An epiretinal membrane is a condition affecting the retina that can distort central vision and make straight lines look bent. It is assessed with optical coherence tomography, or OCT. If you notice distorted vision or changes in central vision, a retinal examination can determine whether further treatment is needed.
What Is an Epiretinal Membrane?
The retina is the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. Retinal disease is a leading cause of vision loss and often develops without pain.
An epiretinal membrane affects central vision and can cause distortion of straight lines. The condition is also commonly described as a macular pucker.
You might notice that straight objects appear bent or distorted. Changes in central vision should be assessed by an eye specialist rather than judged from symptoms alone.
An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who examines and treats eye conditions. A retinal specialist focuses on conditions involving the retina and vitreous.
Epiretinal Membrane and Distorted Vision
An epiretinal membrane can affect the way you see objects in the centre of your vision. One specific feature is distortion of straight lines.
This type of distorted vision can make everyday visual tasks feel different. However, the presence of a visual change does not by itself confirm the cause.
A retinal examination is needed to identify the condition.
Other retinal conditions
Macular hole and epiretinal membrane both affect central vision and can cause distortion of straight lines. They are assessed with optical coherence tomography.
This makes OCT an important part of assessing an epiretinal membrane and other conditions affecting central vision.
How Is an Epiretinal Membrane Diagnosed?
An epiretinal membrane is assessed as part of a retinal examination. Optical coherence tomography provides the assessment described in the clinical guidance for this condition.
OCT is also used when assessing a macular hole. The examination helps identify changes affecting the central retina.
Retinal disease can develop without pain, so the absence of discomfort does not rule out a retinal problem.
You should arrange an eye examination if you notice a change in central vision or straight lines begin to appear distorted.
People with diabetes also need regular dilated retinal examinations. Diabetic retinopathy affects retinal blood vessels and can be present without symptoms during its early stages. You can read more about diabetic retinopathy.
Epiretinal Membrane Treatment Options
Treatment for an epiretinal membrane follows retinal assessment. The clinical guidance states that epiretinal membrane and macular hole may be treated surgically.
Retinal disease has several treatment options. These include retinal laser, intravitreal injections and retinal surgery.
Retinal surgery
Surgical options for retinal disease include:
- Pars plana vitrectomy
- Scleral buckling
Pars plana vitrectomy is among the surgical options used for retinal conditions. It is also listed for conditions including diabetic retinopathy, vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment, macular hole and epiretinal membrane.
The treatment approach is based on the retinal condition identified during examination.
Vision already lost to advanced retinal disease often cannot be restored. The aim of treatment is usually to preserve remaining vision, which is why early detection matters.
When Should You Seek Retinal Assessment?
An epiretinal membrane is not the only retinal condition that can affect vision. Some retinal symptoms require urgent assessment.
Floaters are common and often harmless. However, a sudden shower of new floaters, especially with flashes, needs urgent examination.
Warning signs of retinal detachment
Watch for:
- A sudden increase in floaters
- Flashes of light
- A shadow or curtain moving across your field of vision
These are warning signs of retinal detachment. Retinal detachment is an emergency and needs same-day assessment.
Do not wait for pain before seeking retinal care. Retinal disease often develops without pain.
Retinopathy of prematurity is another condition involving the retina. It affects the developing retina of premature babies. Screening is time critical and follows the paediatrician’s referral schedule.
Retinal Care at Thind Eye Hospital
Thind Eye Hospital has a multi superspeciality eye care setup with branches in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Pathankot.
The hospital launched its fully equipped Vitreo-Retinal department in 1999. It was founded in 1991 by Dr. Jaswant Singh Thind, Chairman cum Managing Director, who completed his MS from King George’s Medical College, Lucknow, in 1986.
Dr. Kanwaljeet H. Madan is a Senior Vitreo-Retinal Surgeon. He has a PGIMER Chandigarh background and an FAICO Fellowship in Vitreo-Retina. He has more than 50 published papers and consults at Jalandhar daily, Hoshiarpur on Wednesday and Pathankot on Monday. You can learn more about Dr. Kanwaljeet H. Madan.
The hospital brings more than 39 years of expertise in eye care and has performed more than 4,00,000 surgeries to date.
For additional eye health information, you can refer to the American Academy of Ophthalmology
What to Do If You Notice Distorted Vision
If straight lines look bent or you notice other changes in central vision, arrange a retinal examination. An epiretinal membrane is assessed with optical coherence tomography, and surgical treatment may be considered when appropriate.
Do not ignore sudden retinal warning signs. A sudden increase in floaters, flashes or a shadow or curtain across your vision requires same-day assessment.
If you need retinal assessment, you can book an appointment with Thind Eye Hospital.
If you are concerned about an epiretinal membrane, distorted vision or changes in central vision, arrange a retinal consultation for proper assessment.
“This article provides general information about eye health and eye care services. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a qualified ophthalmologist. Symptoms vary between individuals. Please consult a licensed eye specialist before acting on any information here.”
