Macular Pucker (Epiretinal Membrane)

A thin layer of tissue (membrane) may grow over the surface of the retina (epi-retinal). This tissue is often referred to as scar tissue because the tissue forms as an abnormal healing response in the eye.  Epiretinal membranes may occur in conjunction with other eye problems such as retinal detachment, problems with retinal blood vessels, or an eye injury.  Most epiretinal membranes, however, occur in an otherwise healthy eye, and are not associated with any other problem in your body.
Epiretinal membranes may cause many visual symptoms.  As the epiretinal membrane contracts, it causes the retina to become distorted or wrinkled thereby disturbing the vision.  Visual symptoms may vary from very mild symptoms to very severe symptoms.  Patients may experience blurred vision or loss of central acuity.  Patients may also ecperience distorted vision in which straight lines appear to be bent or curved; or objects appear to be distorted in shape and form.