Removal of Epiretinal Membrane (ERM Peel)

Abstract

Epiretinal membranes (ERM) are a collection of glial or RPE cells and collagenous cells that can form a contractile fibrocellular scaffold. This contractile scaffold can lead to reduced vision and metamorphopsia. Epiretinal membranes can occur idiopathically or may be associated with uveitis, posterior vitreous detachments, retinal tears, retinal detachments, and vitreous hemorrhage. ERMs have been called by a variety of different names including macular pucker, cellophane maculopathy, preretinal macular fibrosis, epimacular membranes, and preretinal gliosis. Ocular coherence tomography (OCT) can help identify the presence of an ERM and elucidate characteristics of retinal thickening or distortion and the extent of the ERM. Prior to a surgical intervention, it is important to establish that the ERM is in fact the cause of the patient's visual disturbance.