Epiretinal Membrane/Macular Pucker

Between 18%-34% of American adults have a macular pucker (or epiretinal membrane). Depending on its location, this scar tissue on the retina can cause blurry and distorted vision. At Prestige Retina in Allen, Texas, medical and surgical retina specialist Jason Chien, MD, provides complete care for an epiretinal membrane/macular pucker. Noninvasive and surgical treatments that protect the eyes and preserve vision are available. Call Prestige Retina to schedule epiretinal membrane/macular pucker treatment, or book your appointment online today.

What is an epiretinal membrane/macular pucker?

Macular pucker, also known as an epiretinal membrane, is a scar that causes your retina –– a layer of light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye –– to wrinkle. The wrinkle’s severity can affect how your light-sensing cells function, resulting in blurry or distorted vision.

Most people with a macular pucker don’t even know it exists, but in severe cases, it can affect your eyesight and quality of life.

What are the symptoms of macular pucker?

The most common symptom of macular pucker is distorted vision. Often, people with the condition report that straight lines appear wavy. These distortions typically affect only one eye, but they can occur in both. You might also experience blurred or double vision.

What causes macular pucker?

A macular pucker or epiretinal membrane can occur for various reasons, including:

• Eye inflammation
• Retina tear and retinal detachment
• Prior eye surgery
• Eye trauma
• Infection

Certain medical conditions can also increase your risk. For example, people with diabetes-related retina disease often experience macular pucker.

How is an epiretinal membrane/macular pucker diagnosed?

Your Prestige Retina provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and completes an eye exam. They may also conduct several tests, including:

Amsler grid test

This test involves looking at a grid with straight lines and a large dot in the center. If the lines appear wavy or distorted, it indicates a retina problem. 

Optical coherence tomography (OCT)

OCT lets your provider take detailed photos of the back of your eyes, including the retina and macula. This makes it easy to identify a macular pucker or epiretinal membrane.

How is an epiretinal membrane/macular pucker treated?

Prestige Retina takes a patient-centered, often conservative approach to treating macular pucker/epiretinal membrane. Your provider recommends waiting and watching if you aren’t experiencing vision-related symptoms.

If your vision is slightly blurry, you might benefit from a new eyeglasses prescription, magnifying devices, or increased lighting (like using a reading lamp, for example). 

However, if your symptoms are severe, your provider might recommend a surgery called vitrectomy with membranectomy. This procedure removes the scar tissue from your retina, restoring your eyesight.

What is recovery like after a vitrectomy?

After a vitrectomy, blurred or distorted vision for a few days is normal. You might also experience eye soreness and sensitivity. You can’t drive for a while and must take two to four weeks off work. Most people recover completely within 12 weeks.

Call Prestige Retina to schedule an epiretinal membrane/macular pucker consultation, or book your appointment online today.