What do you need to know?
- The epiretinal membrane is a thin layer on the retina that causes distorted vision and reduced visual acuity.
- Typical symptoms include blurred vision, difficulty seeing detail and problems reading or recognising faces.
- Leczenie zależy od nasilenia objawów – może obejmować obserwację lub operację witrektomii w cięższych przypadkach.
- It is a good idea to see an ophthalmologist at the onset of symptoms, as prompt diagnosis and treatment improve the quality of life.
The epiretinal membrane is a thin structure that forms on the surface of the retina, which can lead to distorted vision and problems in daily functioning. As the condition progresses, visual impairment progresses, negatively affecting patients' comfort. In cases of minor symptoms, the further course of the disease should be closely monitored. In severe visual impairment, the patient's subjective complaints include blurred images that make it difficult to see details. Causes of epiretinal membranes can include inflammation of the eye, retinal surgery or ageing processes, which raises the risk of complaints in which visual acuity deteriorates.1
Treatment of epiretinal membranes is based on observation or surgical intervention if problems are severe. In situations where the problems progress, treatment needs to be included and, in cases of severe visual impairment, surgery is indicated. Surgery is used to prevent further progression of the disease and to improve the quality of vision.
What exactly is the epiretinal membrane?
The epiretinal membrane is a thin, extra layer of tissue that forms on the surface of the retina, particularly in the macular region, responsible for visual acuity. As it develops, there is a progression of visual impairment, which can lead to symptoms such as distorted vision and problems seeing details. This membrane can form for a variety of reasons, including ageing, retinal surgery or inflammation, resulting in further progression of the disease.
In patients with epiretinal membranes, the patient's subjective complaints may be difficulty seeing details and perceiving shapes clearly, so that quality of life is reduced. In more advanced cases, treatment may include measures to improve vision and stop further progression of the disease.
Retinal membranes - causes of distorted vision
The epiretinal membrane develops for a variety of reasons, most commonly related to ageing processes, inflammation and retinal surgery. As this membrane develops, visual impairment progresses, leading to distorted vision and reduced visual acuity. The patient's subjective complaints are wavy or blurred images, which affects their comfort in life.
In patients with epiretinal membranes, further progression of the disease is favoured by structural changes in the eye, as well as vascular factors that can disrupt retinal function. Over time, the progression of visual impairment makes treatment necessary to improve vision and maintain its stability.
Signs of epiretinal membrane formation
The epiretinal membrane developing on the retina causes a variety of visual complaints. As the visual impairment progresses, patients begin to experience distorted vision, which can include wavy or blurred images. A decrease in visual acuity is also a typical symptom, affecting the ability to see details clearly.
In severe visual impairment, the symptoms are more intractable and the patient's subjective complaints include difficulties in everyday activities such as reading or recognising faces. In order to improve vision, it is important to prevent further progression of the disease through monitoring and possible treatment, which can improve the quality of vision and reduce discomfort.
Higher risk epiretinal membranes - who is affected?
The risk of developing epiretinal membranes mainly affects older people and those who have undergone eye surgery or are struggling with retinal diseases. In severe visual impairment caused by vascular conditions or eye injuries, the epiretinal membrane can accelerate the deterioration of visual acuity. Visual distortion negatively affects daily functioning and patients experience a reduced quality of life.
If symptoms are present, treatment is key to improving vision and stopping the progression of changes.
Treatment of epiretinal membranes - epiretinal membrane surgery
Treatment of epiretinal membranes depends on the severity of the symptoms and the degree of visual impairment. For severe visual impairment, when the epiretinal membrane causes significant visual distortion and reduced visual acuity, surgical intervention is recommended. A common method is vitrectomy, which involves the removal of the membrane to restore visual acuity and improve visual comfort.2
Retinal surgery, such as vitrectomy, helps to minimise the effects of the disease and prevent further deterioration of vision. Regular follow-up after surgery is important to monitor the progress of recovery and any complications.
Complications and prognosis
Complications related to the epiretinal membrane can be severe and significantly affect a patient's quality of life. As the visual impairment progresses, patients may experience increasing difficulties with their vision, which in extreme cases can lead to blindness. This is why it is important to consult a doctor immediately if symptoms such as distorted vision or reduced visual acuity occur.
The prognosis for patients with epiretinal membrane is usually good if the disease is detected and treated at an early stage. Surgery of the epiretinal membrane, known as vitrectomy, can be very effective in improving vision. After surgery, visual acuity improves and distortions in the visual field almost always disappear. However, it is important that patients regularly monitor the state of their vision and follow their doctor's instructions to prevent further progression of the disease.
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