---
title: "Epiretinal membrane | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What an epiretinal membrane is, how it causes distorted or blurred central vision, monitoring versus surgery, and links to vitrectomy. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/epiretinal-membrane/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Epiretinal membrane

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

An epiretinal membrane is a thin, translucent layer of scar tissue that grows on the surface of the macula at the back of the eye. It can make straight lines look bent and blur central vision for reading and faces. Many membranes are mild and need only monitoring; surgery is considered when vision interferes with daily life.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Symptoms
4. Causes and who it affects
5. Diagnosis
6. Treatment
7. When to seek care
8. Related conditions
9. Related symptoms
10. Practical guides
11. Treatments & Surgery
12. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The retina is the light-sensing layer at the back of the eye. An epiretinal membrane (ERM) forms when cells multiply on the inner surface of the retina over the macula, gently pulling and wrinkling it. It is sometimes called macular pucker or cellophane maculopathy. It is different from a macular hole, though both affect central vision.

## Symptoms

Symptoms depend on how much the membrane contracts.

- Straight lines looking wavy, bent or smaller (metamorphopsia)
- Blurred or misty central vision
- Difficulty reading small print or seeing fine detail
- A central blind spot in more advanced cases
- Usually painless and gradual, often in one eye

## Causes and who it affects

Many ERMs have no clear cause and are found at routine eye checks in older adults. They can follow posterior vitreous detachment, retinal tears, laser treatment, inflammation, or retinal vein occlusion. Diabetes and eye injury are occasional associations. Most people with an ERM do not have another serious eye disease.

## Diagnosis

Optometrists or ophthalmologists see membrane shine and retinal wrinkling during dilated examination. OCT scanning confirms thickness and how much the macula is distorted. An Amsler grid at home can help you notice new waviness between visits.

## Treatment

Mild ERMs with little symptom impact are monitored every six to twelve months. If central vision limits reading, driving or work, vitrectomy surgery can peel the membrane. Surgery improves distortion in many cases but does not always restore normal vision; risks include cataract formation and rare complications, which your surgeon will discuss.

## When to seek care

Book assessment for new central distortion or blur, especially if sudden — that can signal wet macular degeneration or other treatable problems. Stable mild distortion found at a routine test can usually be monitored on a planned schedule.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Practical guides

## Treatments & Surgery

## Frequently asked questions

### Is an epiretinal membrane the same as a macular hole?

No. An ERM is scar tissue on the retinal surface that wrinkles the macula. A macular hole is an actual gap in central retina tissue. Both blur central vision but need different treatment approaches.

### Does every epiretinal membrane need surgery?

No. Many are mild and stable. Surgery is considered when symptoms affect daily tasks and the potential benefits outweigh surgical risks.

### Can an epiretinal membrane cause distorted vision?

Yes. Wavy or bent straight lines (metamorphopsia) are a hallmark symptom when the membrane pulls on the macula.

### What is the surgery for epiretinal membrane?

Vitrectomy removes the vitreous gel and peels the membrane from the macular surface. It is usually a day-case procedure under local anaesthetic.

### Can an epiretinal membrane get worse?

Some membranes stay stable for years; others slowly thicken and affect vision more. Regular OCT monitoring tracks change.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [National Eye Institute - Macular Pucker](https://www.nei.nih.gov/eye-health-information/eye-conditions-and-diseases/macular-pucker)