become a more urgent procedure.